Calls for more support for Scottish Gaelic Broadcasting

Former Scotland Office minister Iain Stewart has called for better support in UK government legislation for Gaelic broadcasting. He said the service in Scotland should enjoy the same public sector broadcast status as the Welsh language. At this time public broadcasting is a matter reserved to Westminster (British government). 

In response Culture Secretary Michelle Donelan said options to improve support for the service was being looked at as part the forthcoming Media Bill. She said that along with Mr Stewart there had been a meeting with the chief executive of broadcaster MG Alba to hear concerns about future support for the service. MG Alba is the operating name of the Gaelic Media Service (Scottish Gaelic: Seirbheis nam Meadhanan Gàidhlig).

The Scottish government has said that support for the Gaelic language was vital. A Scottish government spokeswoman said: “The Scottish government is a strong supporter of BBC ALBA and has been a principal funder of the channel since its launch. “Gaelic is a significant part of Scotland's history and culture and we are absolutely committed to seeing it thrive.”