Highland Council delighted with BBC Trust decision on Freeview for BBC ALBA

The Highland Council has welcomed the BBC Trust’s announcement today that BBC ALBA will be available on Freeview to viewers in Scotland.

Councillor Sandy Park, Convener of The Highland Council,  said: “We are delighted with the BBC Trust’s approval of BBC Alba’s availability on the Freeview platform.  Wel have supported this move for a number of years and we congratulate the BBC Trust on its decision.  We also warmly congratulate the BBC and MG ALBA partnership on this recognition of BBC ALBA as a strong brand and a quality broadcaster.

“BBC ALBA has adopted imaginative ways of attracting new audiences to Gaelic broadcasting.  We are sure that this move will give Gaelic renewed vigour and fresh momentum and will further enhance Gaelic’s profile and status.  We look forward to the wider availability of BBC ALBA on Freeview greatly improving the prospects of success for all those who are working to build a healthy and sustainable future for Gaelic.”

Councillor Hamish Fraser, Chairman of The Highland Council’s Gaelic Committee,  added: “This is undoubtedly a significant step in the development of Gaelic broadcasting, and the Gaelic language overall. In the first place, Freeview transmission will mean that many more Gaelic speakers will have easy access to high-quality programming in the language, and I'd expect audiences to grow as a result. Secondly, and perhaps just as importantly, giving Gaelic a substantial place on such a mainstream platform will help raise the profile of the language amongst the wider population."