Latest news with #BBCALBA
Scotsman
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Scottish stars read Gaelic children's bedtime stories in new BBC ALBA series
BBC ALBA is helping little ones wind down with a new season of Stòiridh, its much-loved Gaelic bedtime story series with the help of some familiar Scottish personalities. Sign up to our Arts and Culture newsletter, get the latest news and reviews from our specialist arts writers Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Stars of the acclaimed drama An t-Eilean, Sorcha Groundsell and Sam James Smith, along with Scotland's Makar, Peter Mackay, chaplain and broadcaster Suzie Roberts and poet Babs Macgregor are the Gaelic personalities lending their voices and storytelling talents to the new series, guiding young viewers into dreamland with charming Gaelic tales. With two episodes airing each week at 5.55pm on BBC ALBA, Stòiridh invites children to cosy up in their favourite aodach-leapa (pyjamas) to hear this season's guest contributors read from some well-known storybooks, with cuddly toys and fun props to help bring the tales to life. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Aimed at 3-6 year olds, the series supports early Gaelic language learning while providing an entertaing evening routine. The season opens with Sorcha Groundsell reading Sin an Dìthean Agamsa! | That's My Flower!, a beautifully illustrated story about a protective bird that tries its best to take care of a precious flower. BBC ALBA - Stòiridh Sam James Smith Talking about her involvement in the new series, Sorcha Groundsell says: 'I'm thrilled to be part of this iconic series reading some of our well-loved Gaelic stories to little ones before bedtime. It's a great way to educate BBC ALBA's younger audiences with Gaelic words they may not be familiar with. 'We hope the new series will help kids – and their parents – get a good night's sleep!' Peter Mackay, Scotland's Makar, adds: 'It's great to be part of this series of Stòiridh; I wish that when I was young we'd had so many different stories - and readers - on TV in Gaelic. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'There are so many great books out there, and I hope each story in the series helps encourage children to love reading, and playing, and messing around with words themselves.'
Scotsman
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
BBC ALBA to broadcast Skerryvore's landmark 20th anniversary Floors Castle concert
Recorded at the stunning Floors Castle in Kelso, Scottish Borders, BBC ALBA's Skerryvore aig Caisteal Floors captures the energy and emotion of a night that brought together over 6,000 fans from across the world, with a stellar line-up of trad music stars. Special guests included Trail West and Nathan Carter, who helped set the stage for a rousing headline performance from Skerryvore, marking two decades of unforgettable tracks. The band were also joined by guest performances from Valtos and The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Pipes and Drums. The exclusive broadcast airs on BBC ALBA and BBC iPlayer this Saturday (7 June), with presenter Megan MacLellan sharing backstage interviews and music highlights with some of the band's best-loved songs including Scottish anthem, Take My Hand. Formed on Tiree, Skerryvore's original line-up has grown from island roots into an internationally acclaimed act, with a unique blend of traditional folk, rock and pop. With seven studio albums and a global touring reputation, this anniversary concert represents a milestone in their remarkable journey. Skerryvore front man, Alec Dalglish, commented: 'Celebrating our 20th anniversary in front of fans from all over the world was quite honestly up there as the best night of our lives. There's no feeling in the world like hearing more than 6,000 people singing every lyric back to you – the night will stay with me for a long, long time. Floors Castle made for such a stunning background for this celebration, there was a real sense of occasion that felt fitting to mark two decades together. It's fantastic to have the story of this milestone captured and shared on BBC ALBA – we would encourage anyone who wants to relive it all or those that weren't able to join us to tune in and experience a slice of the magic of Skerryvore XX.' Calum McConnell, Commissioning Executive at BBC ALBA, said: 'Skerryvore are one of Scotland's biggest trad music success stories. Over two decades, they have played a string of sell out shows across the USA, Canada, Australia and Europe, reimagining traditional folk music to break into the mainstream, garnering fans around the world. 'Although we've featured Skerryvore on BBC ALBA programming at Belladrum and Hoolie in the Hydro, we've not had the chance to film one of their headline performances, so it is incredibly special to be showcasing their anniversary concert to viewers. Fans that missed out on a ticket, or those who simply want to relive the magic all over again, can tune into BBC ALBA or BBC iPlayer this Saturday, with added behind the scenes stories.' Catch all the highlights from Skerryvore aig Caisteal Floors on BBC ALBA and BBC iPlayer on Saturday 7 June at 9pm (in Gaelic with English subtitles). Watch live or on demand: 1 . Contributed BBC ALBA Skerryvore aig Caisteal Floors Photo: Submitted Photo Sales 2 . Contributed BBC ALBA Skerryvore aig Caisteal Floors Photo: Submitted Photo Sales 3 . Contributed BBC ALBA Skerryvore aig Caisteal Floors presenter Megan MacLellan Photo: Submitted Photo Sales 4 . Contributed BBC ALBA Skerryvore aig Caisteal Floors Photo: Submitted Photo Sales
Scotsman
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
BBC ALBA launches talent search to open Belladrum main stage
Following the success of the 2024 talent search, BBC ALBA has teamed up with The Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival once again with a new quest to find the best up-and-coming musical talent from the Highlands and Islands. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Open to solo artists and bands (where at least 50% of its members have a Highland home address) across all genres, one newcomer will be given the opportunity to perform on the main stage at this year's Belladrum Tartan Heart Music Festival. Known for its unique and diverse showcase of music and the arts, the festival has grown in popularity over the past 20 years, now attracting thousands of visitors. As it prepares for its 21st year, with acts including Texas, Supergrass, Paul Heaton, Tom Walker and Natasha Bedingfield confirmed, the team is on the hunt to find the best new homegrown talent to open the main stage at the Hot House Arena on Thursday 31 July. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad True to its longstanding support of Scottish artists, BBC ALBA is supporting the search, providing a platform to propel newcomers onto the celebrated Scottish music scene, as well as an additional opportunity for the winner to record an acoustic session in the BBC ALBA studio at the festival. Cameron Ferguson and band open the Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival 2024 Calum McConnell, commissioning editor at BBC ALBA, said: 'While there is nothing quite like the atmosphere of being in the field at a festival, shoulder to shoulder with fellow music and arts fans, BBC ALBA remain committed to bringing the magic of Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival to audiences who can't be there in person, as we have done for the past 13 years. 'Our festival highlights are always a popular fixture in BBC ALBA's summer schedule, and this year will be no exception. The addition of the talent search will shine an even brighter light on the incredible creativity emerging from the Highlands and Islands.' Musicians can apply by submitting a bio and link to their music to tartanheart@ with entries judged by a panel of experts, including representatives from the BBC and Belladrum, alongside an independent musician appearing at the festival, before the shortlist goes to a public vote. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Applications will open on Tuesday 27 May at 9am and will close at 11.59pm on Sunday 8 June. Cameron Ferguson and band open the Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival 2024 It is expected that the public vote will open on Friday 13 June on the Belladrum website, closing on Friday 20 June, ahead of Belladrum Tartan Heart Music Festival 2025 from Thursday 31 July to Saturday 2 August. Belladrum festival producer, Dougie Brown, said: 'We're so excited to be teaming up with BBC ALBA once again to uncover and celebrate the next wave of incredible Scottish talent. This opportunity is so much more than a performance slot — it's a potential launchpad for an artist's future. Over the years, we've seen past talent go on to build amazing careers, and that journey often starts right here, on the Belladrum stage. 'Our partnership with BBC ALBA has been instrumental in showcasing not just the festival, but the creativity and energy coming out of the Highlands and Islands. Fourteen years on, it's still a huge moment when a fresh new voice gets the chance to share their music with thousands, both on site and at home. We can't wait to see who takes that spotlight this year.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Last year's BBC ALBA x Belladrum talent search winner, Cameron Ferguson, said: 'Almost a year on from winning the 2024 Belladrum talent search, I can still say that opening up that stage was the proudest moment of my musical journey to date. The feeling of playing on a stage I had once only dreamed of playing was surreal, especially one so close to home. Thank you Belladrum, you've opened a lot doors for the band and I. We will be back soon enough!' Cameron Ferguson and band open the Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival 2024 Belladrum brings together top musical acts, comedy, cabaret, spoken word, dance, drag and even wrestling as part of the annual family-friendly festival. A wealth of new names and popular crowd-pleasers have been added to the festival line up in recent weeks, including The Pigeon Detectives, Example, The Hoosiers, Irish singer and songwriter CMAT, and Scottish folk rock and pop favourites Skipinnish and Tide Lines. Find out more about Belladrum and get your tickets at
Scotsman
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
BBC ALBA takes walk with familiar faces in Rathad Ramsay
BBC ALBA invites viewers to slow down and connect with people through place as Rathad Ramsay (Ramsay's Road) returns for a compelling second series. Sign up to our Arts and Culture newsletter, get the latest news and reviews from our specialist arts writers Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The new four-part TV series follows presenter Ramsay MacMahon as he's joined by guests for a relaxing walk in some of Scotland's most breathtaking locations. The walks through nature spark open and candid conversations with personal stories of resilience, loss, healing and hope being shared. From uncovering tragic failings in maternity care and the emotional weight carried following the loss of a child, to the struggles faced by frontline police officers, these reflective walks offer raw and powerful insights into the experiences which have shaped the lives of individuals. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Airing weekly from Tuesday 27 May, each episode is filmed through a handheld camera capturing the quiet moments and thoughtful exchanges that define the series. Ramsay and Maureen MacLeod Ramsay's guests include: BBC journalist and broadcaster, Micheal Buchanan (27 May, 8.30pm) Michael heads home to Barra to walk with Ramsay on one of Scotland's most iconic beaches where aeroplanes land. He discusses the part he played in uncovering devastating maternity ward failures in England, coverage which won him the notable RTS Specialist Journalist of the Year award in 2023. Writer, broadcaster and producer, Maureen MacLeod (3 June, 8.30pm) Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Ramsay and Calum Steele Maureen enjoys a walk with Ramsay on the West Highland Way. Originally from Lewis, she talks about her time working in incredibly hostile environments, including Crimea, and how local authors in her home district of Ness inspired her to be a writer. Ex-police officer and former general secretary of the Scottish Police Federation, Calum Steele (10 June, 8.30pm) Calum hikes in the Ochil Hills with Ramsay where he reflects on his time working for Police Officers' rights. He talks of his father's role in the Crofter's Union, which taught him about human rights from an early age and the strength of unions. BBC ALBA news anchor and broadcaster, Màiri Rodgers (17 June, 8.30pm) Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Ramsay and Màiri Rodgers Màiri and Ramsay take an emotional walk in Dundreggan, near Inverness, as Màiri talks about her most important role, as a mother. She speaks about her first pregnancy which led to a premature birth and her child spending significant time in hospital before being welcomed home; and her second pregnancy, which resulted in a still birth at five months. She talks of her involvement in charities supporting families grieving the loss of children. Presenter Ramsay MacMahon said: 'There's something powerful about conversations whilst walking outdoors. A slow-paced walk in spectacular rural landscapes creates space for reflection. I've found that often leads to surprisingly honest, and even cathartic, exchanges. 'Speaking with guests about the highs and lows they've experienced, what drives them or what is important to them in life, has given me a deeper understanding of the emotional weight so many people carry. It has taught me a lot about human character. We have so much to learn from one another and the landscape around us can support, ground and even heal us. The pace of these walks allows stories to surface naturally, allowing pause for thought, and that's what makes this series so human.'
Scotsman
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Grand Prix win for Gaelic language drama An t-Eilean at Prix CIRCOM 2025
MG ALBA has achieved a major international milestone, taking home the coveted Grand Prix at last night's Prix CIRCOM 2025 awards – the highest honour in the prestigious European television awards. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The Grand Prix win was awarded to Black Camel Pictures' acclaimed Gaelic-language crime thriller An t-Eilean (The Island), which had already been named winner of the Drama and Entertainment category earlier in the evening at the gala award ceremony in Barcelona. In a surprise announcement, the series was also revealed as the overall winner across all genres. Set against the elemental landscape of the Outer Hebrides, An t-Eilean (The Island)is a compelling crime story that follows a family caught up in a murder investigation very close to home. When their mother is found murdered in the family castle, four adult children return to the Scottish island of their birth as their father is questioned over her death. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Commissioned by BBC ALBA and produced by Black Camel Pictures, with funding from MG ALBA, Screen Scotland, Black Camel Pictures and All3Media International, the drama premiered in the UK on BBC ALBA in January 2025, becoming the best performing Gaelic programme since the channel's inception. A further broadcast window was also secured on BBC Four earlier this year. Drama and Entertainment category award accepted by (L-R) actor Sorcha Groundsell (who plays lead Kat Crighton in An t-Eilean), Black Camel Pictures' Arabella Page Croft, and MG ALBA director of content, Margaret Cameron The Grand Prix 2025 accolade crowns a year of renewed momentum for the Prix CIRCOM awards, which saw a 22 per cent rise in entries and an influx of new broadcasters joining the competition for the first time. Judging took place in April with winners selected by a panel of industry professionals from across 15 European regional public service outlets. John Morrison, Chair of MG ALBA, said: 'Winning the Grand Prix is an incredible achievement for a Gaelic show, placed at the pinnacle of Europe's regional television industry by our peers. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'MG ALBA has been working with a tight and diminishing budget for years and it was a calculated gamble by the Board of MG ALBA to invest all of our drama budget for a whole year in one short box set. But we were confident in the story, the cast and the production team. So were our funding partners and the BBC. An t-Eilean has already broken audience records for a Gaelic show, and it is very rewarding for everyone involved to win two awards in this prestigious ceremony. High quality drama needs a serious budget and increased investment by the Scottish Government would allow us to build on this success.' An t-Eilean / The Island David Swetman, SVP scripted content at All3Media International, added: 'We're so pleased that the appeal of Black Camel's wonderful drama has been recognised with the top award from the CIRCOM jury of European broadcasters in Barcelona.' Arabella Page Croft, Executive Producer at Black Camel Pictures, said: 'Thanks so much to the jury! Wonderful to win the Grand Prix at the CIRCOM awards celebrating European television drama production. We share this award with our hugely talented cast, crew and creative commissioners and financiers who adventured with us!' David Smith, Director at Screen Scotland, said: 'This is a fantastic win for the An t-Eilean team. The popularity of this ambitious series and the recognition it has received, including this award, is an incredible vote of confidence in the strength of Gaelic language drama.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Chosen from across all category winners, the Grand Prix recognises the single most outstanding programme of the year. While regional winners receive prior notice, the winner of the Grand Prix is announced live on the night, at the CIRCOM Annual Conference. Grand Prix award accepted by (L-R) Chair of MG ALBA, John Morrison, Black Camel Pictures' Arabella Page Croft, and actor Sorcha Groundsell (who plays lead Kat Crighton in An t-Eilean) Commending the diverse offering within the entries for the Prix CIRCOM 2025, Chair Marina Ramos of RTP, Portugal, said: 'We found many very good stories, great productions, and specially commissioned content that let us see and enjoy beautiful landscapes and regions all over Europe and different kinds of culture. All that is very important for public service media to offer to consumers. 'Our selection for Grand Prix was the drama An t-Eilean (The Island). And the reason is simple: we have all seen murder series from all over the world but this is a very great production, high quality, good story, great actors, beautiful landscape and, above all made in the Gaelic language, showing us a region in Scotland, with magnificent natural features. Livestock, castles and so on.' The Prix CIRCOM 2025 jury report noted: 'There is beautiful scenery, imposing castles and wonderful views of natural beauty. The drama matches well to this specific scenery and setting. The acting is splendid: it's intense and you don't want to stop watching. The production values are high and this is an ambitious production. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'It is very fascinating and impressive that the drama is produced in the Gaelic language. This will help spread knowledge of the language when making such quality entertainment for a wider audience. Good dramas are made all over the world – but this is special.'
