The Scottish Executive has just announced that it will help to fund a new Scottish Gaelic Digital TV station. It is estimated that the channel currently being developed by the Gaelic Media Service (GMS) will cost between £16m and £17m. GMS is working in partnership with the BBC to develop the Gaelic digital channel.

GMS will use the funding to commission a range of programmes to be broadcast when the new channel is launched later this year.

It will also receive an additional £100,000 to purchase the Scottish Media Group (SMG) Gaelic archive which it has built up over a number of years. Patricia Ferguson, the Culture Minister said: “This funding demonstrates that we are serious about promoting the use of Gaelic in Scotland.”

“It also recognises our commitment to Gaelic broadcasting and reflects the importance of the language to our history and culture. “Gaelic digital television should have a significant impact on the status and use of language, boosting the confidence of Gaelic native speakers and learners.”

“It will also build artistic and technical skills and extend economic opportunities.”

The minister said GMS and the BBC had made “significant progress” towards delivery of a dedicated Gaelic television service which would complement existing radio and online services already provided by the BBC.

From BBC News

More information on Gaelic Media Services can be found at their website.