Gaelic broadcasting cash welcomed

Welcome for extra Gaelic broadcasting support 22/4/14

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar has welcomed the additional £2.1 million for MG Alba announced by the Scottish Government during the cabinet visit to Stornoway last week.

Leader Angus Campbell said: “The additional funding for MG Alba is very welcome and will assist in quality programme making based in the islands.

“In addition, the relocation of the BBC to the Seaforth Road facilities is a very welcome development.

“The investment by the Comhairle is paying real dividends in providing a centre of excellence for high quality jobs in the creative industries sector.”

The Comhairle has made a significant investment in the creative industries sector.

The Comhairle contributed £750,000 to the development of the new £2.6million Creative Industries Media Centre which has enabled MG Alba to expand its operations as part of the development of the Gaelic channel.

Streetscape regeneration works were also undertaken.

The Comhairle owns the buildings leases them to MG Alba to help support and develop the growth of the creative industries sector.

First Minister Alex Salmond announced the extra cash when he opened the media centre last week.

He met cast members of CBBC’s Katie Morag programme, which is being redubbed in Gaelic for transmission on BBC Alba.

The centre, home to 80 staff, will house broadcaster MG Alba, BBC Radio nan Gàidheal, independent production companies, radio station Isles FM and community facilities.