Inverness Gaelic pupils help launch BBC Alba onto Freeview
Inverness Gaelic School launches BBC ALBA's move to Freeview television channel
PUPILS from the Inverness Gaelic School are helping to launch BBC Alba’s move to Freeview TV.
For from June 8, BBC Alba will be available on Freeview channel 8, which greatly increases accessibility for viewers.
Children from the Inverness Gaelic School helped launch an "Open Your Eyes" to BBC Alba campaign which was endorsed by First Minster Alex Salmond.
He said: "BBC Alba A has captured the interest and imagination of both Gaelic and non-Gaelic speakers alike since its launch in 2008. The channel’s move to Freeview will broaden the reach of BBC Alba, strengthen its role as a national broadcaster, and ensure everyone across the country has access to its quality programmes."
He added: "Increasing access to BBC Alba also supports this Government’s ongoing work to build a sustainable future for Gaelic as we celebrate its contribution to our culture and society and encourage a new generation of Gaelic speakers across Scotland."
Annika Jansson, Head Teacher of Inverness Gaelic School, said: "We are delighted to hear that BBC Alba is going to be seen on Freeview. Many of the pupils and staff regularly watch and enjoy the channel and it’s great that the whole of Scotland will now be getting the chance to see the programmes."
BBC Scotland Director Ken MacQuarrie said: "We know that viewers who already tune into BBC Alba really appreciate the variety and quality of the programmes it offers. Making it available on Freeview and Cable now means that audiences throughout the whole of Scotland will be able to enjoy these programmes in addition to those already watching on Satellite."
Documentaries, music and sport are the most popular genres on the channel and the future schedule of programmes continues to build on the current success of key strands on the channel including the Trusadh and Soillse documentary series, the popular Horo-Gheallaidh Celtic music show, and the teenage reality show Breab, as well as long standing Gaelic brands such as Eòrpa.
