BBC Scotland's first Gaelic TV producer Neil Fraser dies aged 86
He has passed away aged 86, his family confirmed in a statement.
Neil was born in Lochboisdale, South Uist, in 1938 and was brought up in Staffin on the Isle of Skye before moving to Glasgow in 1956.
(Image: Supplied) He was educated at Glasgow University and worked briefly as a maths teacher, before joining the BBC as it was establishing its Gaelic department under Fred MacAulay.
With the support of then-BBC director-general Alasdair Milne, Neil helped to give a voice to the Gaelic language on the national stage.
As a television producer, his award-winning programmes included the Stone of Destiny drama The Pinch (1980), piping documentary The Glorious Effect (1980), Gaelic current affairs show Prosbaig, and Gaelic comedy Tormod Air Telly.
During his time with BBC Scotland, Neil worked as head of current affairs and head of Gaelic.
In the latter role, he was instrumental in the consolidation of the Gaelic radio services into Radio Nan Gaidheal in 1985.
He became head of BBC Radio Scotland in 1987 before leaving the broadcaster in 1992.
(Image: Supplied) After leaving, Neil went on to author a seminal government-commissioned report making the case for a Gaelic language channel.
He became chair of MG ALBA, a new body which was established in 2003 to promote and support Gaelic broadcasting and media, where he oversaw the establishment of the channel BBC Alba.
Neil also led the television course at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, the National Centre for Gaelic Language and Culture, where he trained generations of talent who went on to make many award-winning films and programmes.
He was also committed to piping, both as a board member of the John McFayden Memorial Trust and the Silver Chanter competition.
His family said in a statement: "Our father was part of a pivotal generation that fought to reverse the damaging neglect of his native Gaelic language.
"He became an archetypal Glasgow Gael: Neither fully at home in the city, nor the croft, uncompromisingly proud of his culture and language and also witheringly critical of anything – or anyone! – that trivialised or undermined it.
"He was fiercely intelligent, charming, complex and generous, attributes that he harnessed in his efforts to make broadcasting one of the pillars of the survival of the Gaelic language."
Patsi Mackenzie, a writer and screenwriter known for works such as An t-Eilean and An Clo Mor, and a former student of Neil's, added: "As young novices in broadcasting, Neil always gave praise and encouragement when we tried to get things right – and a gentle, helpful steer when we so often got it wrong!
"He was a true mentor, generous to a fault and always with a glint in his eye.
"His charismatic presence will be forever missed."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mail
7 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Craig Revel Horwood admits he's been forced to 'mellow' his harsh judging style on Strictly by woke BBC bosses over fears of upsetting contestants
Strictly Come Dancing star Craig Revel Horwood admits he's been forced to 'mellow' his judging style by woke BBC bosses over fears of upsetting contestants. Craig, 60, who's the longest serving judge after 21 years on the panel, has always been the harshest critic but now he ensures every negative comment is followed with a positive to 'encourage' the celebrity cast. The scaling back of his onscreen persona comes after a 'change of dynamic' on the show which in recent years has seen professional dancers Graziano Di Prima and Giovanni Pernice leave the lineup over accusations of bullying. In an exclusive interview with MailOnline, the choreographer says that in today's mainstream culture, he would likely be cancelled for the same deadpan insults he remarked two decades ago. According to Craig, finding the right balance as a man on television can be difficult because comments are often 'misconstrued' and 'taken out of context', especially with Strictly, which is broadcast live on the BBC. This month alone, TV chef Gregg Wallace, 60, was sacked from MasterChef after 45 of 83 allegations made against him including one of unwelcome physical contact were upheld and co-host John Torode, 59, was also axed for using racist language. Craig, who's the longest serving judge after 21 years on the panel, has always been the harshest critic but now he ensures every negative comment is followed with a positive Craig said: 'I have found myself mellowing slightly, especially with the change of dynamic... when you consider what I used to say, I would never be able to say those sorts of things now. 'Back 21 years ago I could be more direct but now what I do is be honest and upfront with the contestants about their routine like I am with anything, I am honest, and with Strictly I am honest but then I will try tag a positive onto the end of it. 'I generally do one point now where it's a negative and a point that's positive just to help them build and grow and give them more confidence.' Craig, who's previously admitted comedians tend to react worst to negative feedback, unlike like sportspeople that thrive on his critic, is adamant he doesn't ramp up his insults for ego's sake and has the competitors' best interests at heart when he's dishing out advice. He added: 'As long as I am honest and not being harsh for effect and telling the truth about the dance then no one can really go against that. 'You will only be cancelled if you're being untoward in that way or doing it for effect or your own personal gain but that isn't my case and never will be. 'Some people don't always agree with what I say, and they get swayed by their own opinion but that's not based on any dance qualifications.' The 2025 series of Strictly Come Dancing is already in full swing as the show's pros have begun rehearsals and their celebrity partners are quietly being signed up. And there's a real reality feel to this year's line-up, with ex-Love Island star Dani Dyer, I'm A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! winner Vicky Pattison and Married At First Sight UK relationship guru Paul C Brunson all reportedly on board. Their involvement confirms a significant change intact from bosses in regard to talent, as historically reality stars were banned from the show until recent years. But Craig is all for the change and he thinks they'll benefit the show by bringing in a younger audience, just like YouTubers and TikTok stars. The Aussie explained: 'It's a good thing we're having more reality stars because the Love Island crowd brings in a new audience. 'If you take Joe Sugg as an example, when he was on the show not many people who are the Strictly Come Dancing demographic audience would know who he is because they're not on YouTube, but he proved to be completely popular and you can understand why he has so many followers and that brings the audience to the show, it's constantly growing in audience numbers and online numbers. 'On Strictly, you get to know the person, rather than what they present to the public, you see them challenged, which is the joy of the show. 'If you didn't know someone like Pete Wicks, you have certainly fallen in love with him and start to follow him and his podcast. He has become a really good friend of mine because of that, I don't make friends with everyone, but he came to see my show at the Union Chapel in Islington, and he loved it. 'I fell in love with Pete through the show and thought he was a great contestant and I look forward this year to meeting more people like that.' The new series will be Craig's 23rd and only himself and host Tess Daly, 56, remain from the show's debut series back in 2004. Asked his secret to his longevity, the judge said: 'To have a long-lasting career on television you have to be honest, be yourself and not only that but always be current. 'You need to keep up with the times and embrace languages because of course over the past 20 years language has changed with text messaging, every year there's a new trend, you have to keep up with the kids. 'I have to talk on Strictly, I'm not up there demonstrating as a teacher, there's no script, so you have to react to what you see. If you react honestly to what you see, then that's the best part.' And following the overnight demise of his fellow BBC stars, Gregg and John, does Craig have any sympathy for those who have been the subject of cancel culture, which also includes Wynne Evans, who competed on the show last year. Craig said: 'It is difficult for anyone on television because you are in the public eye and whatever you say can be misconstrued in several different ways and it can be taken out of context quite often. 'It is important to think about what you are saying and remember that you are standing on a platform that is public, it's really important to treat people with kindness and respect, if you go against that then be it on your head.' Craig has teamed up with Fox's Fabulous Chocolatey biscuits as they bring the first Dubai style pistachio cream filled sweet treat to UK supermarkets. The new range, which is available exclusively in Tesco stores nationwide for six months before launching into all major food stores, hopes to bring the luxuriousness of the viral Dubai chocolate to the UK at an affordable price. And Craig, who's known for being hard to please, has tried and tested the chocolatey biscuit and given his seal of approval, saying: 'As a luxury or with a cup of tea they are absolutely delicious.' The dancer stars in a new video to promote the biscuits, where with one bite of the £2.65 treat, he is transported to the Middle East. Craig said: 'Fox's Fabulous Chocolatey are going to make a killing because the biscuits are only £2.65, and you get the same experience or even better than the Dubai chocolate. Obviously from TikTok there has been an explosion of Dubai chocolate but who can actually afford it?' Speaking about shooting the video, Craig said: 'The campaign is fun because once you have a taste of the chocolate it takes you to a dream state in Dubai where you think that's where you are but in reality, you're sitting in rain with wet washing out and I was sat in a children's pool rather than a hotel one.' Craig, whose family recently visited the UK from Australia to celebrate his milestone 60th birthday, said his mother joined him on the Fox's Chocolatey photoshoot, and also enjoyed tasting the biscuits. He added: 'I bought my mum, and we had such a laugh. We were pretending we were in Dubai, lounging by the pools and eating gorgeous chocolate biscuits. My mum loved them and she's very fussy about chocolate biscuits, so it was a good temperature to know whether they were good or not, but she had at least three of them!'
Metro
39 minutes ago
- Metro
‘That cliffhanger was evil!' 7 amazing shows fans vow were cancelled too early
TV shows being cancelled left, right, and centre feels like an all-too regular occurrence nowadays. However, just because an exhilarating thriller or a world-bending sci-fi series might have been axed before it could have a satisfying ending, that doesn't mean we can't still appreciate them years later. Metro readers have shared their favourite shows that they feel should have had at least one more season – and their answers are bursting with passion. From a beloved Netflix zombie comedy to a BBC historical drama, these are programmes that not only were cherished by their audiences but have also stood the test of time. Of course, we at Metro also shared our favourite TV picks that ended way too early below, which we can't help but still be extremely sour about. Wake up to find news on your TV shows in your inbox every morning with Metro's TV Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your show in the link we'll send you so we can get TV news tailored to you. If you want to join the discussion, you can do so on our Facebook page – otherwise, read on to discover the seven shows chosen by our readers that deserved better. When TV fans discuss shows that were ended abruptly but deserved to be on air for longer, Firefly is frequently mentioned. 'Firefly deserved 10 more seasons,' Metro reader Nazni Ali remarked. The space Western drama starring Nathan Fillion as Serenity captain Malcolm 'Mal' Reynolds originally premiered in 2002, and only aired for one season. Yet its legacy has lived on for over two decades. One fan called Lee Luntley said that while they'd 'love' to see more Firefly in future, 'if it doesn't capture the same magic as before then it's a bad move'. Firefly is available to stream on Disney Plus. The passion for Santa Clarita Diet cannot be overstated. Starring Timothy Olyphant and Drew Barrymore, the show follows a couple whose lives are turned upside down when it emerges that Sheila (Drew) is showing signs of becoming a zombie, and therefore develops a bloodthirsty appetite. The show – which has been described as 'brilliant', 'weird' and 'genius' in equal measure – abruptly ended after just three seasons, and fans are still bitter about it. 'At least Firefly got a film as an ending, Santa Clarita Diet deserves the same,' Metro reader Paul Ingra quipped, while Heather Louise McDonald added: 'Santa Clarita Diet deserves more than it got.' Santa Clarita Diet is available to stream on Netflix. 'Save the cheerleader, save the world.' Those six simple words captured audiences around the world when Heroes premiered almost 20 years ago, in 2006. The first season boasted an average of 14 million viewers, and it's still regarded as top-tier television. There have been attempts to revive Heroes following its initial 2010 cancellation. In 2015, a spin-off series called Heroes Reborn was released, and it's been claimed that another titled Heroes: Eclipsed is in development. Nonetheless, fans, including Jimi O'Doherty, wish there had been at least one more season of the original series. 'Wish they did volume 5 Brave New World,' they wrote. Heroes is available to buy on Prime Video. Metro's TV Editor Sabrina Barr shares the shows that she's personally gutted were axed before their time. Agent Carter It's been almost a decade, and I'm still heartbroken that Agent Carter was brushed to one side after just two seasons. As a Marvel superfan, Peggy Carter (Hayley Atwell) instantly became one of my favourite characters in the Marvel Cinematic Universe when she made her debut in the 2011 film Captain America: The First Avenger. Following the presumed death of Steve Rogers (Chris Evans), Peggy is heartbroken, but jumps into action – and that's where Agent Carter picks up. It was a brilliant continuation of her story, and it's gutting that it was cut short. Agent Carter is available to stream on Disney Plus. 1899 I still haven't had a chance to watch Netflix's thriller series Dark yet. However, I did manage to catch 1899, a drama made by the same creators, Jantje Friese and Baran bo Odar, and it blew my mind to smithereens. At first, it seemed as though it was just going to be a chilling period drama set on an eerie ship. But there is so much more to it than that… and I'm wary of revealing too much for anyone who hasn't seen it yet. All I'll say is – if you enjoy a psychological thriller, period dramas, sci-fis, a brilliant ensemble cast where characters from different countries who might have never met cross paths, then you're in for a treat. 1899 is available to stream on Netflix. Glow I'm a sucker for stories set in the 80s, and I love a fantastic female-led ensemble cast. So the minute I saw a glimpse of Glow, I knew that it'd be right up my street. I'll profess – I didn't know much about wrestling beforehand, and I'm still nowhere near an expert. But learning about the 'Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling' gave me a stronger appreciation for the sport, and made me want to find out more. It's such a shame that Glow was cancelled due to Covid, and that it couldn't be resuscitated. I will continue to hold it hope that even six years later, it could have legs in the future. Glow is available to stream on Netflix. Shadow and Bone As a devout fantasy fan, Shadow and Bone mesmerised every ounce of me. I haven't read the books (they're on my To Be Read list), but I had every faith in the show, and I wasn't left disappointed. The disappointment did come, however, when Netflix confirmed that season two would be its last, despite ending on a huge cliffhanger. What's more, this meant that the previously announced spin-off Six of Crows was also no longer going forward. If you've ever stumbled upon a Netflix post on Instagram and wondered why so many people are urging the streaming site to save Shadow and Bone, give it a watch and discover for yourself. Shadow and Bone is available to stream on Netflix. The Last Kingdom is an exception on this list, as the story did conclude in a feature-length film titled The Last Kingdom: Seven Kings Must Die, which was released on Netflix in 2023. However, for some fans, that didn't suffice. 'Would have preferred another series rather than Seven Kings Must Die,' Metro reader Michael Webb quipped about the show. The historical drama originally premiered on BBC Two in 2015, before moving to Netflix for its final three seasons. The Last Kingdom is available to stream on Netflix. Lockwood and Co. had a lot of promise. So much so that one of the lead actors, Ruby Stokes, stepped away from her role on Bridgerton to commit to the project. Despite the acclaim it received from critics and fans alike, the supernatural detective series was cancelled after just one season. 'Netflix couldn't even explain their decision with any conviction 'It was one of our top-rated shows ever, but the decision was made to not greenlight season two and concentrate on making new quality content',' Kirsty Sparkman fumed while speculating over the thought process behind the decision.. Macy Macleod added that they've 'never forgiven' those who decided Lockwood and Co. would be axed. Lockwood and Co. is available to stream on Netflix. Pushing Daisies is another TV show that fans will often bring up as an example of a series that not only was cancelled too soon, but also deserves a comeback. Starring Lee Pace, Anna Friel and Kristin Chenoweth among the stacked cast, the comedy-drama is about a pie-maker called Ned (Lee) who has the ability to bring dead things back to life, and uses the unusual skill to solve murder cases. The ending of the show was altered when the creators knew that it was being cancelled, to try and provide fans with a satisfying ending. But several people admitted that they felt as though it was rushed. 'Pushing Daisies, that cliffhanger was evil!' Vicky Cosgrove wrote in frustration. Pushing Daisies is available to buy on Prime Video. There are a plethora of sci-fi shows to choose from when you're looking for a new programme to binge on streaming, but one that stands out among fans is Dark Matter. More Trending Not to be mixed up with the series of the same name that premiered on Apple TV Plus last year, the 2015 space-based drama Dark Matter lasted for three seasons. 'Dark Matter deserved season four on Syfy. Syfy cancelled it after three seasons, even though season three was the build-up for season four. Stupid,' a Metro reader going by the name SaveHolbycity David stated. Dee Lever-Johns listed Dark Matter among a list of other sci-fi and fantasy shows that have had premature ends, including Killjoys, Shadow and Bone, Warrior Nun and Lockwood and Co., adding: 'Yet they keep some total rubbish on TV.' View More » Dark Matter is available to stream on Apple TV Plus and Prime Video. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Comedy hailed as 'the best show on TV right now' is cancelled after 4 seasons MORE: Adolescence star Ashley Walters was 'basically banned from US due to criminal record' MORE: TV fans convinced heart-racing Netflix thriller shows 'Suranne Jones at her best'
Daily Mirror
39 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
Stacey Solomon and husband Joe Swash's vow after 'tension' at home
EXCLUSIVE: Stacey Solomon and Joe Swash's busy life is taking a toll on their relationship, with Joe struggling under the pressure Amid ever busier work schedules, a source has revealed to new magazine that the juggle between work and family life is taking its toll on Stacey Solomon and Joe Swash. The couple have vowed to take time out to remember why they're so good for each other. Stacey and Joe have a blended family of six children and are sharing the ups and downs of life at Pickle Cottage – and their relationship – in their BBC reality show. Alongside looking after their adorable brood and other work commitments, filming can be exhausting and is proving particularly tough on Joe, claims the source. 'Joe is under a lot of pressure. He's a wonderful father and does so much. They've still got young children so it's hard work, especially with most of them still demanding their parents' attention,' the source explains. They also claim that Stacey's other projects, including her hit BBC show Sort Your Life Out, which she has been filming across the country in recent weeks, has led to Joe stepping up more at home. Last week, the couple appeared as armchair critics on Celebrity Gogglebox – and raised eyebrows when Joe joked that he wanted to 'get away' from his other half. 'When the kids grow up, I'm going to the moon to get away from you. You're off your head,' Joe said in a tongue- in-cheek comment, which left Stacey laughing. While the couple can see the humorous side of their disagreements on screen, the source says it's not been a bed of roses for them behind closed doors. 'The pressure is starting to show. They thought they could be The Waltons version of The Kardashians, but it's such hard work,' they explained. The source continued, 'There's tension in the air and there is a bit of bickering. But it puts a strain on any relationship. You look at those on reality shows, such as the wives in The Real Housewives, with cameras in their houses 24/7, and a lot of their relationships crack under the pressure.' Stacey, 35, and Joe, 43, who often share insights into their family life – the good, the bad and the funny – on their social media accounts, got together in 2016, after initially meeting on I'm A Celebrity in 2010. They married in 2022 in a beautiful ceremony in the grounds of their Essex home, dubbed Pickle Cottage by Stacey. And it's no wonder life at home can be hectic. The couple have three kids together – Rex, six, Rose, three, and Belle, two – while Stacey is also mum to Zachary, 17, and Leighton, 12, and Joe has 18-year-old son Harry with his ex Emma Sophocleous. They've not shied away from the difficulties of family life, with series one of their TV show documenting several tough moments between the couple. One episode showed Stacey devastated after Joe didn't show up to look after the kids so she could have an important meeting. Her husband eventually arriving five hours late, to Stacey's visible dismay. 'Joe was supposed to come to this meeting, but he's been delayed indefinitely it seems,' Stacey said to camera. Joe then arrived and apologised for being '20 minutes late' due to traffic, with a frustrated Stacey correcting him that he was actually several hours late. During the show, Joe was also seen opening up about his battles with ADHD as he was filmed meeting a psychiatrist to help him 'get a grip' on his diagnosis. He admitted he wasn't 'in the best place'. 'I would love to know what I can actually do to support him because I try my hardest but I think sometimes I probably escalate the situation because I get frustrated,' admitted Stacey after talking to Joe about his appointment. She added, 'I just want to be there to support Joe, whatever that means.' Alongside her TV work, Stacey recently announced that she's launching her own perfume range and she has ongoing partnerships with brands including George at Asda and Abbott Lyon. She also co-owns hair and beauty range REHAB. Things don't appear to be slowing down anytime soon either, after it was confirmed earlier this year that Stacey and Joe's show has been commissioned for a second season. And filming is thought to be underway already. But the source maintains that a break away from the cameras – however small– is just what Stacey and Joe need. And they're aware that they need to focus on each other, given the frenetic nature of their lives at the minute. 'They're worried that if they don't have a break from the cameras and the limelight, it could affect what makes their relationship special,' the source claims. 'They're still very much in love and are really trying to focus on each other amid the silly bickering and moments of tension, and remember why they got together in the first place – and why they're actually so perfect together. They have vowed to carve out some quality time this summer to do that.'
