Argyll and Bute Council is alerting parents, guardians and carers to the possibility of school closures at short notice over the next few days.
There is a severe weather warning alert for tonight through to tomorrow and potentially beyond, with significant snow fall and very low temperatures predicted.
The weather warning may impact differently on different areas of Argyll and Bute, and some areas are likely to be less affected than others. In those worst hit, there is a high risk of schools having to close.
The council will keep as many schools open as it is able to. However, weather conditions can vary significantly even within local areas, and parents should use their own judgement regarding whether the journey to school is safe for their children.
Argyll and Bute’s spokesperson for Education and Lifelong Learning, Councillor Ellen Morton, said the safety of pupils and staff was the over-riding concern.
“We do not take the decision to close any school lightly,” she added.
“However, the wish to keep providing education for our children and young people has to be balanced against the practicalities of trying to keep schools open in severe weather.
“There are all sorts of factors which can contribute to the decision to close a school in bad weather, such as transport concerns, building and heating issues, lack of water and ensuring that enough staff can get to work to look after any children and young people who manage to get to school.
“We are receiving regular updates from the Met Office, the Scottish Government, Strathclyde Police and others, and our decisions over the next few days will be based on the actual conditions across Argyll and Bute along with the advice received from various agencies.”
Argyll and Bute’s roads team’s priority during severe weather is to keep main transport routes open, followed by school and other key service routes.
If any school closures are necessary, schools will be in touch with parents and guardians through the normal channels. The Council will also ensure that all school closure news is circulated via the broadcast media and Twitter (argyllandbute) and that information is also uploaded onto its website (www.argyll-bute.gov.uk).
Wednesday, 15 December 2010
School Closures - 'OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL TO HAVE THEIR SAY' - says Council
The following is an Argyll and Bute Council Press Release
...........................................
Argyll and Bute Council’s statutory consultation on proposals to amalgamate some primary schools started this week.
The consultation provides the opportunity for everyone to have their say – not just those with children of primary school age. The council hopes everyone in Argyll and Bute will come forward and give their views.
In addition to public meetings, feedback on the consultation can be given by phone, email or post.
Cleland Sneddon, executive director of community services, is confident the consultation will provide a useful platform for everyone across Argyll and Bute to get involved. He explains:
“We’ve already had some innovative suggestions from community groups who think they can find ways to reduce the costs associated with running our schools, without the need for closures. And that’s before the official consultation period actually starts. I’d urge anyone who has an opinion on this to get involved and let us know what they think.
“The consultation will help us identify alternative proposals and will highlight any inaccuracies in our current proposals. All of the information we receive will help councillors to make informed decisions when the consultation ends. That’s exactly what consultation is about.”
Argyll and Bute Council needs to reduce its overall budget of £277.6m. The education service currently accounts for 29% (£80m) of that sum.
The cut in grant funding for 2011/12 is £11.4m (4.94%), which effectively means that the council will have to cut its budget by about £15m after allowing for inflation etc.
This settlement figure, recently announced by the Scottish Government, is significantly worse (some £5.6m, almost double the Scottish average) than anticipated.
The education service needs to reduce its spend by £12 million over the next three years to meet its budget targets. If the education budget is protected, then bigger cuts will need to me made elsewhere.
Councillors agreed on 6 December to consult on proposals to amalgamate some primary schools, reducing the total number of primaries in Argyll and Bute by 25. If accepted, the proposals would generate almost £2 million in annual savings.
The eight week consultation period will officially end on 24 February, after which time councillors will use the information gathered to decide which, if any, of the proposals they will take forward.
Mr Sneddon continued:
“Children in Argyll and Bute already receive a very high standard of education and this will continue. However, we can’t avoid the need to reduce the amount we spend.
“In addition, a significant proportion of primary schools are less than half full and school rolls are continuing to decline, with the result that the available budget is spread too thinly.
“In some places we’re spending more than £30,000 per year to educate a child and in other places it’s just £3,000. It’s not equitable and not sustainable.”
He added that spreading the education service’s resources over too large an estate simply does not make sense.
“We believe our proposals will protect the education of children and in some cases bring additional benefits. But we’re keen to hear if the rest of the community agrees, which is why we’re taking this to consultation,” Mr Sneddon said.
“The only way in which we can make a balanced judgment on how best to proceed once this consultation period is over is if we gather a comprehensive picture of the views of individuals and communities across Argyll and Bute.
“We are committed to wholly transparent and robust consultation. I would encourage anyone who has a view on this subject – whether in general or regarding a particular school or proposal – to play their part to ensure this process is as rigorous as possible.”
A summary of the proposals, together with a full copy of the documents, is available at www.education.ea.argyll-bute.sch.uk/schoolconsultations
Anyone wishing to write to the council in response can either email schoolconsultations@argyll-bute.gov.uk or write to Education Service, School Consultations, Argyll and Bute Council, Argyll House, Alexandra Parade, Dunoon, PA23 8AJ.
The official consultation period runs from Monday, 13 December 2010 and ends on Thursday, February 24 2011.
...........................................................
Locations and times have been set for the public consultation meetings to discuss the council’s school amalgamation plans.
A meeting will be held for each proposal in either January or early February. In most cases, in response to requests from parents and others, the meetings will take place in a school which would close under the proposals. Where this is not feasible due to capacity or the locations being inappropriate, the meetings are arranged in the receiving school or local halls.
All meetings will be held at 7pm. The locations and dates are:
Hermitage Primary/Luss – Luss Village Hall – Thursday, January 27
Parklands – Parklands School - Thursday, January 20
Garelochhead/Rosneath/Kilcreggan –Rosneath Primary – Monday, January 24
Innellan/Toward – Toward Primary – Monday, January 10
Sandbank/Strone – Highgate Hall, Strone – Wednesday, January 19
Rothesay/North Bute – Port Bannatyne Village Hall – Thursday, February 3
Tighnabruaich/Strachur/Kilmodan – Kilmodan Primary – Monday, February 7
Castlehill/St Keirans – Castlehill Primary – Monday, January 17
Drumlemble/Southend - Southend Primary - Monday, January 17
Clachan/Rhunahaorine/Skipness/Glenbarr – Glenbarr Primary - Tuesday, January 18
Kilmartin/Dalmally/Ardchonnel – Dalmally Primary - Wednesday, January 19
Port Charlotte/Keills – Keills Primary - Tuesday, January 25
Ardrishaig/Achahoish – Achahoish Primary - Tuesday, January 11
Tayvallich/Ashfield – Ashfield Primary - Wednesday, January 12
Lochgilphead/Minard/Glassary – Lochgilphead Joint Campus – Wednesday, February 2
Taynuilt/Kilchrenan - Kilchrenan Primary - Thursday, January 13
Salen/Lochdonhead – Lochdonhead Primary - Monday, January 31
Dervaig/Ulva – Ulva Primary - Tuesday, February 1
Lochnell/Barcaldine/Achaleven/Ardchattan – Victory Hall, Benderloch – Wednesday, January 26
The full approach to consultation can be found on the council’s website at https://www.education.ea.argyll-bute.sch.uk/schoolconsultations/documents/Annex_5-School_Estate_Consultation_Process_2010_CS.pdf. The timetable for consultation is as follows:
6 December 2010 Publish proposals and provide notice to all relevant
consultees
13 December 2010 Start statutory consultation period
24 February 2011 End of consultation period
10 March 2011 Forward to HMIE copies of the proposals, record of written
and oral submissions from consultation process and other relevant documents
7 April 2011 HMIE submit their report to the Council on all Proposals
28 April 2011 Council publishes the Consultation Report, covering
written and oral representations made during the consultation and matters raised in the HMIE report
19 May 2011 Authority can make formal decision to accept or reject
proposals. Six week period starts to allow representations to the ScottishGovernment (3 weeks) and for the Government to decide whether to call in the proposals or not (3 weeks).
30 June 2011 Period for representations to the Scottish Government and
possibility of call-in by the Scottish Government ends. Council can now implement any decisions taken with regard to the proposals.
...........................................
Argyll and Bute Council’s statutory consultation on proposals to amalgamate some primary schools started this week.
The consultation provides the opportunity for everyone to have their say – not just those with children of primary school age. The council hopes everyone in Argyll and Bute will come forward and give their views.
In addition to public meetings, feedback on the consultation can be given by phone, email or post.
Cleland Sneddon, executive director of community services, is confident the consultation will provide a useful platform for everyone across Argyll and Bute to get involved. He explains:
“We’ve already had some innovative suggestions from community groups who think they can find ways to reduce the costs associated with running our schools, without the need for closures. And that’s before the official consultation period actually starts. I’d urge anyone who has an opinion on this to get involved and let us know what they think.
“The consultation will help us identify alternative proposals and will highlight any inaccuracies in our current proposals. All of the information we receive will help councillors to make informed decisions when the consultation ends. That’s exactly what consultation is about.”
Argyll and Bute Council needs to reduce its overall budget of £277.6m. The education service currently accounts for 29% (£80m) of that sum.
The cut in grant funding for 2011/12 is £11.4m (4.94%), which effectively means that the council will have to cut its budget by about £15m after allowing for inflation etc.
This settlement figure, recently announced by the Scottish Government, is significantly worse (some £5.6m, almost double the Scottish average) than anticipated.
The education service needs to reduce its spend by £12 million over the next three years to meet its budget targets. If the education budget is protected, then bigger cuts will need to me made elsewhere.
Councillors agreed on 6 December to consult on proposals to amalgamate some primary schools, reducing the total number of primaries in Argyll and Bute by 25. If accepted, the proposals would generate almost £2 million in annual savings.
The eight week consultation period will officially end on 24 February, after which time councillors will use the information gathered to decide which, if any, of the proposals they will take forward.
Mr Sneddon continued:
“Children in Argyll and Bute already receive a very high standard of education and this will continue. However, we can’t avoid the need to reduce the amount we spend.
“In addition, a significant proportion of primary schools are less than half full and school rolls are continuing to decline, with the result that the available budget is spread too thinly.
“In some places we’re spending more than £30,000 per year to educate a child and in other places it’s just £3,000. It’s not equitable and not sustainable.”
He added that spreading the education service’s resources over too large an estate simply does not make sense.
“We believe our proposals will protect the education of children and in some cases bring additional benefits. But we’re keen to hear if the rest of the community agrees, which is why we’re taking this to consultation,” Mr Sneddon said.
“The only way in which we can make a balanced judgment on how best to proceed once this consultation period is over is if we gather a comprehensive picture of the views of individuals and communities across Argyll and Bute.
“We are committed to wholly transparent and robust consultation. I would encourage anyone who has a view on this subject – whether in general or regarding a particular school or proposal – to play their part to ensure this process is as rigorous as possible.”
A summary of the proposals, together with a full copy of the documents, is available at www.education.ea.argyll-bute.sch.uk/schoolconsultations
Anyone wishing to write to the council in response can either email schoolconsultations@argyll-bute.gov.uk or write to Education Service, School Consultations, Argyll and Bute Council, Argyll House, Alexandra Parade, Dunoon, PA23 8AJ.
The official consultation period runs from Monday, 13 December 2010 and ends on Thursday, February 24 2011.
...........................................................
Locations and times have been set for the public consultation meetings to discuss the council’s school amalgamation plans.
A meeting will be held for each proposal in either January or early February. In most cases, in response to requests from parents and others, the meetings will take place in a school which would close under the proposals. Where this is not feasible due to capacity or the locations being inappropriate, the meetings are arranged in the receiving school or local halls.
All meetings will be held at 7pm. The locations and dates are:
Hermitage Primary/Luss – Luss Village Hall – Thursday, January 27
Parklands – Parklands School - Thursday, January 20
Garelochhead/Rosneath/Kilcreggan –Rosneath Primary – Monday, January 24
Innellan/Toward – Toward Primary – Monday, January 10
Sandbank/Strone – Highgate Hall, Strone – Wednesday, January 19
Rothesay/North Bute – Port Bannatyne Village Hall – Thursday, February 3
Tighnabruaich/Strachur/Kilmodan – Kilmodan Primary – Monday, February 7
Castlehill/St Keirans – Castlehill Primary – Monday, January 17
Drumlemble/Southend - Southend Primary - Monday, January 17
Clachan/Rhunahaorine/Skipness/Glenbarr – Glenbarr Primary - Tuesday, January 18
Kilmartin/Dalmally/Ardchonnel – Dalmally Primary - Wednesday, January 19
Port Charlotte/Keills – Keills Primary - Tuesday, January 25
Ardrishaig/Achahoish – Achahoish Primary - Tuesday, January 11
Tayvallich/Ashfield – Ashfield Primary - Wednesday, January 12
Lochgilphead/Minard/Glassary – Lochgilphead Joint Campus – Wednesday, February 2
Taynuilt/Kilchrenan - Kilchrenan Primary - Thursday, January 13
Salen/Lochdonhead – Lochdonhead Primary - Monday, January 31
Dervaig/Ulva – Ulva Primary - Tuesday, February 1
Lochnell/Barcaldine/Achaleven/Ardchattan – Victory Hall, Benderloch – Wednesday, January 26
The full approach to consultation can be found on the council’s website at https://www.education.ea.argyll-bute.sch.uk/schoolconsultations/documents/Annex_5-School_Estate_Consultation_Process_2010_CS.pdf. The timetable for consultation is as follows:
6 December 2010 Publish proposals and provide notice to all relevant
consultees
13 December 2010 Start statutory consultation period
24 February 2011 End of consultation period
10 March 2011 Forward to HMIE copies of the proposals, record of written
and oral submissions from consultation process and other relevant documents
7 April 2011 HMIE submit their report to the Council on all Proposals
28 April 2011 Council publishes the Consultation Report, covering
written and oral representations made during the consultation and matters raised in the HMIE report
19 May 2011 Authority can make formal decision to accept or reject
proposals. Six week period starts to allow representations to the ScottishGovernment (3 weeks) and for the Government to decide whether to call in the proposals or not (3 weeks).
30 June 2011 Period for representations to the Scottish Government and
possibility of call-in by the Scottish Government ends. Council can now implement any decisions taken with regard to the proposals.
Western Isles schools - closure plans 'Called In' by ministers
14/12/2010
Ministers have decided to 'call in' proposals by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar to close two primary schools and end S1/2 provision at two further schools because of flaws in the Council's consultation process.
The proposals were part of plans by the council to close a total of eight primary schools and end S1/S2 provision at three.
The proposals that have been called in are:
* The closure of Carloway and Shelibost Primary Schools
* The closure of S1/S provision at Lionel and Shawbost Schools
The Council's decision to close six other primary schools and the S1/S2 provision at another school have not been called in as Ministers considered that the correct process, under the Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010, had been followed.
Education Secretary Michael Russell said:
"I have taken the decision to call in four of the proposed eleven school closures in the Western Isles.
"Closure decisions must always be taken by those with the best knowledge of local circumstances and who are elected by and accountable to the local community.
"My role is not to retake a democratically taken decision but to ensure that a robust consultation process was properly followed and the educational benefits of these decisions are clear.
"I believe that the council has not properly considered the alternatives to closure, the likely effect on the local community and the transport arrangements in its consultations on these school closures. I therefore believe that the Council's consultation was flawed.
"I will now carefully consider all cases further and determine whether or not to grant consent to the closures as quickly as possible."
The Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010 sets out factors which councils must have special regard to before consulting on the closure of a rural school, which ensures that the closure of a rural school is a decision of last resort. Ministers concluded that in the case of these four proposals, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar had failed to sufficient consider these facts and that its consultations were therefore flawed.
The Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010 established a presumption against the closure of rural schools by ensuring that a decision to consult on a closure proposal can not be made until the local authority has explored all possible alternatives and assessed the likely implications of closure.
* A local authority must take 3 factors into account before proposing to close any rural school. These are:
* any viable alternative to closure
* the likely effect on the local community if the school were to close
* the likely effect of different travelling arrangements occasioned by the closure
Shelibost Primary School, Isle of Harris:
Ministers concluded that the Council had not had the level of regard to viable alternatives to the closure of this school as is required by the 2010 Act and that the consultation was therefore flawed. In particular, Ministers considered that insufficient consideration had been given to an alternative suggested by the West Harris Trust.
Carloway Primary School, Isle of Lewis:
Ministers concluded that the Council had not had the level of regard to the likely effect on the local community of the school's closure as is required by the 2010 Act and that the consultation was therefore flawed.
S1/S2 at Lionel School, Isle of Lewis:
Ministers concluded that the Council had not had the level of regard to the likely effects of new travel arrangements required by the closure as is required by the 2010 Act and that the consultation was therefore flawed. In particular, they considered that the Council had given insufficient recognition to the effect of the travelling to the Nicolson Institute on younger pupils. Ministers also concluded that the Council had not had the level of regard to viable alternatives to the closure of the secondary provision at Lionel as is required by the 2010 Act and that the consultation was therefore flawed.
S1/S2 at Shawbost School, Isle of Lewis:
Ministers concluded that the Council had not had the level of regard to the likely effects of new travel arrangements required by the closure as is required by the 2010 Act and that the consultation was therefore flawed. In particular, they considered that the Council had given insufficient recognition to the effect of the travelling to the Nicolson Institute on younger pupils. Ministers also concluded that the Council had not had the level of regard to viable alternatives to the closure of the secondary provision at Shawbost as is required by the 2010 Act and that the consultation was therefore flawed.
The primary school proposals not being called in relate to the closure of Balallan, Bragar, Cross, Sandwickhill, Scalpay and Stoneybridge Primaries. The other proposal that is not being called in is the closure of the S1/S2 provision at Daliburgh School. In these cases, the council has fulfilled its obligations under the Schools Consultation (Scotland) Act 2010 and can therefore proceed to implement its decisions to close.
Ministers have decided to 'call in' proposals by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar to close two primary schools and end S1/2 provision at two further schools because of flaws in the Council's consultation process.
The proposals were part of plans by the council to close a total of eight primary schools and end S1/S2 provision at three.
The proposals that have been called in are:
* The closure of Carloway and Shelibost Primary Schools
* The closure of S1/S provision at Lionel and Shawbost Schools
The Council's decision to close six other primary schools and the S1/S2 provision at another school have not been called in as Ministers considered that the correct process, under the Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010, had been followed.
Education Secretary Michael Russell said:
"I have taken the decision to call in four of the proposed eleven school closures in the Western Isles.
"Closure decisions must always be taken by those with the best knowledge of local circumstances and who are elected by and accountable to the local community.
"My role is not to retake a democratically taken decision but to ensure that a robust consultation process was properly followed and the educational benefits of these decisions are clear.
"I believe that the council has not properly considered the alternatives to closure, the likely effect on the local community and the transport arrangements in its consultations on these school closures. I therefore believe that the Council's consultation was flawed.
"I will now carefully consider all cases further and determine whether or not to grant consent to the closures as quickly as possible."
The Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010 sets out factors which councils must have special regard to before consulting on the closure of a rural school, which ensures that the closure of a rural school is a decision of last resort. Ministers concluded that in the case of these four proposals, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar had failed to sufficient consider these facts and that its consultations were therefore flawed.
The Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010 established a presumption against the closure of rural schools by ensuring that a decision to consult on a closure proposal can not be made until the local authority has explored all possible alternatives and assessed the likely implications of closure.
* A local authority must take 3 factors into account before proposing to close any rural school. These are:
* any viable alternative to closure
* the likely effect on the local community if the school were to close
* the likely effect of different travelling arrangements occasioned by the closure
Shelibost Primary School, Isle of Harris:
Ministers concluded that the Council had not had the level of regard to viable alternatives to the closure of this school as is required by the 2010 Act and that the consultation was therefore flawed. In particular, Ministers considered that insufficient consideration had been given to an alternative suggested by the West Harris Trust.
Carloway Primary School, Isle of Lewis:
Ministers concluded that the Council had not had the level of regard to the likely effect on the local community of the school's closure as is required by the 2010 Act and that the consultation was therefore flawed.
S1/S2 at Lionel School, Isle of Lewis:
Ministers concluded that the Council had not had the level of regard to the likely effects of new travel arrangements required by the closure as is required by the 2010 Act and that the consultation was therefore flawed. In particular, they considered that the Council had given insufficient recognition to the effect of the travelling to the Nicolson Institute on younger pupils. Ministers also concluded that the Council had not had the level of regard to viable alternatives to the closure of the secondary provision at Lionel as is required by the 2010 Act and that the consultation was therefore flawed.
S1/S2 at Shawbost School, Isle of Lewis:
Ministers concluded that the Council had not had the level of regard to the likely effects of new travel arrangements required by the closure as is required by the 2010 Act and that the consultation was therefore flawed. In particular, they considered that the Council had given insufficient recognition to the effect of the travelling to the Nicolson Institute on younger pupils. Ministers also concluded that the Council had not had the level of regard to viable alternatives to the closure of the secondary provision at Shawbost as is required by the 2010 Act and that the consultation was therefore flawed.
The primary school proposals not being called in relate to the closure of Balallan, Bragar, Cross, Sandwickhill, Scalpay and Stoneybridge Primaries. The other proposal that is not being called in is the closure of the S1/S2 provision at Daliburgh School. In these cases, the council has fulfilled its obligations under the Schools Consultation (Scotland) Act 2010 and can therefore proceed to implement its decisions to close.
BBC ALBA – WEEKLY PROGRAMME HIGHLIGHTS Saturday 25 December – Friday 31 December 2010
Title: A-U An Cuala Tu
An entertaining, informative and alphabetical trip through the BBC's song archive in the company of Mary Anne Kennedy with comments and opinions from musicians and fans alike.
Transmitted: Saturday 25th December 2010
Time: 21:00
Title: Horo Ghealaidh / Celtic Music sessions
World class musicians from the Celtic Connections festival drop in to give special, intimate performances at the Horo Gheallaidh ceilidh session's filmed in Glasgow and presented by Sarah Cruickshank. This week, Holly Williams, The Guidewires and Danish performers Helene Blum with Harald Haugaard. This is a unique opportunity to watch world-class artists up close, performing stripped down versions of their songs live on our sofa in a way you won't have seen them before.
Transmitted: Saturday 25th December 2010
Time: 22:00
Title: Norman at Large
A classic archive treat with Norman MacLean and friends in cabaret.
Transmitted: Saturday 25th December 2010
Time: 23:30
Title: SPL Hibs V Aberdeen
The latest full-match coverage from the SPL as Hibs host Aberdeen at Easter Road.
Transmitted: Sunday 26th December 2010
Time: 17:30
Title: Live Rugby - Glasgow v Edinburgh
Magners League action as Glasgow play host to Edinburgh in Scotland's biggest rugby derby.
Transmitted: Monday 27th December 2010
Time: 17:30
Title: Trusadh – The Pope’s visit
2010 saw the visit of Pope Benedict XVI to Scotland - a visit that was not without its controversies after the recent scandals which rocked the position of the Catholic church globally.
This was the first time that the figurehead of the Catholic church had officially visited the country, and he's only the second Pope in history to visit, following Pope John Paul II's pastoral visit in 1982.
In 1982 John Archie MacMillan was a Catholic priest working in his island parish in Eriskay. However he left the priesthood five years later, disillusioned with the bureaucracy of the Church, and is now married with a family and working as a social worker. In a compelling personal journey he follows the build up to the visit, and attends the open air mass at Bellahouston Park, as he hears many different, fascinating views, and reflects on his own faith and the changing face of all Christianity in Scotland.
Transmitted: Monday 27th December 2010
Time: 21:00
Title: Fiddlers’ Bid
Fiddlers' Bid in concert. Shetland's master musicians return for a special concert at the renowned Shetland Folk Festival.
Transmitted: Monday 27th December 2010
Time: 22:00
Title: Soillse – Shakleton
An adventurer and wildlife photographer journey from the Falkland Isles via South Georgia to Antarctica and back up to South America - the same journey taken by the famous explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton.
They encounter the wildlife that lives there, and have a chance to gain a better understanding of the rich history that the whaling industry has in the region.
Transmitted: Wednesday 29th December 2010
Time: 21:00
Title: SPL St Mirren v Hearts
The latest full-match coverage from the SPL as St Mirren host Hearts at St Mirren Park.
Transmitted: Wednesday 29th December 2010
Time: 22:00
Title: Trusadh: Kenneth McKellar
Anne Lorne Gillies leads this celebration of arguably Scotland's greatest tenor - Kenneth McKellar who died earlier this year. McKellar's career which spanned 50 years saw him rise to be a household name in Scotland and beyond, but behind the public persona was a quiet man who regularly spurned personal honours and accolades.
Although McKellar never sung in Gaelic, through singing he had an affinity with the language and was always meticulous about ensuring any Gaelic words in his songs were pronounced perfectly, reflecting his love and affection for his native country and all that it was.
Humour was also a big part of McKellar's life and a script he wrote was used in a Monty Python sketch, indeed he became the only person outside the Monty Python team to have a sketch performed by them. He wrote many popular comedy songs like 'The Midges' and formed a comedy duo with Johnny Beattie.
The definitive interpreter of the songs of Robert Burns, McKellar also composed 'Royal Mile', the song which opened the 1986 Edinburgh Commonwealth Games. And when his voice began to falter with age, he bowed out gracefully from his singing career to become an acclaimed arranger.
Bill Innes, who presented Radio nan Gàidheal's opera music show, Abair Aria, was a big fan, and doesn't think Scotland recognised his vocal talents. Indeed McKellar was arguably a bigger star, and some would say more appreciated in countries such as Canada and Australia.
Transmitted: Thursday 30th December 2010
Time: 21:00
Title: Donny B: The Original King of Daytime
The inspirational story of the writer and broadcaster, Donny B Macleod, one that took him from a small Hebridean town to the Hollywood homes of the rich and famous.
It delves into the rich archive of Donny's work, both film and writing, and also looks at the fascinating life he led before becoming a broadcaster - including a famous, charisma fuelled, general election campaign.
Narrated by Patsi Mackenzie and featuring contributions from family, celebrity friends and colleagues.
Transmitted: Wednesday 31st December 2010
Time: 21:00
Title: Biadhna nan Oran: Year of Song
Morag MacDonald presents 'A' Comharrachadh Bliadhna nan Òran' (Celebrating the Year of Song) BBC ALBA brings together beautiful and varied performances from specially made shows shown in the last twelve months to mark the Year of Song - from Seudan a' Chuain - the concert which launched Year of Song during Celtic Connections, the Na h-Òganaich documentary, Tìr nan Òran, Blas and the Royal National Caithness Mod. Also, we reveal the song of the year as voted for by the public from the 12 most notable Gaelic songs, selected from over 365 songs.
These songs and many more are available on the dedicated Year of Song website www.bbc.co.uk/alba/oran
Transmitted: Wednesday 31st December 2010
Time: 22:00
Title: Bliadhna Mhath Ur: Hogmanay Ceilidh
John Carmichael and local Uist 'lass' Seasaidh Lexy are throwing open the doors of Polochar Inn, South Uist for a live Hogmanay cèilidh - Cèilidh na Bliadhn' Ùire 2010 to say farewell to 2010 and a big Gaelic fàilte (welcome) to 2011. Joining in the party celebrations is a wealth of Gaelic singers and Gàidhealach musicians: internationally renowned singer Cathy Ann MacPhee, will be travelling from Canada to join in the party; Christine Primrose flies the flag for Lewis and Skye; and local Uist singers Paul McCallum, Gillebride MacMillan and Linda MacLeod will be joining in. Mànran, fronted by Norrie MacIver and Gary Innes is the house band and local musicians Na Deasaich, Iain MacDonald, John Alex MacKay & Seonaidh MacIntyre will be raising the roof with their cèilidh sets.
Also, several stars from the world of Gaelic broadcasting will appear with special messages. And renowned broadcaster Morag MacDonald makes a guest appearance to share her thoughts on the year-long 'Year of Song' event and as ever, Seasaidh Lexy will be doing a 'turn.' We hope to have a live first foot with BBC Scotland's Hogmanay show to wish a Happy New Year to Jackie Bird, Phil Cunningham and their guests.
The Uists are the perfect location for an informal and lively cèilidh, and a warm welcome and musical festival awaits from John, Seasaidh, our audience and guests, live in Polochar. Fàilte oirbh uile!
Transmitted: Wednesday 31st December 2010
Time: 23:30
An entertaining, informative and alphabetical trip through the BBC's song archive in the company of Mary Anne Kennedy with comments and opinions from musicians and fans alike.
Transmitted: Saturday 25th December 2010
Time: 21:00
Title: Horo Ghealaidh / Celtic Music sessions
World class musicians from the Celtic Connections festival drop in to give special, intimate performances at the Horo Gheallaidh ceilidh session's filmed in Glasgow and presented by Sarah Cruickshank. This week, Holly Williams, The Guidewires and Danish performers Helene Blum with Harald Haugaard. This is a unique opportunity to watch world-class artists up close, performing stripped down versions of their songs live on our sofa in a way you won't have seen them before.
Transmitted: Saturday 25th December 2010
Time: 22:00
Title: Norman at Large
A classic archive treat with Norman MacLean and friends in cabaret.
Transmitted: Saturday 25th December 2010
Time: 23:30
Title: SPL Hibs V Aberdeen
The latest full-match coverage from the SPL as Hibs host Aberdeen at Easter Road.
Transmitted: Sunday 26th December 2010
Time: 17:30
Title: Live Rugby - Glasgow v Edinburgh
Magners League action as Glasgow play host to Edinburgh in Scotland's biggest rugby derby.
Transmitted: Monday 27th December 2010
Time: 17:30
Title: Trusadh – The Pope’s visit
2010 saw the visit of Pope Benedict XVI to Scotland - a visit that was not without its controversies after the recent scandals which rocked the position of the Catholic church globally.
This was the first time that the figurehead of the Catholic church had officially visited the country, and he's only the second Pope in history to visit, following Pope John Paul II's pastoral visit in 1982.
In 1982 John Archie MacMillan was a Catholic priest working in his island parish in Eriskay. However he left the priesthood five years later, disillusioned with the bureaucracy of the Church, and is now married with a family and working as a social worker. In a compelling personal journey he follows the build up to the visit, and attends the open air mass at Bellahouston Park, as he hears many different, fascinating views, and reflects on his own faith and the changing face of all Christianity in Scotland.
Transmitted: Monday 27th December 2010
Time: 21:00
Title: Fiddlers’ Bid
Fiddlers' Bid in concert. Shetland's master musicians return for a special concert at the renowned Shetland Folk Festival.
Transmitted: Monday 27th December 2010
Time: 22:00
Title: Soillse – Shakleton
An adventurer and wildlife photographer journey from the Falkland Isles via South Georgia to Antarctica and back up to South America - the same journey taken by the famous explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton.
They encounter the wildlife that lives there, and have a chance to gain a better understanding of the rich history that the whaling industry has in the region.
Transmitted: Wednesday 29th December 2010
Time: 21:00
Title: SPL St Mirren v Hearts
The latest full-match coverage from the SPL as St Mirren host Hearts at St Mirren Park.
Transmitted: Wednesday 29th December 2010
Time: 22:00
Title: Trusadh: Kenneth McKellar
Anne Lorne Gillies leads this celebration of arguably Scotland's greatest tenor - Kenneth McKellar who died earlier this year. McKellar's career which spanned 50 years saw him rise to be a household name in Scotland and beyond, but behind the public persona was a quiet man who regularly spurned personal honours and accolades.
Although McKellar never sung in Gaelic, through singing he had an affinity with the language and was always meticulous about ensuring any Gaelic words in his songs were pronounced perfectly, reflecting his love and affection for his native country and all that it was.
Humour was also a big part of McKellar's life and a script he wrote was used in a Monty Python sketch, indeed he became the only person outside the Monty Python team to have a sketch performed by them. He wrote many popular comedy songs like 'The Midges' and formed a comedy duo with Johnny Beattie.
The definitive interpreter of the songs of Robert Burns, McKellar also composed 'Royal Mile', the song which opened the 1986 Edinburgh Commonwealth Games. And when his voice began to falter with age, he bowed out gracefully from his singing career to become an acclaimed arranger.
Bill Innes, who presented Radio nan Gàidheal's opera music show, Abair Aria, was a big fan, and doesn't think Scotland recognised his vocal talents. Indeed McKellar was arguably a bigger star, and some would say more appreciated in countries such as Canada and Australia.
Transmitted: Thursday 30th December 2010
Time: 21:00
Title: Donny B: The Original King of Daytime
The inspirational story of the writer and broadcaster, Donny B Macleod, one that took him from a small Hebridean town to the Hollywood homes of the rich and famous.
It delves into the rich archive of Donny's work, both film and writing, and also looks at the fascinating life he led before becoming a broadcaster - including a famous, charisma fuelled, general election campaign.
Narrated by Patsi Mackenzie and featuring contributions from family, celebrity friends and colleagues.
Transmitted: Wednesday 31st December 2010
Time: 21:00
Title: Biadhna nan Oran: Year of Song
Morag MacDonald presents 'A' Comharrachadh Bliadhna nan Òran' (Celebrating the Year of Song) BBC ALBA brings together beautiful and varied performances from specially made shows shown in the last twelve months to mark the Year of Song - from Seudan a' Chuain - the concert which launched Year of Song during Celtic Connections, the Na h-Òganaich documentary, Tìr nan Òran, Blas and the Royal National Caithness Mod. Also, we reveal the song of the year as voted for by the public from the 12 most notable Gaelic songs, selected from over 365 songs.
These songs and many more are available on the dedicated Year of Song website www.bbc.co.uk/alba/oran
Transmitted: Wednesday 31st December 2010
Time: 22:00
Title: Bliadhna Mhath Ur: Hogmanay Ceilidh
John Carmichael and local Uist 'lass' Seasaidh Lexy are throwing open the doors of Polochar Inn, South Uist for a live Hogmanay cèilidh - Cèilidh na Bliadhn' Ùire 2010 to say farewell to 2010 and a big Gaelic fàilte (welcome) to 2011. Joining in the party celebrations is a wealth of Gaelic singers and Gàidhealach musicians: internationally renowned singer Cathy Ann MacPhee, will be travelling from Canada to join in the party; Christine Primrose flies the flag for Lewis and Skye; and local Uist singers Paul McCallum, Gillebride MacMillan and Linda MacLeod will be joining in. Mànran, fronted by Norrie MacIver and Gary Innes is the house band and local musicians Na Deasaich, Iain MacDonald, John Alex MacKay & Seonaidh MacIntyre will be raising the roof with their cèilidh sets.
Also, several stars from the world of Gaelic broadcasting will appear with special messages. And renowned broadcaster Morag MacDonald makes a guest appearance to share her thoughts on the year-long 'Year of Song' event and as ever, Seasaidh Lexy will be doing a 'turn.' We hope to have a live first foot with BBC Scotland's Hogmanay show to wish a Happy New Year to Jackie Bird, Phil Cunningham and their guests.
The Uists are the perfect location for an informal and lively cèilidh, and a warm welcome and musical festival awaits from John, Seasaidh, our audience and guests, live in Polochar. Fàilte oirbh uile!
Transmitted: Wednesday 31st December 2010
Time: 23:30
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