Title: Piping Live
Julie Fowlis presents Fred Morrison and his band from Glasgow’s Fruitmarket on the last night of Piping Live festival 2010.
Transmitted: Saturday 25 June
Time: 9.55 – 10.30pm
Title: Cuirm @ Celtic – Green Fields of America
From Celtic Connections, a music and dance spectacular - Green Fields of America with The StepCrew.
Transmitted: Sunday 26 June
Time: 11pm – 12 midnight
Title: Trusadh: Buth a’ Bhaile / Village Shops
The village shop - it's been at the very heart of our communities for many years. At one time almost every rural village would have had its own shop. But how are things today?
In the stunning, remote area of Uig in Lewis, the local shop is owned by the community themselves. We'll meet those who run it including local character, Uig born and raised Donald John Robertson, or Fin as he's better known, who delivers orders throughout the area in the shop van.
In Laggan, in the Cairngorm National Park, the local village shop is very much a lifeline to the area, with the nearest town, Fort William, an hour away.
For the islanders of Eigg, getting supplies to the shop on the ferry is one of their biggest challenges. When the Eriskay causeway was built in 2002 many thought that it would be the end of the local island shop. It's been anything but though, with a unique bus service making all the difference.
And 'Mithir Tongue' in Aberdeenshire shows how community can be defined in many ways.
Transmitted: Monday 27 June
Time: 9.00 – 10.00pm
Title: Ulaidhean – St Andrew’s Museum
Derek MacKay and Kirsty MacDonald scour Scotland's museums in search of fascinating artefacts and the stories behind them. In this programme they explore the treasures of St Andrews Museum.
Transmitted: Wednesday 29 June
Time: 8.30 – 9.00pm
Title: A Song of Crotal and White An Diugh
Updating the impression of life on the Isle of Lewis given by the MacDonald Sisters, first broadcast in 1969.
Transmitted: Thursday 30 June
Time: 9.00 – 10.00pm
Title: Anns na Paipearan – 1955 / Headlines from 1955
Derek Mackay takes a nostalgic look back at some of the stories featured in the Highland press in the year 1955.
Transmitted: Friday 1 July
Time: 8.30 – 9.00pm
Wednesday, 15 June 2011
EUROPE MUST TAKE BALANCED APPROACH TO GREENING - says NFUS
Scotland’s leading farming organisation has used a major UK arable event to call on Europe to take a proportionate and common-sense approach to the integration of ‘greening’ measures into the planned reforms of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).
Speaking from Cereals 2011, which takes place in Lincolnshire today (Wednesday 15 June) and tomorrow (Thursday 16 June), NFU Scotland’s Combinable Crops Committee Chairman, Andrew Moir said:
“It is clear from recent discussions and reports that there is a growing consensus between the European Commission and the European Parliament that ‘greening’ through agri-environmental measures will form part of the new CAP deal.
“While the introduction of a greening element to direct payments is now a common theme, it is vital that this is delivered on farm through simple measures that allow productivity and farm competitiveness to be maintained.
“Cereal farmers already have a sound understanding and deep respect for the role they must play in protecting biodiversity and maintaining the countryside. At the same time, their productivity is key in a volatile world where food security is an increasing priority.
“Strong upward trends in global food prices over the past two years, growing world populations and concern over the impacts of rising food prices should mean that, with European support, we try and make the best use of our productive arable land here in Scotland.
“Given the likely increased demands for food production in the future, it is imperative that greening does not return us to the dark days of set-aside. It would appear perverse to the wider world were Europe to give any consideration to a blunt tool such as set-aside and cut production at a time of rising world requirement.
“As an organisation, we are actively engaged in talks at a European level on greening of the CAP and are adamant that any discussions on how to make the CAP greener are practical and deliver true benefit. These could build on the good practice already found on many Scottish arable farms. Using technology to better target inputs, measures to protect water margins and the like are already common-place and would fit with the ‘greening’ ethos.”
Speaking from Cereals 2011, which takes place in Lincolnshire today (Wednesday 15 June) and tomorrow (Thursday 16 June), NFU Scotland’s Combinable Crops Committee Chairman, Andrew Moir said:
“It is clear from recent discussions and reports that there is a growing consensus between the European Commission and the European Parliament that ‘greening’ through agri-environmental measures will form part of the new CAP deal.
“While the introduction of a greening element to direct payments is now a common theme, it is vital that this is delivered on farm through simple measures that allow productivity and farm competitiveness to be maintained.
“Cereal farmers already have a sound understanding and deep respect for the role they must play in protecting biodiversity and maintaining the countryside. At the same time, their productivity is key in a volatile world where food security is an increasing priority.
“Strong upward trends in global food prices over the past two years, growing world populations and concern over the impacts of rising food prices should mean that, with European support, we try and make the best use of our productive arable land here in Scotland.
“Given the likely increased demands for food production in the future, it is imperative that greening does not return us to the dark days of set-aside. It would appear perverse to the wider world were Europe to give any consideration to a blunt tool such as set-aside and cut production at a time of rising world requirement.
“As an organisation, we are actively engaged in talks at a European level on greening of the CAP and are adamant that any discussions on how to make the CAP greener are practical and deliver true benefit. These could build on the good practice already found on many Scottish arable farms. Using technology to better target inputs, measures to protect water margins and the like are already common-place and would fit with the ‘greening’ ethos.”
REID WELCOMES RURAL SUPERFAST BROADBAND ANNOUNCEMENT
Alan Reid MP welcomed the Government’s announcement of funding towards achieving its target of 100% coverage of broadband at speeds of 2Mbps and 90% coverage of superfast broadband in every Council area by 2015.
Mr Reid said,
“I welcome this announcement. Broadband is so important if we are to revive the economy of a rural area like Argyll & Bute. With superfast broadband, people will be able to run many types of business from remote locations.
“The Government is proving its commitment to rural parts of the country and fulfilling the pledge in the Coalition agreement to introduce superfast broadband in remote areas at the same time as in more populated areas.”
“The Scottish Government, Argyll & Bute Council and Highlands & Islands Enterprise must work together to make this target a reality.”
Mr Reid said,
“I welcome this announcement. Broadband is so important if we are to revive the economy of a rural area like Argyll & Bute. With superfast broadband, people will be able to run many types of business from remote locations.
“The Government is proving its commitment to rural parts of the country and fulfilling the pledge in the Coalition agreement to introduce superfast broadband in remote areas at the same time as in more populated areas.”
“The Scottish Government, Argyll & Bute Council and Highlands & Islands Enterprise must work together to make this target a reality.”
Sea eagle management scheme now open for business
Crofting and farming communities have the chance to help sea eagles and their local communities by applying to join a sea eagle management scheme.
It encourages community groups, farmers, crofters and land managers to positively manage land and livestock to reduce the impact of foraging sea eagles whilst improving the birds’ nesting, roosting and feeding areas.
The scheme can also be used to boost the local economy by capitalising on the tourism potential generated by sea eagles.
It is being rolled out across the Inner and Outer Hebrides including Mull and Skye, parts of mainland Argyll and Lochaber, and Wester Ross. A partnership comprising Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH), National Farmers Union Scotland (NFUS), RSPB Scotland and the Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) helps manage the project.
And staff in local SNH offices are on hand to conduct one-to-one surgeries to explain how individuals and community groups can get involved.
Entrants to the scheme can participate for up to three years and the initiative will be open for applications until autumn 2013.
Ross Lilley, the sea eagle scheme manager, said: “We are delighted to be able to extend this new sea eagle management scheme across their entire breeding range. Our staff will be talking to land managers across the Highlands, Islands and Argyll about it in the coming days and weeks.
“This is a means of allowing land managers to adjust their operations, particularly livestock management, to accommodate the birds whilst the sea eagle breeding population becomes established. But more importantly by accessing start-up funds, communities could generate more benefit from the tourism impacts of having sea eagles in their area.
“Visitors are prepared to inject money into the local economy to view sea eagles and that kind of support could be a massive boost for many areas. We hope that many communities will benefit from the presence of these magnificent birds in their areas.”
It encourages community groups, farmers, crofters and land managers to positively manage land and livestock to reduce the impact of foraging sea eagles whilst improving the birds’ nesting, roosting and feeding areas.
The scheme can also be used to boost the local economy by capitalising on the tourism potential generated by sea eagles.
It is being rolled out across the Inner and Outer Hebrides including Mull and Skye, parts of mainland Argyll and Lochaber, and Wester Ross. A partnership comprising Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH), National Farmers Union Scotland (NFUS), RSPB Scotland and the Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) helps manage the project.
And staff in local SNH offices are on hand to conduct one-to-one surgeries to explain how individuals and community groups can get involved.
Entrants to the scheme can participate for up to three years and the initiative will be open for applications until autumn 2013.
Ross Lilley, the sea eagle scheme manager, said: “We are delighted to be able to extend this new sea eagle management scheme across their entire breeding range. Our staff will be talking to land managers across the Highlands, Islands and Argyll about it in the coming days and weeks.
“This is a means of allowing land managers to adjust their operations, particularly livestock management, to accommodate the birds whilst the sea eagle breeding population becomes established. But more importantly by accessing start-up funds, communities could generate more benefit from the tourism impacts of having sea eagles in their area.
“Visitors are prepared to inject money into the local economy to view sea eagles and that kind of support could be a massive boost for many areas. We hope that many communities will benefit from the presence of these magnificent birds in their areas.”
REID CALLS ON GOVERNMENT TO SAVE THE CLYDE COASTGUARD STATION IN GREENOCK
Speaking in a House of Commons debate on the Coastguard service, Alan Reid, MP for Argyll & Bute, called on the Government to keep the threatened Clyde coastguard station open.
Mr Reid told the House of Commons that it was vitally important to keep the coastguard station and its staff who have acquired detailed local knowledge of the seas around his Argyll & Bute constituency.
Extracts from his speech follow.
“My constituency has many islands and peninsulas, which means its coastline is longer than that of France and that the Clyde coastguard station has a longer coastline than any of the coastguard stations to look after. Islands, peninsulas and sea lochs create a wide variety of currents and sea conditions, which is one reason why local knowledge is very important.”
“I also want to stress the importance of local knowledge in differentiating between different places that have the same name. On the islands and the mainland of the west of Scotland, a large number of places are called Tarbert because Tarbert means a narrow neck of land in Gaelic. It would be easy for someone not familiar with that to send the rescue vessel to the wrong place. It is also important to be able to differentiate between, for example, East Loch Tarbert and West Loch Tarbert.”
“Once the Government have had an opportunity to consider the responses to the consultation, I hope that they will recognise the unique challenges posed by the area served by the Clyde coastguard station and that they will keep it open to retain the valuable local knowledge that exists. It is important to point out that, if staff are forced to relocate to Aberdeen, as appears to be the case from the Government’s proposals, that is well over 100 miles away and many staff will not be able to do so, either for family or financial reasons. Valuable local knowledge will therefore be lost.”
“I am aware that the lease for the Clyde station comes to an end in 2012. That appears to be a major consideration in the reasoning behind the Government’s decision to close the station.”
“Real estate considerations should not be paramount. Safety should be the prime consideration and the fact that the lease is up for renewal should not be a major factor.”
“I hope that the Government will recognise the importance of the Clyde coastguard station and realise that they do not want to lose its staff’s experience and expertise. I hope that they will reflect on the consultation and will agree to keep the Clyde coastguard station open.”
Mr Reid told the House of Commons that it was vitally important to keep the coastguard station and its staff who have acquired detailed local knowledge of the seas around his Argyll & Bute constituency.
Extracts from his speech follow.
“My constituency has many islands and peninsulas, which means its coastline is longer than that of France and that the Clyde coastguard station has a longer coastline than any of the coastguard stations to look after. Islands, peninsulas and sea lochs create a wide variety of currents and sea conditions, which is one reason why local knowledge is very important.”
“I also want to stress the importance of local knowledge in differentiating between different places that have the same name. On the islands and the mainland of the west of Scotland, a large number of places are called Tarbert because Tarbert means a narrow neck of land in Gaelic. It would be easy for someone not familiar with that to send the rescue vessel to the wrong place. It is also important to be able to differentiate between, for example, East Loch Tarbert and West Loch Tarbert.”
“Once the Government have had an opportunity to consider the responses to the consultation, I hope that they will recognise the unique challenges posed by the area served by the Clyde coastguard station and that they will keep it open to retain the valuable local knowledge that exists. It is important to point out that, if staff are forced to relocate to Aberdeen, as appears to be the case from the Government’s proposals, that is well over 100 miles away and many staff will not be able to do so, either for family or financial reasons. Valuable local knowledge will therefore be lost.”
“I am aware that the lease for the Clyde station comes to an end in 2012. That appears to be a major consideration in the reasoning behind the Government’s decision to close the station.”
“Real estate considerations should not be paramount. Safety should be the prime consideration and the fact that the lease is up for renewal should not be a major factor.”
“I hope that the Government will recognise the importance of the Clyde coastguard station and realise that they do not want to lose its staff’s experience and expertise. I hope that they will reflect on the consultation and will agree to keep the Clyde coastguard station open.”
Tuesday, 14 June 2011
Consultation on school closures stopped
Argyll and Bute Council has agreed to stop its consultation process on proposals to amalgamate 11 primary schools.
The decision was taken at the council meeting on June 14 where members agreed to stop the consultation process. The decision comes in light of advice, given by the cabinet secretary for education and lifelong learning, to the Scottish Parliament, on Thursday 9 June, that the current schools consultation legislation is “defective.”
The council did not agree to support the cabinet secretary’s request for a one-year moratorium on proposals to close rural schools. Instead councillors agreed the moratorium should be discussed with the Scottish Government by COSLA, on behalf of all councils. The council will also ask COSLA to investigate how the implementation of the legislation was carried out by the government and will ask it to consider the possibility of a judicial review.
Council leader Dick Walsh said:
“In light of the comments made by the education secretary to the Scottish Parliament, where he outlined his concerns with the Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010, and described the Act as “defective” we feel it is right to stop our consultation process. It is not appropriate for the council to continue working under legislation which the education secretary himself believes to be flawed and not fit for purpose.
“We will work with COSLA to explore the wider implications of a moratorium and the impact it will have on education across Argyll and Bute.
“Our priority remains to provide all children in Argyll and Bute with a high standard of education. We welcome the news that the education secretary will examine the links between rural schools and the support and development of vibrant rural communities.
“We hope the education secretary will look at collaborative learning as part of his review and see how this can be applied successfully in very small, rural schools.
“Today’s decision to stop the current consultation process does not change the fact that in Argyll and Bute we have considerable surplus capacity in our primary schools. It does not change the fact that some of our schools have as few as three or four pupils, which makes it very difficult to successfully implement collaborative learning techniques such as Curriculum for Excellence. It does not change the fact that we have been advised for a number of years by audit and inspection bodies to review our school estate.
“We need to make sure our children and our teachers have access to education techniques which are recognised as best practice for today and tomorrow.”
The council also welcomed Mr Russell’s proposal to establish a commission to investigate the delivery of rural education and supports the view that Audit Scotland and HMIE should be part of the process.
Councillor Walsh continued:
“As Argyll and Bute Council has the most recent and most extensive experience of trying to work within the current legislation we feel representatives from the council should form part of the commission itself. Rural schools in dispersed communities make up a large proportion of Argyll and Bute’s education establishment. We have tried to work within the current legislation and have seen first hand the inconsistencies in its application. We are very keen to share this experience with the commission and help to refine the legislation.
“We specifically would like the scope of the commission to cover collaborative learning in small schools, a definitive model for defining school capacity and an absolute definition of educational benefit. It should also include guidelines to determine the sustainability of school buildings and equipment.
“Until we have these clear guidelines it is impossible for any new legislation to be applied fairly or consistently across all schools.”
The council agreed the decision to halt consultation would not apply to schools which have no pupils.
The decision was taken at the council meeting on June 14 where members agreed to stop the consultation process. The decision comes in light of advice, given by the cabinet secretary for education and lifelong learning, to the Scottish Parliament, on Thursday 9 June, that the current schools consultation legislation is “defective.”
The council did not agree to support the cabinet secretary’s request for a one-year moratorium on proposals to close rural schools. Instead councillors agreed the moratorium should be discussed with the Scottish Government by COSLA, on behalf of all councils. The council will also ask COSLA to investigate how the implementation of the legislation was carried out by the government and will ask it to consider the possibility of a judicial review.
Council leader Dick Walsh said:
“In light of the comments made by the education secretary to the Scottish Parliament, where he outlined his concerns with the Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010, and described the Act as “defective” we feel it is right to stop our consultation process. It is not appropriate for the council to continue working under legislation which the education secretary himself believes to be flawed and not fit for purpose.
“We will work with COSLA to explore the wider implications of a moratorium and the impact it will have on education across Argyll and Bute.
“Our priority remains to provide all children in Argyll and Bute with a high standard of education. We welcome the news that the education secretary will examine the links between rural schools and the support and development of vibrant rural communities.
“We hope the education secretary will look at collaborative learning as part of his review and see how this can be applied successfully in very small, rural schools.
“Today’s decision to stop the current consultation process does not change the fact that in Argyll and Bute we have considerable surplus capacity in our primary schools. It does not change the fact that some of our schools have as few as three or four pupils, which makes it very difficult to successfully implement collaborative learning techniques such as Curriculum for Excellence. It does not change the fact that we have been advised for a number of years by audit and inspection bodies to review our school estate.
“We need to make sure our children and our teachers have access to education techniques which are recognised as best practice for today and tomorrow.”
The council also welcomed Mr Russell’s proposal to establish a commission to investigate the delivery of rural education and supports the view that Audit Scotland and HMIE should be part of the process.
Councillor Walsh continued:
“As Argyll and Bute Council has the most recent and most extensive experience of trying to work within the current legislation we feel representatives from the council should form part of the commission itself. Rural schools in dispersed communities make up a large proportion of Argyll and Bute’s education establishment. We have tried to work within the current legislation and have seen first hand the inconsistencies in its application. We are very keen to share this experience with the commission and help to refine the legislation.
“We specifically would like the scope of the commission to cover collaborative learning in small schools, a definitive model for defining school capacity and an absolute definition of educational benefit. It should also include guidelines to determine the sustainability of school buildings and equipment.
“Until we have these clear guidelines it is impossible for any new legislation to be applied fairly or consistently across all schools.”
The council agreed the decision to halt consultation would not apply to schools which have no pupils.
Hòro-gheallaidh le The Outside Track air an t-slighe gu Blas
Airson a’ chiad turas, bidh còmhla-ciùil fa-leth a’ riochdachadh fèis Blas 2011 fad na Fèise a thòisicheas air feadh na Gàidhealtachd air 9 Sultain.
Tha an còmhlan The Outside Track a’ cluich measgachadh de cheòl is òrain Albannach, à Canada agus an Eireann agus ri dannsa cuideachd agus tha iad air cliù a chosnadh air feadh an t-saoghail airson an làthaireachd. ‘S e meas air ceòl traidiseanta agus sannd a bhith ag ùrachadh agus a’ toirt air adhart stuth air a bhonntachadh air an dualchas a tha ceangal buill a’ chòmhlain, a bhoinneas do dh’Alba, Èireann, Ceap Breatann (le taobh ri Uidhist a Tuath) agus Vancouver. Bheir iad am blas is dreach fhèin air an fhèis agus bidh hòro-gheallaidh dha-rìreabh nan cois.
Tha còignear anns a’ chòmhlan: Mairi Rankin à Mabou ann an Ceap Breatann (ach a bhoinneas do dh’Uidhist a Tuath tro a màthair Oighrig, a chaidh a Chanada a theagasg na Gàidhlig) agus a tha a’ cluich anns an t-sàr-bhuidhinn Beòlach air an fhidhill, a’ seinn agus ri dannsa; a bhana-sheinneadair Norah Rendell a chaidh a chur air adhart ann am farpais Seinneadair Traidiseanta na Bliadhna ann an Canada air duiseal, fìdeag agus a’ seinn; Ailie Robertson a bha anns a’ chuairt dheireannach de dh’Fharpais Traidiseanta a’ BhBC airson Òigridh air a’ chlàrsaich agus a’ dannsa; Fiona Black, a bhuinnig farpais Fame Academy a’ BhBC air a’ bhocsa; agus Cillian Ó Dalaigh bho Trazz leguitar, a’ seinn agus a’ dannsa.
‘S e sàr-chluicheadairean fa-leth a th’anns gach ball dhen chòmhlan agus tha iad le chèile air grunn dhuaisean eadar-nàiseanta a thogail air an t-slighe gu Blas 2011. Ach ‘s ann còmhla a tha an luach as motha an-lùib leithid de bhuidhinn agus gan dèanamh cho tarraingeach. Tha iad air a bhith a’ cuairteachadh an t-saoghail a-nis airson 5 bliadhna eadar Breatann, an Roinn Eòrpa, Canada agus na Stàitean, a’ nochdadh aig cuid de na Fèisean Ciùil as motha air an t-saoghal eadar Celtic Colours, Goderich, Mission, Memoire et Racines, Sidmouth, agus Whitby.
Mar chòmhlan ainmichte na Fèise, chan eil teagamh aig Stiùiriche Blas Donna NicRath nach toir iad togail àraid do thachartasan anns gach àite. Thuirt i: “Tha sinn air leth toilichte còmhla cho cliùteach ri Outside Track a thoirt chun na Fèise airson a bhith againn fad na h-ùine. Chan eil an leithid ann ‘s dòcha mar chluicheadairean fa-leth, agus ‘s e gnothach eile a bhios ann èisteachd riutha mar chòmhlan nuair a bhios iad air ghleus againn fad naoi latha san t-Sultain.”
Bidh The Outside Track a’ nochdadh aig an fhèis air feadh na Gàidhealtachd bho Ulapul gu Port-Rìgh, Inbhir Garaidh, Baile a’ Chaolais, Port MoCholmaig agus Poll Iùbh. Bidh an còmhlan cuideachd a’ tadhal air sgoiltean air feadh na Gàidhealtachd mar phàirt de Phrògram Foghlaim Blas, air a cho-òrdnachadh le Oifigeach Ceanglan nan Ealan aig Comhairle na Gàidhealtachd, agus trom bi timcheall air 5,000 duine cloinne a’ faighinn cothrom gach bliadhna.
Tha The Outside Track gu bhith a’ cluich aig sreath de thachartasan èibheiseach far a bheil prìomh luchd-ealain nan tarraing aig cridhe fèis Blas 2011 a tha a’ luaidh cultar nan eilean. Tha Blas a-nis stèidhichte anns an 7mh bliadhna agus mar phrìomh fhèis a’ taisbeanadh subhachas is cultar na Gàidhlig air a’ Ghàidhealtachd.
Tha an còmhlan The Outside Track a’ cluich measgachadh de cheòl is òrain Albannach, à Canada agus an Eireann agus ri dannsa cuideachd agus tha iad air cliù a chosnadh air feadh an t-saoghail airson an làthaireachd. ‘S e meas air ceòl traidiseanta agus sannd a bhith ag ùrachadh agus a’ toirt air adhart stuth air a bhonntachadh air an dualchas a tha ceangal buill a’ chòmhlain, a bhoinneas do dh’Alba, Èireann, Ceap Breatann (le taobh ri Uidhist a Tuath) agus Vancouver. Bheir iad am blas is dreach fhèin air an fhèis agus bidh hòro-gheallaidh dha-rìreabh nan cois.
Tha còignear anns a’ chòmhlan: Mairi Rankin à Mabou ann an Ceap Breatann (ach a bhoinneas do dh’Uidhist a Tuath tro a màthair Oighrig, a chaidh a Chanada a theagasg na Gàidhlig) agus a tha a’ cluich anns an t-sàr-bhuidhinn Beòlach air an fhidhill, a’ seinn agus ri dannsa; a bhana-sheinneadair Norah Rendell a chaidh a chur air adhart ann am farpais Seinneadair Traidiseanta na Bliadhna ann an Canada air duiseal, fìdeag agus a’ seinn; Ailie Robertson a bha anns a’ chuairt dheireannach de dh’Fharpais Traidiseanta a’ BhBC airson Òigridh air a’ chlàrsaich agus a’ dannsa; Fiona Black, a bhuinnig farpais Fame Academy a’ BhBC air a’ bhocsa; agus Cillian Ó Dalaigh bho Trazz leguitar, a’ seinn agus a’ dannsa.
‘S e sàr-chluicheadairean fa-leth a th’anns gach ball dhen chòmhlan agus tha iad le chèile air grunn dhuaisean eadar-nàiseanta a thogail air an t-slighe gu Blas 2011. Ach ‘s ann còmhla a tha an luach as motha an-lùib leithid de bhuidhinn agus gan dèanamh cho tarraingeach. Tha iad air a bhith a’ cuairteachadh an t-saoghail a-nis airson 5 bliadhna eadar Breatann, an Roinn Eòrpa, Canada agus na Stàitean, a’ nochdadh aig cuid de na Fèisean Ciùil as motha air an t-saoghal eadar Celtic Colours, Goderich, Mission, Memoire et Racines, Sidmouth, agus Whitby.
Mar chòmhlan ainmichte na Fèise, chan eil teagamh aig Stiùiriche Blas Donna NicRath nach toir iad togail àraid do thachartasan anns gach àite. Thuirt i: “Tha sinn air leth toilichte còmhla cho cliùteach ri Outside Track a thoirt chun na Fèise airson a bhith againn fad na h-ùine. Chan eil an leithid ann ‘s dòcha mar chluicheadairean fa-leth, agus ‘s e gnothach eile a bhios ann èisteachd riutha mar chòmhlan nuair a bhios iad air ghleus againn fad naoi latha san t-Sultain.”
Bidh The Outside Track a’ nochdadh aig an fhèis air feadh na Gàidhealtachd bho Ulapul gu Port-Rìgh, Inbhir Garaidh, Baile a’ Chaolais, Port MoCholmaig agus Poll Iùbh. Bidh an còmhlan cuideachd a’ tadhal air sgoiltean air feadh na Gàidhealtachd mar phàirt de Phrògram Foghlaim Blas, air a cho-òrdnachadh le Oifigeach Ceanglan nan Ealan aig Comhairle na Gàidhealtachd, agus trom bi timcheall air 5,000 duine cloinne a’ faighinn cothrom gach bliadhna.
Tha The Outside Track gu bhith a’ cluich aig sreath de thachartasan èibheiseach far a bheil prìomh luchd-ealain nan tarraing aig cridhe fèis Blas 2011 a tha a’ luaidh cultar nan eilean. Tha Blas a-nis stèidhichte anns an 7mh bliadhna agus mar phrìomh fhèis a’ taisbeanadh subhachas is cultar na Gàidhlig air a’ Ghàidhealtachd.
REID BACKS CAMPAIGN AGAINST UNFAIR CHANGES TO WOMEN’S STATE PENSION AGE
Alan Reid is backing the campaign against Government plans which will see thousands of women waiting up to two years longer for their state pension.
In its current form the Pensions Bill brings forward equalisation of men’s and women’s State Pension Age to 2018, instead of 2020 as previously planned.
This means that 300,000 women born between December 1953 and October 1954 will have to work an additional 18 months or more. 33,000 will have to work an extra two years.
Alan Reid has supported a House of Commons motion to keep the equalisation date in 2020.
He told the House of Commons that the year of the equalisation of men’s and women’s state pension ages should stay at 2020.
Mr Reid told the House of Commons that women caught up by the change would have to work considerably longer before they could collect their pension, and are being given short notice to prepare for the extra work.
He concluded by asking the Government to go away and reflect on the matter before the Pensions Bill comes to the House of Commons.
In its current form the Pensions Bill brings forward equalisation of men’s and women’s State Pension Age to 2018, instead of 2020 as previously planned.
This means that 300,000 women born between December 1953 and October 1954 will have to work an additional 18 months or more. 33,000 will have to work an extra two years.
Alan Reid has supported a House of Commons motion to keep the equalisation date in 2020.
He told the House of Commons that the year of the equalisation of men’s and women’s state pension ages should stay at 2020.
Mr Reid told the House of Commons that women caught up by the change would have to work considerably longer before they could collect their pension, and are being given short notice to prepare for the extra work.
He concluded by asking the Government to go away and reflect on the matter before the Pensions Bill comes to the House of Commons.
FEED IN TARRIFF DECISION A BLOW TO RENEWABLE AIMS - says NFUS
NFU Scotland is deeply disappointed that the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) is to proceed with low level increases in the tariffs available to those looking to generate energy from anaerobic digestion. Failure to significantly increase the rates now threatens to stifle the potential that the technology offers to Scotland.
While energy generation from solar sources is less important to Scotland, the DECC has also announced significant cuts in the feed-in tariff (FiTs) rates for energy from this source making development of solar power increasingly difficult in the future.
The new rates of FiTs proposed for energy generated by new anaerobic digestion and solar projects are unchanged from those originally proposed by DECC in its March consultation. That means that the DECC opted to ignore a huge response from industry to its consultation, urging a more positive approach to these technologies. The FiTs rates announced by the DECC will be effective for new plants from August onwards.
NFU Scotland President, Nigel Miller said:
“The news that energy tariffs available to anaerobic digestion projects in the future will only see limited increases is a blow and leaves such planned developments at a competitive disadvantage compared to other renewable sources.
“Anaerobic digestion (AD) has the potential to produce real value and generate energy from waste products in a reliable manner, and could make a huge contribution to Scotland and the UK’s renewable targets if given the chance. By failing to come forward with realistic tariff rates for energy from AD, the DECC runs the risk of sidelining this technology.
“The digestate produced from AD can also contribute as a valuable soil nutrient. The integral pasteurisation of the AD process ensures high levels of safety which makes the digestate a potential substitute for expensive oil based fertilisers.
“By limiting the increase in the tariffs available to future AD projects, the DECC has hit at the core of the Zero Waste Scotland approach and shown limited ambition in growing our green credentials. When there was a genuine prospect of a significant number of new AD plants being established, those looking at on-farm AD will now have to go back and do their sums to see if the significant investment is justified.
“While our climate may limit our solar energy options, we are aware of some in Scotland who were seriously looking at this. Again, the DECC decision to cut tarriff rates for energy from this source will be a significant blow.”
While energy generation from solar sources is less important to Scotland, the DECC has also announced significant cuts in the feed-in tariff (FiTs) rates for energy from this source making development of solar power increasingly difficult in the future.
The new rates of FiTs proposed for energy generated by new anaerobic digestion and solar projects are unchanged from those originally proposed by DECC in its March consultation. That means that the DECC opted to ignore a huge response from industry to its consultation, urging a more positive approach to these technologies. The FiTs rates announced by the DECC will be effective for new plants from August onwards.
NFU Scotland President, Nigel Miller said:
“The news that energy tariffs available to anaerobic digestion projects in the future will only see limited increases is a blow and leaves such planned developments at a competitive disadvantage compared to other renewable sources.
“Anaerobic digestion (AD) has the potential to produce real value and generate energy from waste products in a reliable manner, and could make a huge contribution to Scotland and the UK’s renewable targets if given the chance. By failing to come forward with realistic tariff rates for energy from AD, the DECC runs the risk of sidelining this technology.
“The digestate produced from AD can also contribute as a valuable soil nutrient. The integral pasteurisation of the AD process ensures high levels of safety which makes the digestate a potential substitute for expensive oil based fertilisers.
“By limiting the increase in the tariffs available to future AD projects, the DECC has hit at the core of the Zero Waste Scotland approach and shown limited ambition in growing our green credentials. When there was a genuine prospect of a significant number of new AD plants being established, those looking at on-farm AD will now have to go back and do their sums to see if the significant investment is justified.
“While our climate may limit our solar energy options, we are aware of some in Scotland who were seriously looking at this. Again, the DECC decision to cut tarriff rates for energy from this source will be a significant blow.”
MINISTERIAL STATEMENT ON RURAL SCHOOLS MICHAEL RUSSELL MSP, CABINET SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND LIFELONG LEARNING
CHECK AGAINST DELIVERY
I would like to thank the Parliament for the opportunity to make a
statement on my proposals to establish a Commission on the Delivery of
Rural Education and my request to local authorities for a moratorium on
rural school closures.
There are, in my experience, few issues which have united all sides of
this Parliament.
However, the Schools (Scotland) (Consultation) Bill, which the
Parliament agreed to unanimously in November 2009 did so.
Before this Parliament was established there were significant concerns
expressed from many quarters, over many years, about the procedures
local authorities had to follow in relation to school closures.
In particular, there was a feeling that schools were being closed
without proper and full consultation with the communities they served;
this resulted in much worry, anger and resentment for pupils, parents
and staff.
At the outset, Presiding Officer, let me make it clear that sometimes
schools have to close. Communities change, populations move, sometimes
buildings become unsuitable. But common decency as well as good
practice demands that a closure must command public confidence. The
process of decision making must be inclusive and transparent.
Ten years ago, in 2001, the Parliament's Education Committee looked into
the issue of school closures following consideration of a petition. One
of the outcomes was an invitation to COSLA to draw up new rules about
the school closures process. Unfortunately, this did not take place
and, as a consequence, little changed.
Schools continued to close, in ways which appeared to be based on little
joined up thinking regarding the impact closure would have on the wider
community and its economic and social future.
In 2007, in an attempt to address this, Murdo Fraser introduced his
private members Bill. While this was intended to relate to all school
closures, it nevertheless had a particular focus and concern about rural
schools and the importance of schools to the wider rural community.
This evolved into the "Safeguarding Our Rural Schools" consultation,
from which emerged our Bill.
The delivery of education in rural communities is about much more than
just a building. A school can, and often is, fundamental to the social
and economic make up of a village, township or area.
Therefore, at the core of any decisions about schools in rural
communities should lie a presumption against closure - a policy which
has existed in England for some time.
The legislation was intended to make the proposed closure of any school,
an open, transparent and fair one.
We sought to increase local participation, to create a genuine dialogue
between Councils and their communities and to foster a greater sense of
trust between local authorities and the people they serve - and this was
particularly important for rural areas.
So, we put in place a number of special provisions for such areas. In
the case of proposals to close a rural school, there are three factors
to which the council must have regard before moving to consult - these
are:
* Viable alternatives to closure must be considered;
* The likely effects of closure on the community as a
whole must be considered; and
* Any changed travelling arrangements for children must be
considered.
The result of this is to ensure that a decision to close a rural school
must be regarded as a decision of last resort.
In addition, prior to the Bill, the involvement of Ministers in a
closure decision had been mainly related to issues around occupancy and
distance.
The new Bill established a more formal role by means of a safeguard
whereby Ministers would be able to call in those decisions in which they
perceived serious flaws in the consultation or decision making process.
That call-in can also be triggered by community or parental request, but
such requests have to outline a flaw in process.
The key word here is process - the Bill was and is not about prejudging
or second guessing a local authority's decision but ensuring that the
process, as enshrined by statute, had been carried through properly and
correctly.
At the time of the Bill's passage in November 2009, most envisaged that
no more than a handful of cases would be called in. The Government had
confidence in a process the whole Chamber had endorsed.
However, it is clear to me now that for all our good work, there have
been widely differing interpretations of the Act by local authorities,
communities and central government. These differing interpretations are
hindering the clear policy intention of the Bill. Therefore they now
require some action.
For example, in the 12 months or so since the Act came into force (on 5
April 2010), Councils have proposed 35 school closures. This reflects,
to some extent, the financial pressures that Councils are currently
under.
However, the Bill made clear that the basis for closure decisions and
must be educational benefit. Closures driven by finance alone are not
permitted, yet councils still buttress their closure decisions with
financial rhetoric.
Of that 35, I have found it necessary to call in 17. So far, 4 have
been given unconditional consent to close, 4 have been allowed to close
subject to conditions and 4 have been refused - the remaining 5 are
still under consideration by me. There are also another 5 closure
proposals going through the process which will be presented for my
consideration shortly.
For all involved, this is proving to be an unsatisfactory process. We
all felt at the time that we were making an improvement to the law. But
that improvement has not led to the necessary changes on the ground, or
at least not everywhere.
Many more proposals for rural school closures are coming forward than
was envisaged.
The consultation process is not being followed in more cases than we
expected.
During the election, we made clear in our manifesto an intention to
strengthen the 2010 Act to ensure that consultation is genuine and based
on accurate information.
In addition, we also wanted to reinforce the existing presumption
against closure and find a revised means of supporting the delivery of
education in rural areas.
So, how should this be done?
Hopefully with thought, with care and with regard to all the relevant
issues - such as the impact on the community, parental wishes, the
welfare of children, joined up services and better education.
But Presiding Officer, this cannot be delivered against a backdrop of
conflict, confusion and discontent.
It is for all these reasons that last week I announced the setting up of
a Commission on the Delivery of Rural Education. It will be tasked
with, among other things:
* Reviewing the current legislation and its application;
* Making recommendations on how to reflect best practice
and fulfil our manifesto commitment;
* Examining the links between rural schools and the
preservation, support and development of rural communities;
* Looking at the funding issues surrounding rural schools
and the delivery of rural education; and
* Thinking new thoughts about the means of such delivery.
Most importantly, it will have licence to look ahead radically and
boldly. I will be expecting it to come forward with recommendations at
the start of next year.
I will announce the membership of the Commission and its full remit
shortly.
Clearly, input from a wide range of organisations and individuals will
be sought to help the Commission undertake its work. COSLA and ADES
will be essential participants.
To allow the Commission to undertake its work within a positive and
proper context I have also proposed a moratorium on rural school
closures. This will create the space necessary to allow a comprehensive
and fair assessment of the present school closures process and allow
clear thinking on how it can be improved.
This moratorium will run for a year. I believe it is in everyone's
interests to pause and take time to consider the best way forward.
Many councils have expressed concerns about how the present process of
proposed closures is working - so have parents, so have Members on all
sides of this Parliament. Therefore, I expect and hope for a positive
response from councils, from parents and from Members of this Parliament
to my proposals for a moratorium. I am pleased to say that a number of
councils have already indicated their support.
It is my aim that we work together across the various interests in order
to find a consensus and solve these problems which affect many parts of
Scotland. There is no future in simply digging-in to entrenched
positions.
Presiding Officer, I think we would all want to ensure that what
Parliament had in its mind when it agreed the Schools (Consultation)
(Scotland) Act 2010 can finally be applied in an effective and proper
way and that the need for educational benefit is the driving force and
the sole motivation behind each and every proposed school closure,
especially in vulnerable rural areas.
Presiding Officer, I believe that our rural communities are the fresh
air that energise much of Scottish society. I am very aware that the
closure of a rural school can unbalance and sometimes destroy a rural
community for ever.
This chamber has already agreed that action is needed to prevent that.
My new proposals re-enforce that agreement.
I would like to thank the Parliament for the opportunity to make a
statement on my proposals to establish a Commission on the Delivery of
Rural Education and my request to local authorities for a moratorium on
rural school closures.
There are, in my experience, few issues which have united all sides of
this Parliament.
However, the Schools (Scotland) (Consultation) Bill, which the
Parliament agreed to unanimously in November 2009 did so.
Before this Parliament was established there were significant concerns
expressed from many quarters, over many years, about the procedures
local authorities had to follow in relation to school closures.
In particular, there was a feeling that schools were being closed
without proper and full consultation with the communities they served;
this resulted in much worry, anger and resentment for pupils, parents
and staff.
At the outset, Presiding Officer, let me make it clear that sometimes
schools have to close. Communities change, populations move, sometimes
buildings become unsuitable. But common decency as well as good
practice demands that a closure must command public confidence. The
process of decision making must be inclusive and transparent.
Ten years ago, in 2001, the Parliament's Education Committee looked into
the issue of school closures following consideration of a petition. One
of the outcomes was an invitation to COSLA to draw up new rules about
the school closures process. Unfortunately, this did not take place
and, as a consequence, little changed.
Schools continued to close, in ways which appeared to be based on little
joined up thinking regarding the impact closure would have on the wider
community and its economic and social future.
In 2007, in an attempt to address this, Murdo Fraser introduced his
private members Bill. While this was intended to relate to all school
closures, it nevertheless had a particular focus and concern about rural
schools and the importance of schools to the wider rural community.
This evolved into the "Safeguarding Our Rural Schools" consultation,
from which emerged our Bill.
The delivery of education in rural communities is about much more than
just a building. A school can, and often is, fundamental to the social
and economic make up of a village, township or area.
Therefore, at the core of any decisions about schools in rural
communities should lie a presumption against closure - a policy which
has existed in England for some time.
The legislation was intended to make the proposed closure of any school,
an open, transparent and fair one.
We sought to increase local participation, to create a genuine dialogue
between Councils and their communities and to foster a greater sense of
trust between local authorities and the people they serve - and this was
particularly important for rural areas.
So, we put in place a number of special provisions for such areas. In
the case of proposals to close a rural school, there are three factors
to which the council must have regard before moving to consult - these
are:
* Viable alternatives to closure must be considered;
* The likely effects of closure on the community as a
whole must be considered; and
* Any changed travelling arrangements for children must be
considered.
The result of this is to ensure that a decision to close a rural school
must be regarded as a decision of last resort.
In addition, prior to the Bill, the involvement of Ministers in a
closure decision had been mainly related to issues around occupancy and
distance.
The new Bill established a more formal role by means of a safeguard
whereby Ministers would be able to call in those decisions in which they
perceived serious flaws in the consultation or decision making process.
That call-in can also be triggered by community or parental request, but
such requests have to outline a flaw in process.
The key word here is process - the Bill was and is not about prejudging
or second guessing a local authority's decision but ensuring that the
process, as enshrined by statute, had been carried through properly and
correctly.
At the time of the Bill's passage in November 2009, most envisaged that
no more than a handful of cases would be called in. The Government had
confidence in a process the whole Chamber had endorsed.
However, it is clear to me now that for all our good work, there have
been widely differing interpretations of the Act by local authorities,
communities and central government. These differing interpretations are
hindering the clear policy intention of the Bill. Therefore they now
require some action.
For example, in the 12 months or so since the Act came into force (on 5
April 2010), Councils have proposed 35 school closures. This reflects,
to some extent, the financial pressures that Councils are currently
under.
However, the Bill made clear that the basis for closure decisions and
must be educational benefit. Closures driven by finance alone are not
permitted, yet councils still buttress their closure decisions with
financial rhetoric.
Of that 35, I have found it necessary to call in 17. So far, 4 have
been given unconditional consent to close, 4 have been allowed to close
subject to conditions and 4 have been refused - the remaining 5 are
still under consideration by me. There are also another 5 closure
proposals going through the process which will be presented for my
consideration shortly.
For all involved, this is proving to be an unsatisfactory process. We
all felt at the time that we were making an improvement to the law. But
that improvement has not led to the necessary changes on the ground, or
at least not everywhere.
Many more proposals for rural school closures are coming forward than
was envisaged.
The consultation process is not being followed in more cases than we
expected.
During the election, we made clear in our manifesto an intention to
strengthen the 2010 Act to ensure that consultation is genuine and based
on accurate information.
In addition, we also wanted to reinforce the existing presumption
against closure and find a revised means of supporting the delivery of
education in rural areas.
So, how should this be done?
Hopefully with thought, with care and with regard to all the relevant
issues - such as the impact on the community, parental wishes, the
welfare of children, joined up services and better education.
But Presiding Officer, this cannot be delivered against a backdrop of
conflict, confusion and discontent.
It is for all these reasons that last week I announced the setting up of
a Commission on the Delivery of Rural Education. It will be tasked
with, among other things:
* Reviewing the current legislation and its application;
* Making recommendations on how to reflect best practice
and fulfil our manifesto commitment;
* Examining the links between rural schools and the
preservation, support and development of rural communities;
* Looking at the funding issues surrounding rural schools
and the delivery of rural education; and
* Thinking new thoughts about the means of such delivery.
Most importantly, it will have licence to look ahead radically and
boldly. I will be expecting it to come forward with recommendations at
the start of next year.
I will announce the membership of the Commission and its full remit
shortly.
Clearly, input from a wide range of organisations and individuals will
be sought to help the Commission undertake its work. COSLA and ADES
will be essential participants.
To allow the Commission to undertake its work within a positive and
proper context I have also proposed a moratorium on rural school
closures. This will create the space necessary to allow a comprehensive
and fair assessment of the present school closures process and allow
clear thinking on how it can be improved.
This moratorium will run for a year. I believe it is in everyone's
interests to pause and take time to consider the best way forward.
Many councils have expressed concerns about how the present process of
proposed closures is working - so have parents, so have Members on all
sides of this Parliament. Therefore, I expect and hope for a positive
response from councils, from parents and from Members of this Parliament
to my proposals for a moratorium. I am pleased to say that a number of
councils have already indicated their support.
It is my aim that we work together across the various interests in order
to find a consensus and solve these problems which affect many parts of
Scotland. There is no future in simply digging-in to entrenched
positions.
Presiding Officer, I think we would all want to ensure that what
Parliament had in its mind when it agreed the Schools (Consultation)
(Scotland) Act 2010 can finally be applied in an effective and proper
way and that the need for educational benefit is the driving force and
the sole motivation behind each and every proposed school closure,
especially in vulnerable rural areas.
Presiding Officer, I believe that our rural communities are the fresh
air that energise much of Scottish society. I am very aware that the
closure of a rural school can unbalance and sometimes destroy a rural
community for ever.
This chamber has already agreed that action is needed to prevent that.
My new proposals re-enforce that agreement.
SNP call for common sense to prevail on School closure consultations
A special council meeting has been called by The Administration of Argyll and Bute Council for the 14th June, following a request by The Cabinet Secretary for Education, Michael Russell MSP, for a Scotland wide, year long, moratorium on school closures in order to review legislation. The present Council Administration formed by Conservative, Liberal Democrats and members of the Alliance of Independent Councillors have been progressing a controversial programme of school closure consultations.
Opposition groups on the council met today to discuss a joint approach to the special council meeting. Leader of the Opposition, SNP Councillor Robert MacIntyre, said following the meeting -
‘We had a very constructive meeting today with our opposition colleagues, we are encouraged that the Administration has decided to consider the request by Mr Russell, it is clear that the Administration is not fully committed to these closure consultations in the new political reality following the election of a majority SNP Government.
‘The Opposition is united in its support for the views expressed by our communities on the education of their children. I am sure this commitment will be carried forward into the 2012 Council elections. For our part, the SNP in Argyll & Bute are ready to work constructively with any elected member who will support the sustainability of rural life in Argyll and Bute of which rural schools play a major role. I hope this gives some security to our communities; the only consultation they need to secure their schools will be at the ballot box next May.’
The SNP Group left the ruling Administration of the Council last year when they could no longer support the proposals sponsored by the Alliance of Independent Councillors, proposals which they described at a heated council meeting on the 25th November 2010 as “fundamentally flawed.” Surprisingly, two staunch critics of the proposals at that time , Liberal Democrat Councillors Robin Currie and Rory Colville ensured that closure consultations continued by changing their opinion and vote so securing an enhanced wage for themselves when the Lib Dems and Conservatives replaced the SNP in Administration.
One unexpected outcome from the closure programme has been the formation of ARSN – Argyll Rural Schools Network who have been hyper-active and vocal at every council meeting, exploiting energy and imagination to raise the standard for rural communities.
At a Special Council meeting organised by the SNP on the 4th January, well attended by ARSN both internally and in the winter cold outside, the original proposals for consultation on closure of 25 schools were overturned. However, unperturbed, the new Liberal Democrat Education Spokesperson, Ellen Morton devised a new reduced list of 12 schools which are now going through the consultation process.
John Semple, SNP liaison Councillor with ARSN said –
‘From the very start of these consultations I have consistently highlighted the vitality and potential that lies latent in our rural communities, it is very sad that the Liberal Democrats, who used to portray themselves as champions of rural life in Scotland, have abandoned that principled stand.
‘it is clear from the activity of ARSN that rural Argyll and Bute is alive and very much kicking. I would call, once more, on the leader of the council not just to abandon these consultations but to commit to engaging constructively with rural communities to plan a sustainable future for rural life.’
Opposition groups on the council met today to discuss a joint approach to the special council meeting. Leader of the Opposition, SNP Councillor Robert MacIntyre, said following the meeting -
‘We had a very constructive meeting today with our opposition colleagues, we are encouraged that the Administration has decided to consider the request by Mr Russell, it is clear that the Administration is not fully committed to these closure consultations in the new political reality following the election of a majority SNP Government.
‘The Opposition is united in its support for the views expressed by our communities on the education of their children. I am sure this commitment will be carried forward into the 2012 Council elections. For our part, the SNP in Argyll & Bute are ready to work constructively with any elected member who will support the sustainability of rural life in Argyll and Bute of which rural schools play a major role. I hope this gives some security to our communities; the only consultation they need to secure their schools will be at the ballot box next May.’
The SNP Group left the ruling Administration of the Council last year when they could no longer support the proposals sponsored by the Alliance of Independent Councillors, proposals which they described at a heated council meeting on the 25th November 2010 as “fundamentally flawed.” Surprisingly, two staunch critics of the proposals at that time , Liberal Democrat Councillors Robin Currie and Rory Colville ensured that closure consultations continued by changing their opinion and vote so securing an enhanced wage for themselves when the Lib Dems and Conservatives replaced the SNP in Administration.
One unexpected outcome from the closure programme has been the formation of ARSN – Argyll Rural Schools Network who have been hyper-active and vocal at every council meeting, exploiting energy and imagination to raise the standard for rural communities.
At a Special Council meeting organised by the SNP on the 4th January, well attended by ARSN both internally and in the winter cold outside, the original proposals for consultation on closure of 25 schools were overturned. However, unperturbed, the new Liberal Democrat Education Spokesperson, Ellen Morton devised a new reduced list of 12 schools which are now going through the consultation process.
John Semple, SNP liaison Councillor with ARSN said –
‘From the very start of these consultations I have consistently highlighted the vitality and potential that lies latent in our rural communities, it is very sad that the Liberal Democrats, who used to portray themselves as champions of rural life in Scotland, have abandoned that principled stand.
‘it is clear from the activity of ARSN that rural Argyll and Bute is alive and very much kicking. I would call, once more, on the leader of the council not just to abandon these consultations but to commit to engaging constructively with rural communities to plan a sustainable future for rural life.’
First local dog owner falls foul of new legislation
Dog owners across Argyll and Bute are being urged to ensure they comply with new legislation which came into force earlier this year.
The Control of Dogs (Scotland) Act 2010 is designed to ensure that communities are protected from dogs which are out of control and to tackle irresponsible dog ownership.
Argyll and Bute Council’s Streetscene team recently issued its first dog control notice (DCN) to a Dunoon resident who had repeatedly failed to keep their animal under control.
Under the notice, the owner is required not only to keep the dog under control but also to have a microchip implanted in the animal within 14 days (if it does not already have one) as a means of identifying both the dog and its owner.
Officers also have the power to include other measures on the notice if appropriate, such as muzzling the dog whenever it is in a public place, keeping it on a lead, neutering a male dog and attending a training course in dog control.
Failure to comply with any aspect of the DCN could lead to a fine of up to £1,000, an order disqualifying the individual from owning a dog for a specific period of time and – if the court considers the dog is dangerous – an order for its destruction.
The focus of the new legislation is the ‘deed not the breed’ approach. Any dog has the potential to be the subject of a notice, whatever its size or breed.
Councillor Daniel Kelly, chair of the planning, protective services and licensing committee, said the issuing of such a notice would always be a last resort.
“This is something our officers will do only when all other avenues have been exhausted. But dog owners should be quite clear that we will not hesitate to use the powers we have been given if we deem it necessary,” he added.
“Irresponsible dog owners and their animals are often the scourge of their communities, and out of control dogs are not just a public nuisance but can create genuine fear and anxiety for local residents.
“The legislation is primarily aimed at the owners, rather than the dogs. If owners can be persuaded to change their behaviour before their dogs become dangerous, then the behaviour of the dogs will also improve.”
The Control of Dogs (Scotland) Act 2010 is designed to ensure that communities are protected from dogs which are out of control and to tackle irresponsible dog ownership.
Argyll and Bute Council’s Streetscene team recently issued its first dog control notice (DCN) to a Dunoon resident who had repeatedly failed to keep their animal under control.
Under the notice, the owner is required not only to keep the dog under control but also to have a microchip implanted in the animal within 14 days (if it does not already have one) as a means of identifying both the dog and its owner.
Officers also have the power to include other measures on the notice if appropriate, such as muzzling the dog whenever it is in a public place, keeping it on a lead, neutering a male dog and attending a training course in dog control.
Failure to comply with any aspect of the DCN could lead to a fine of up to £1,000, an order disqualifying the individual from owning a dog for a specific period of time and – if the court considers the dog is dangerous – an order for its destruction.
The focus of the new legislation is the ‘deed not the breed’ approach. Any dog has the potential to be the subject of a notice, whatever its size or breed.
Councillor Daniel Kelly, chair of the planning, protective services and licensing committee, said the issuing of such a notice would always be a last resort.
“This is something our officers will do only when all other avenues have been exhausted. But dog owners should be quite clear that we will not hesitate to use the powers we have been given if we deem it necessary,” he added.
“Irresponsible dog owners and their animals are often the scourge of their communities, and out of control dogs are not just a public nuisance but can create genuine fear and anxiety for local residents.
“The legislation is primarily aimed at the owners, rather than the dogs. If owners can be persuaded to change their behaviour before their dogs become dangerous, then the behaviour of the dogs will also improve.”
NATIONAL GAELIC FILM COMPETITION LAUNCHES 'GUESS THE THEME' FOR 2012
FilmG, MG ALBA’s highly successful Gaelic online short film competition, in which locals scooped top awards at last year’s finals, is launching this year’s theme with a mini-competition.
Each year the FilmG competition creates a theme to inspire new ideas, and this year’s theme will be announced on 16th June. However, before that you can get involved in the ‘Guess the Theme’ competition and be in with a chance of winning a £200 prize. The image revealed here is one of three images created to reflect this year’s theme, and these images will be your clues in the competition.
To take part, and to see the remaining two images, send your email address to fios@filmg.co.uk, or find us at FilmG Alba, on Facebook. This year’s theme and the winner of the £200 prize will be revealed on Thursday 16th June.
About FilmG
FilmG inspires anyone over the age of 12 to make a three to five minute short film in Gaelic. Non-Gaelic speakers and learners of the language are particularly encouraged to get involved, with language help available through the FilmG support programme, TàlantG. Two main categories exist within the competition, one for Adults and one for 12-17 year olds, and with fantastic cash and industry experience prizes, the competition culminates in a grand awards ceremony which celebrates the talent behind the films.
Winners in last year’s FilmG included pupils from Millburn Academy in the city, who picked up the award for Best Script in the 12-17 category for their film ‘Caoracnaphobia’, while Kenneth MacLeod, who played the lead role in the film, took home a New Faces New Voices award for his performance.
Another winner of a New Faces New Voices award was Megan Dale of Dingwall Academy, for her animated performance as the cookery competition host in ‘Cogadh nan Còcairean’. Also winners on the night were Jenny Forbes of Farr, Strathnairn, who won both Best Student Film and Best Student Director, and her brother and co-star Alasdair Forbes, who took home the Best Performance Award, for the film ‘Obair Là’.
Two other awards went to Inverness-based filmmakers Cathey Reece and Kirree Seddon who won Best Factual Short for their film ‘Bho Blythswood le Gaol’ and Shawn Hastings, a newcomer to FilmG, who picked up the FilmG Theme award for his film ‘Làmh an Uachdar’.
FilmG also offers training for those keen to get involved, but who perhaps have no previous experience of making a film. This year’s training opportunities will kick off in September with a full weekend of film-making workshops based at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig in Skye; including script development, directing, camera basics, sound recording and editing, followed by a full programme of Adult and 12-17 workshops throughout Scotland. Full details of all training opportunities, along with an array of online resources are available on the FilmG website, at www.filmg.co.uk.
Each year the FilmG competition creates a theme to inspire new ideas, and this year’s theme will be announced on 16th June. However, before that you can get involved in the ‘Guess the Theme’ competition and be in with a chance of winning a £200 prize. The image revealed here is one of three images created to reflect this year’s theme, and these images will be your clues in the competition.
To take part, and to see the remaining two images, send your email address to fios@filmg.co.uk, or find us at FilmG Alba, on Facebook. This year’s theme and the winner of the £200 prize will be revealed on Thursday 16th June.
About FilmG
FilmG inspires anyone over the age of 12 to make a three to five minute short film in Gaelic. Non-Gaelic speakers and learners of the language are particularly encouraged to get involved, with language help available through the FilmG support programme, TàlantG. Two main categories exist within the competition, one for Adults and one for 12-17 year olds, and with fantastic cash and industry experience prizes, the competition culminates in a grand awards ceremony which celebrates the talent behind the films.
Winners in last year’s FilmG included pupils from Millburn Academy in the city, who picked up the award for Best Script in the 12-17 category for their film ‘Caoracnaphobia’, while Kenneth MacLeod, who played the lead role in the film, took home a New Faces New Voices award for his performance.
Another winner of a New Faces New Voices award was Megan Dale of Dingwall Academy, for her animated performance as the cookery competition host in ‘Cogadh nan Còcairean’. Also winners on the night were Jenny Forbes of Farr, Strathnairn, who won both Best Student Film and Best Student Director, and her brother and co-star Alasdair Forbes, who took home the Best Performance Award, for the film ‘Obair Là’.
Two other awards went to Inverness-based filmmakers Cathey Reece and Kirree Seddon who won Best Factual Short for their film ‘Bho Blythswood le Gaol’ and Shawn Hastings, a newcomer to FilmG, who picked up the FilmG Theme award for his film ‘Làmh an Uachdar’.
FilmG also offers training for those keen to get involved, but who perhaps have no previous experience of making a film. This year’s training opportunities will kick off in September with a full weekend of film-making workshops based at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig in Skye; including script development, directing, camera basics, sound recording and editing, followed by a full programme of Adult and 12-17 workshops throughout Scotland. Full details of all training opportunities, along with an array of online resources are available on the FilmG website, at www.filmg.co.uk.
Global thirst for learning about Scotch whisky quenched
A course designed to give an understanding of Scotch whisky is being launched online today (Wednesday 8 June, 2011) in a bid to satisfy increasing global demand from students.
Created by Moray College UHI, in partnership with Gordon & MacPhail, the World’s Leading Malt Whisky Specialist, the 20 hour online course can be studied anytime, anywhere with internet access. It aims to introduce students to the Scotch whisky industry and covers the history of whisky making, the production process and marketing. A section on whiskies from around the world, including Canada and Japan, is also covered to highlight the differences across the globe.
Delivered along with eight whisky miniatures and three sampling glasses the course also helps to develop skills in nosing and tasting so students can appreciate the general characteristics of different styles and types of whisky, including single and blended malts.
Moray College UHI originally joined forces with Gordon & MacPhail to develop a residential whisky course, which was then developed into an open learning course available as a CD- Rom. Following growing registration from students overseas, from Austria to Australia, it is now available as an interactive, online course - making it even more accessible.
Michael Urquhart, Joint Managing Director at Gordon & MacPhail, said:
“It is exciting to see more people from different cultures and walks of life developing an interest and enthusiasm for Scotch whisky. By going online, this unique course is helping even more people across the globe learn about its origins and the many different varieties available.
“The increasing international appeal in whisky is also reflected in the growing number of exports of our very own handcrafted single malt, Benromach, which has seen particular growth throughout Europe, North America, South Africa and Japan over the last year.”
Master distiller, Jim Cryle, is the tutor for the course and regarded as one of the greatest authorities in Scotch whisky. Retired as manager from The Glenlivet Distillery he brings to the course a broad expertise of whisky making including malting, distilling and quality control. Coupled with Gordon & MacPhail’s extensive knowledge and history of Scotch whisky spanning over 100 years and the experience of Moray College UHI, a partner in the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI), the course delivers an exclusive Scotch whisky learning experience.
Mike Devenney, Principal of Moray College UHI, said:
“The course has proven to be a huge success with people from a very broad range of 21 countries[1], including Estonia, South Africa and Hong Kong, enrolling for the CR-Rom over the last ten years.
“Converting it to an online format was the natural step in its progression. The technology means we can reach a greater audience and interact with students online via assessments and question and answer sessions. New computer animations clearly illustrate the skill and craft that whisky-making requires and students can introduce their own dimensions to the process to see the consequences of their actions on the final dram.”
Campbell Evans, Director of Government & Consumer Affairs at Scotch Whisky Association said:
"Whether before or after a trip to Scotland, or just because they already enjoy the drink, the use of technology will through this course take Scotch Whisky to living rooms and bars around the world. Better informed bar staff will be able to help their customers, and more knowledgeable consumers will be able to expand their appreciation and love of Scotch Whisky, whether they are in traditional Scotch Whisky export countries or new emerging markets.”
The course leads to a Moray College UHI/Gordon & MacPhail certificate and costs £195. It is open to anyone over 18 years old (age restrictions for the consumption of alcohol may differ in overseas markets) with an interest in Scotch whisky and may particularly appeal to those working in the whisky, hospitality, leisure and tourism or retail industries.
Further details can also be obtained from Moray College UHI Registry on T: 00 44 (0) 1343 576 309 or email: registry@moray.uhi.ac.uk
Created by Moray College UHI, in partnership with Gordon & MacPhail, the World’s Leading Malt Whisky Specialist, the 20 hour online course can be studied anytime, anywhere with internet access. It aims to introduce students to the Scotch whisky industry and covers the history of whisky making, the production process and marketing. A section on whiskies from around the world, including Canada and Japan, is also covered to highlight the differences across the globe.
Delivered along with eight whisky miniatures and three sampling glasses the course also helps to develop skills in nosing and tasting so students can appreciate the general characteristics of different styles and types of whisky, including single and blended malts.
Moray College UHI originally joined forces with Gordon & MacPhail to develop a residential whisky course, which was then developed into an open learning course available as a CD- Rom. Following growing registration from students overseas, from Austria to Australia, it is now available as an interactive, online course - making it even more accessible.
Michael Urquhart, Joint Managing Director at Gordon & MacPhail, said:
“It is exciting to see more people from different cultures and walks of life developing an interest and enthusiasm for Scotch whisky. By going online, this unique course is helping even more people across the globe learn about its origins and the many different varieties available.
“The increasing international appeal in whisky is also reflected in the growing number of exports of our very own handcrafted single malt, Benromach, which has seen particular growth throughout Europe, North America, South Africa and Japan over the last year.”
Master distiller, Jim Cryle, is the tutor for the course and regarded as one of the greatest authorities in Scotch whisky. Retired as manager from The Glenlivet Distillery he brings to the course a broad expertise of whisky making including malting, distilling and quality control. Coupled with Gordon & MacPhail’s extensive knowledge and history of Scotch whisky spanning over 100 years and the experience of Moray College UHI, a partner in the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI), the course delivers an exclusive Scotch whisky learning experience.
Mike Devenney, Principal of Moray College UHI, said:
“The course has proven to be a huge success with people from a very broad range of 21 countries[1], including Estonia, South Africa and Hong Kong, enrolling for the CR-Rom over the last ten years.
“Converting it to an online format was the natural step in its progression. The technology means we can reach a greater audience and interact with students online via assessments and question and answer sessions. New computer animations clearly illustrate the skill and craft that whisky-making requires and students can introduce their own dimensions to the process to see the consequences of their actions on the final dram.”
Campbell Evans, Director of Government & Consumer Affairs at Scotch Whisky Association said:
"Whether before or after a trip to Scotland, or just because they already enjoy the drink, the use of technology will through this course take Scotch Whisky to living rooms and bars around the world. Better informed bar staff will be able to help their customers, and more knowledgeable consumers will be able to expand their appreciation and love of Scotch Whisky, whether they are in traditional Scotch Whisky export countries or new emerging markets.”
The course leads to a Moray College UHI/Gordon & MacPhail certificate and costs £195. It is open to anyone over 18 years old (age restrictions for the consumption of alcohol may differ in overseas markets) with an interest in Scotch whisky and may particularly appeal to those working in the whisky, hospitality, leisure and tourism or retail industries.
Further details can also be obtained from Moray College UHI Registry on T: 00 44 (0) 1343 576 309 or email: registry@moray.uhi.ac.uk
Browned trees battered by storms
Experts from Forestry Commission Scotland are allaying public fears over
the "browning" of many trees on the west coast of Scotland.
Although the trees may look unhealthy, it is hoped that most will
recover over time.
Experts are citing the exceptionally strong winds and salt laden sea air
of 23 May as the cause for 'scorching' the trees and turning them brown.
Many broadleaved trees and larches have been affected and, to a lesser
extent, pine and other conifers. The main geographical area affected
appears to stretch from Dumfries and Galloway north to Fort Wiliam on
the western seaboard.
Hugh Clayden, Tree Health policy adviser for Forestry Commission
Scotland said:
"We've had a number of calls from worried members of the public who have
seen large areas of trees turning brown for apparently no reason. Their
first thought is that they are in bad health due to disease.
"We're very grateful for these calls but we are quite sure that what is
being reported here is usually a result of the recent very strong winds
coupled with salt-laden air on the coast. Basically the trees' delicate
new leaves and needles have been dried out as well as physically damaged
by the exceptional winds."
Browning and leaf wilt is also apparent inland but does not yet appear
to be anything like as severe. Other causes of extensive browning
include the severe winter frosts.
Mt Clayden added:
"We will be examining trees to see if the buds and twigs are still
alive. If they are, recovery should take place this year and next. If
not, some die-back of branches is likely to occur - although we would
still expect most trees to recover unless they suffer further extreme
events."
If for some reason trees continue to show signs of ill health in a month
or two then Forestry Commission Scotland would welcome reports from the
public.
the "browning" of many trees on the west coast of Scotland.
Although the trees may look unhealthy, it is hoped that most will
recover over time.
Experts are citing the exceptionally strong winds and salt laden sea air
of 23 May as the cause for 'scorching' the trees and turning them brown.
Many broadleaved trees and larches have been affected and, to a lesser
extent, pine and other conifers. The main geographical area affected
appears to stretch from Dumfries and Galloway north to Fort Wiliam on
the western seaboard.
Hugh Clayden, Tree Health policy adviser for Forestry Commission
Scotland said:
"We've had a number of calls from worried members of the public who have
seen large areas of trees turning brown for apparently no reason. Their
first thought is that they are in bad health due to disease.
"We're very grateful for these calls but we are quite sure that what is
being reported here is usually a result of the recent very strong winds
coupled with salt-laden air on the coast. Basically the trees' delicate
new leaves and needles have been dried out as well as physically damaged
by the exceptional winds."
Browning and leaf wilt is also apparent inland but does not yet appear
to be anything like as severe. Other causes of extensive browning
include the severe winter frosts.
Mt Clayden added:
"We will be examining trees to see if the buds and twigs are still
alive. If they are, recovery should take place this year and next. If
not, some die-back of branches is likely to occur - although we would
still expect most trees to recover unless they suffer further extreme
events."
If for some reason trees continue to show signs of ill health in a month
or two then Forestry Commission Scotland would welcome reports from the
public.
COASTGUARD PETITION DELIVERED TO No10
Highlands and Islands SNP MSP Mike MacKenzie has commended the efforts of campaigners from Shetland and Lewis who joined with SNP MPs in London today to deliver a 28,000 strong petition to Downing Street registering serious concerns about proposed cuts and closures to Coastguard services affecting Scotland.
Mike MacKenzie said,:
"One of the first Press Releases I issued after being elected to the Scottish Parliament last month was to indicate my support for the submission from CalMac about the concerns that they felt about the proposals to cut services and close down coastguard facilities north of the border. CalMac's stated concerns were that the priority driving these proposals appeared to be to make coastguard services cheaper to provide rather than any action that might provide improvements to safety at sea. They were also concerned that the MCA proposals appeared very shortly after the proposed removal of Emergency Towing Vehicles (ETVs) from the Minch area and yet failed even to mention this additional threat.
The petition protesting those cuts to the coastguard service was delivered to Downing Street today and the SNP Transport spokesman , the MP for Na Eileanan an Iar, Angus MacNeil warned that lives would be at risk if the government did not reconsider those damaging proposals and place maritime safety at the head of the Coastguard agenda.
Mr MacNeil said;
"With increased activity on Scotland's seas through oil and gas exploration, offshore renewables burgeoning along with fishing, tourist and ferry activity there are very real concerns about the effect of the present proposals which would leave Scotland's coastal waters, with 60% of the UK sea area with around 25% of the available cover. We could make much more effective choices for Scotland in Scotland rather than leave those decisions to London."
Mike MacKenzie said,:
"One of the first Press Releases I issued after being elected to the Scottish Parliament last month was to indicate my support for the submission from CalMac about the concerns that they felt about the proposals to cut services and close down coastguard facilities north of the border. CalMac's stated concerns were that the priority driving these proposals appeared to be to make coastguard services cheaper to provide rather than any action that might provide improvements to safety at sea. They were also concerned that the MCA proposals appeared very shortly after the proposed removal of Emergency Towing Vehicles (ETVs) from the Minch area and yet failed even to mention this additional threat.
The petition protesting those cuts to the coastguard service was delivered to Downing Street today and the SNP Transport spokesman , the MP for Na Eileanan an Iar, Angus MacNeil warned that lives would be at risk if the government did not reconsider those damaging proposals and place maritime safety at the head of the Coastguard agenda.
Mr MacNeil said;
"With increased activity on Scotland's seas through oil and gas exploration, offshore renewables burgeoning along with fishing, tourist and ferry activity there are very real concerns about the effect of the present proposals which would leave Scotland's coastal waters, with 60% of the UK sea area with around 25% of the available cover. We could make much more effective choices for Scotland in Scotland rather than leave those decisions to London."
Monday, 13 June 2011
MG ALBA CELEBRATES LAUNCH OF BBC ALBA ON FREEVIEW
Every household in Scotland can watch BBC ALBA today (Wednesday 8 June) as it launches on the Freeview platform from 5pm this evening.
BBC ALBA going live on Freeview channel 8 today, greatly increases accessibility for all viewers across Scotland.
The channel was also recently made available on Virgin Media’s Cable channel 188.
Alasdair Morrison, Chairman of MG ALBA, said: “MG ALBA along with our partners at the BBC have worked tirelessly towards this day and it is fantastic that the channel will be on Freeview as of today. We have been grateful for the support from the BBC Trust as well as that received from politicians in Holyrood and Westminster.
“We should be immensely proud of the creative talent that Scotland has to offer and are delighted that through BBC ALBA we are able to nurture new talent and encourage a raft of innovative ideas for Gaelic production. We look forward to bringing both Gaelic and non-Gaelic viewers an exciting package of programming that we are greatly proud of and are delighted that it can now be enjoyed by everyone throughout Scotland.”
Margo MacDonald MSP will tonight (Wednesday 8 June) host a parliamentary reception in support of BBC ALBA welcoming its launch on Freeview. Margo said: “This development should do more to persuade non-Gaelic- speaking Scots of the worth of the language and culture of the Gàidhealtachd than any previous attempt to promote understanding and appreciation of Gaelic’s rich heritage. Gaelic may be an old language but its contribution to contemporary culture will be greatly enhanced by its use of new technologies.”
Alasdair Allan MSP said: “This is a very important step forward for BBC ALBA and I am very pleased that the channel will now have access to Freeview. Many people have campaigned to make this happen for a long time and the Scottish Government has backed the plan from the start.
“BBC ALBA has made an important contribution to broadcasting in Scotland and has also strengthened the profile and use of Gaelic. The whole of Scotland should now have access to BBC ALBA’s programmes and this will help support a fresh generation of Gaelic speakers and enrich our cultural life.”
Celebrities and personalities associated with the channel including actor and film-maker Peter Mullan got behind the channel’s Freeview launch by endorsing the ‘Open Your Eyes’ to BBC ALBA campaign. Peter Mullan said: “The channel has been a great boost for the creative sector in Scotland and long may it continue.”
BBC ALBA has made a positive contribution to Scottish broadcasting and the country’s creative industries with around half of all programme hours produced in Scotland by independent producers being commissioned for BBC ALBA. The channel’s programmes are produced by a range of independent production companies as well as from the BBC and STV.
The channel also plays a key role in promoting the Gaelic language as well as supporting language learning through broadcasting programmes for learners and those interested in Gaelic language and culture. In addition, MG ALBA and the BBC, together with Bòrd na Gàidhlig and other partners, are developing new online resources for Gaelic learners, along with funding from the Scottish Government. The new learners’ website is due to launch in October this year.
BBC ALBA going live on Freeview channel 8 today, greatly increases accessibility for all viewers across Scotland.
The channel was also recently made available on Virgin Media’s Cable channel 188.
Alasdair Morrison, Chairman of MG ALBA, said: “MG ALBA along with our partners at the BBC have worked tirelessly towards this day and it is fantastic that the channel will be on Freeview as of today. We have been grateful for the support from the BBC Trust as well as that received from politicians in Holyrood and Westminster.
“We should be immensely proud of the creative talent that Scotland has to offer and are delighted that through BBC ALBA we are able to nurture new talent and encourage a raft of innovative ideas for Gaelic production. We look forward to bringing both Gaelic and non-Gaelic viewers an exciting package of programming that we are greatly proud of and are delighted that it can now be enjoyed by everyone throughout Scotland.”
Margo MacDonald MSP will tonight (Wednesday 8 June) host a parliamentary reception in support of BBC ALBA welcoming its launch on Freeview. Margo said: “This development should do more to persuade non-Gaelic- speaking Scots of the worth of the language and culture of the Gàidhealtachd than any previous attempt to promote understanding and appreciation of Gaelic’s rich heritage. Gaelic may be an old language but its contribution to contemporary culture will be greatly enhanced by its use of new technologies.”
Alasdair Allan MSP said: “This is a very important step forward for BBC ALBA and I am very pleased that the channel will now have access to Freeview. Many people have campaigned to make this happen for a long time and the Scottish Government has backed the plan from the start.
“BBC ALBA has made an important contribution to broadcasting in Scotland and has also strengthened the profile and use of Gaelic. The whole of Scotland should now have access to BBC ALBA’s programmes and this will help support a fresh generation of Gaelic speakers and enrich our cultural life.”
Celebrities and personalities associated with the channel including actor and film-maker Peter Mullan got behind the channel’s Freeview launch by endorsing the ‘Open Your Eyes’ to BBC ALBA campaign. Peter Mullan said: “The channel has been a great boost for the creative sector in Scotland and long may it continue.”
BBC ALBA has made a positive contribution to Scottish broadcasting and the country’s creative industries with around half of all programme hours produced in Scotland by independent producers being commissioned for BBC ALBA. The channel’s programmes are produced by a range of independent production companies as well as from the BBC and STV.
The channel also plays a key role in promoting the Gaelic language as well as supporting language learning through broadcasting programmes for learners and those interested in Gaelic language and culture. In addition, MG ALBA and the BBC, together with Bòrd na Gàidhlig and other partners, are developing new online resources for Gaelic learners, along with funding from the Scottish Government. The new learners’ website is due to launch in October this year.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
