7 November 2008
BOROUGHMUIR V STIRLING COUNTY – LIVE ON TV
Rugby fans throughout Scotland will get the chance to view Sunday’s Boroughmuir v Stirling County match live on the new BBC ALBA television channel.
The match between Premiership Division One teams Boroughmuir and Stirling County will be covered by a full outside broadcast from Meggetland (kick-off 3pm).
The programme will feature an exclusive interview with Chris Paterson as well as a feature on the oldest, continuous running fixture in rugby world history, which was first played in 1858 between Merchiston Castle School and pupils of Edinburgh Academy. Live after-match interviews with both teams will also be televised.
BBC ALBA is a partnership service between BBC Scotland and MG ALBA. The channel’s premier sports package is being provided in association with MNE Media.
Alan Esslemont, Head of Content for BBC ALBA said: “Providing live television coverage of this Sunday’s Premiership Division One match is a tremendous boost for local supporters who are now able to catch the action as it happens, as well as for club fans throughout the whole of Scotland.
"The first televised live matches have proved extremely popular and I look forward to delivering an extensive TV rugby package throughout the season. Live television coverage of club rugby has been well over due and I am delighted that BBC ALBA is providing this much desired service."
Scottish Rugby’s Chief Executive Gordon McKie said: “We’re delighted at the real enthusiasm from BBC ALBA to work with us to increase the exposure of our game.”Boroughmuir head coach, Eamon John, said: "I think that the televising of the game is excellent for the clubs and is very positive for the players. It’s great that the public will get to see club rugby on the television and is a welcome addition to the club game in Scotland."
Sunday’s match will be broadcast live on BBC ALBA from 3pm – 5pm and can be viewed on Sky channel 168 and on Freesat channel 110.
For further information please contact Ramsay Smith or Lorna Inglis at Media House on 0141 220 6040 or email: ramsay@mediahouse.co.uk / lorna@mediahouse.co.uk
Notes to editors:
MG ALBA, in partnership with the BBC, has launched BBC ALBA, which is available on Sky channel 168 and on Freesat channel 110.
BBC ALBA is expected to become available on cable in due course. Subject to review by the BBC Trust, BBC ALBA will become available on Freeview after digital switchover in 2010. More information on BBC ALBA can be had online at www.bbcalba.co.uk.
MG ALBA and the BBC have established a partnership to deliver digital television, radio and online services in Gaelic. BBC ALBA is broadcast under a BBC licence. To find out more about how the partnership works visit www.mgalba.com.
MG ALBA is the operating name of Seirbheis nam Meadhanan Gàidhlig (Gaelic Media Service), which is funded by the Scottish Government and regulated by Ofcom. MG ALBA stands for Meadhanan Gàidhlig Alba, or Gaelic Media Scotland.