Tag: BBC Alba

BBC ALBA explores the hidden depths of the Hebrides with ‘real-life’ mermaid

BBC ALBA is taking a deep dive into the mystical waters surrounding the Western Isles with the Islands’ ‘real-life’ mermaid in a brand-new series of Miann na Maighdinn-mara – Slighe gu Deas | Mermaid Tales – Uist and Barra.

The new three-part series follows 28-year-old sea swimmer, Kate Macleod, as she brings ancient Hebridean folklore to life, uncovering secrets hidden beneath the waves while wearing her monofin and tail. Joined by her father, Murray, the pair travel over 150 nautical miles on the family boat to explore the Monarch Isles and Uist before heading south towards Barra and Vatersay. 

Kate’s passion for swimming has long seen her explore life under the sea but now, with custom-made mermaid tails, she is able to dive even deeper to get a closer look at the wildlife lurking on the seabed.

Careful not to disturb the natural environment, Kate follows a curious seal off the shores of the Monarch Isles, and even spots a shoal of sand eels while hidden amongst the seaweed. Beneath the waves of South Uist, Kate comes across a flounder resting among coral and cautiously ensures the fish isn’t caught in netting, before watching it glide away.

Kate, from Uig on the Isle of Lewis, comments: “The sea is a second home to me; it’s a precious place. Sea swimming is very peaceful.

“Under the water it is so quiet, calm and the colours are so bright and unlike anything you see above the surface. There is sea life and different kinds of seaweed – you see something different each time.”

On dry land, Kate goes in search of hidden treasures around the southern islands of the Western Isles. Here, she samples local delicacies, including cockles and seaweed, and hears the traditional Gaelic selkie songs sung by local musician, Pàdruig Morrison, that can be traced back hundreds of years.

Along her journey ashore, Kate learns more about mermaids in Scottish folklore and how the mythical sea creatures are said to be an unlucky sign to sailors.

At Lochboisdale Harbour, Kate meets PhD researcher Liam Crouse who has a keen interest in the history of the Outer Hebrides. Kate learns that over 100 years ago, herring fishermen spotted a mermaid at the mouth of Lochboisdale – an event which was immediately marked as a bad omen. Thankfully, Kate is reassured her tail is safe from bad luck.

Kate adds: “My tail always takes me to interesting environments beneath the sea, and I am fortunate enough to bring BBC ALBA viewers along for the journey around the southern Hebrides in this new series.

“Expect a whole new perspective on life under the sea, complete with stories from locals across the islands as we sail to some well-known spots and tranquil locations – most, rarely even seen by islanders. From land to sea, this series showcases the magical wonders of the Outer Hebrides.”

Filmed and produced by Stornoway-based MacTV, Miann na maighdinn-Mara – Slighe gu Deas | Mermaid Tales – Uist and Barra S3 premieres on BBC ALBA and BBC iPlayeron Tuesday 8 April at 9pm (in Gaelic with English subtitles).

Watch live or on demand: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000t8kj

FilmG celebrates its biggest awards ceremony yet

Edinburgh-based talent take home top accolades at industry event

The winners of this year’s prestigious Gaelic short film competition, FilmG, were revealed on Friday night in front of a packed audience of 500 filmmakers, industry professionals and FilmG enthusiasts at the SEC in Glasgow.

Hosted by BBC ALBA’s Siobhan Sutherland, the 17th annual ceremony showcased an impressive range of films, including drama, documentary, and comedy, in separate under-18 and over-18 competitions.

The competition’s expert judging panel awarded top prizes based on originality, storytelling, technical execution, and overall impact.

Edinburgh-based production company Riochdachadh Rambling Celt (Rambling Celt Productions) won Best Comedy 18+ for their film, A’ Cluich, which sees two musicians compete for a prime spot on an Edinburgh street.

Director, Róise Nic An Bheatha, who hails from Edinburgh, incorporated a number of her family members into the production, with her younger siblings even playing the lead roles. Róise’s recent bilingual Gaelic and Irish short film Le Chèile has also collected multiple awards after being screened at festivals worldwide.

Rob MacNeacail, also from Edinburgh, collected the individual Technical Excellence Award 18+ for his audio production of the film.

Best Drama (-18) went to Parker Dawes for Air Choire, marking another milestone for the young filmmaker, whose first commissioned film, Dà Sgadan, aired on BBC ALBA at Christmas – all while still in high school. Parker is the most successful individual winner in the history of FilmG, with this being his sixth win.

Parker Dawes expressed his excitement: “Winning Best Drama means so much to me. I loved making Air Choire, and to see it recognised in this way is amazing. FilmG has played a huge part in my journey, and I’m grateful for the support and inspiration it has given me.”

In the 18+ competition, the coveted Best Drama award went to AllanWith1Eils for their thrilling short, Falach-Fead, a twist on hide and seek that gripped the audience. Filmmaking couple Allan Crook and Eilidh Johnson are frequent FilmG entrants and similarly collected the top award two years ago.

Eilidh Johnson said: “We’re thrilled to win Best Drama! FilmG gives us a creative outlet, and it’s an honour to be recognised by the judges again. We always try to surprise the audience, so I’m really happy that’s worked, and hopefully, we can surprise them again in the future.”

Public votes determined the FilmG Choice Awards, with Glen Urquhart High School’s Am Blà… taking the under-18 prize for their witty spoof of BBC ALBA’s An Là, while content creator Lauren Smith won in the over-18 category for Gàidhlig, a’ Choimhearsnachd agus Mise, an intimate exploration of her personal connection to the language.

FilmG Project Director Murdo MacSween said: “It’s inspiring to see over 500 attend the awards to help celebrate Gaelic short films, and we’re excited to see what the future holds not just for the winners but also those who might be spurred on by what they saw.”

Maggie Taylor, Head of Publishing at MG ALBA, which owns FilmG, added: “A huge congratulations to all our nominees and winners and a special thank you to Siobhan for keeping the audience captivated throughout the evening.

The FilmG Awards continue to highlight the importance of Gaelic voices in Scotland’s storytelling landscape.”

A complete list of winners is available atwww.filmg.co.uk,and the full FilmG Awards livestream can be viewed on the BBC ALBA YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/@BBCALBA/streams

Who Cares?

BBC ALBA EXPLORES CHALLENGES IN SCOTLAND’S CARE SECTOR IN LATEST EÒRPA EPISODE

The care sector in Scotland continues to struggle to find and keep staff. Reporter Màiri Riddoch travels through the Western Isles and the Highlands to meet carers, service users, bosses and politicians to learn about the challenges faced in these areas in the new BBC ALBA documentary, Eòrpa: Who Cares?

After being granted access to a number of care-homes in the public and independent sectors, as well as home-delivered care, Màiri hears how an ageing population and dwindling proportion of young people are putting the care system at risk of failure.

She also meets carers who speak of the immensely rewarding and enjoyable nature of an albeit challenging, and at time heartbreaking, job.

As one resident puts it to her carer: “Where would I be without you?”.

Delayed discharge from hospitals is a problem throughout Scotland, with a daily average of 2,000 patients waiting to get out of hospitals despite being medically fit. A lack of capacity in the care sector is a major contributory factor.

Speaking at the Western Isles Hospital in Stornoway, NHS Western Isles chief executive Gordon Jamieson explains that a shortage of care staff is causing real difficulties in moving people from hospitals into the community.

Gordon says: “Today for example, there are 16 delayed discharges in this hospital, there are four delayed discharges in the Uist and Barra hospital. It’s over 30% of the beds available in this hospital.

“And the knock-on effect of that is that we may not be able to take in people for elective operations because the beds are unfortunately occupied, despite everybody’s best efforts, by people who can’t get out to the right place in the community.

“I think one of the main issues for us is the steady population decline in the Western Isles. It’s probably one of, if not the, most significant risk that the system fails.”

Across the Minch in Mallaig, Màiri meets Shanna Eddie, deputy manager at the NHS-run Mackintosh Centre care home.

The facility was forced to close in summer 2023 due to a lack of staff. It re-opened in November last year, something that was welcomed greatly by the community, residents and staff alike.

Recalling the closure in 2023, Shanna comments: “It was like everything had been ripped out from underneath you. We had six permanent residents at the time, and it was worrying about where they were going to go, how the families were going to cope, how their daily lives were going to be affected.

“We had some residents whose family didn’t drive. And for them to then be relocated 40 miles up the road to Fort William cut down greatly on their daily visits that they used to get from various family members over the course of a week.”

Many of Scotland’s residential care homes are run by independent providers, often charities or private companies.

Fairburn House in Muir of Ord, around 20 miles northwest of Inverness, has been in Susan Davison’s family for over 40 years: “We are quite rural, so that causes its own difficulties.

“We’re not on a bus route, so that again causes difficulty. And over the last while, it’s been much more difficult because there’s just not people coming for interviews or anything like that.”

Reporter Màiri Riddoch reflects on her report: “It was a privilege to have the opportunity to film inside care homes and in people’s own homes, speak to staff and to those receiving care. I wanted to shine a light on the sector and help highlight what an important and rewarding job it can be, one which I feel is often undervalued.

“Our ageing population combined with a declining working age population, particularly in the Islands and rural Highlands, brings the problem of recruitment into even sharper focus. This is something our elected representatives will need to grapple with for years to come.”

Eòrpa is BBC ALBA’s flagship current affairs programme, covering a variety of domestic and European stories.

Eòrpa: Who Cares? will premiere on BBC ALBA and BBC iPlayer at 9pm on Wednesday 12 March (in Gaelic with English subtitles).

Watch live or on demand: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/b006mvwb/eorpa

BBC ALBA documentary series probes one of the biggest drug smuggling operations in British history

In 1991, the town of Ullapool was rocked to the core when police seized over £100million worth of drugs just north of the apparently idyllic fishing village. Now, 34 years later, BBC ALBA pieces together the shocking true story which placed the Highlands at the centre of an international drug smuggling ring in Cocain is na Klondykers.

Throughout the epic three-part documentary series, premiering at 9pm on Tuesday 18 February, journalist Anna MacLeod sets out to discover how a picturesque and remote harbour town became the scene of the biggest drug bust of its time.

Against the fascinating backdrop of Soviet fish processing factory ships, the series will piece together a complex web of criminal activity that linked the Highlands of Scotland to Spain’s ‘Costa Del Crime’ and South America’s notorious Colombian crime gangs, built on first-hand testimony and rich social archive.

Maintaining its infamous title to this day as one of the most audacious drug smuggling operations in British history, viewers will also get an inside look at ‘Operation Klondyke’, the multi-agency, multi-million-pound surveillance operation that led to the arrests of six men. And what happened when the man behind it all disappeared into the ether while awaiting extradition to stand trial in Scotland.

Delving in the murky underworld, Anna will travel from the oil rigs of Aberdeen to the iconic rock of Gibraltar in search of crime kingpin Julian Chisholm (above) – the mastermind of the plan.

But with a Houdini-esque escape from a high security Spanish prison, is he dead or alive?

Journalist and presenter Anna MacLeod said: “Chisholm came to Aberdeen and went to work on the rigs like many other people from all over Scotland and the UK. But Chisholm took a different path.

“The eighties drug scene was changing rapidly and Julian Chisholm opted to put himself right in the middle of it. And I wanted to understand what made him do that. I wanted to get a better understanding of the world in which Chisholm was operating.”

With incredible access to those involved in pursuing the smugglers across the globe, the series will trace a cat and mouse style operation which often felt as though the gang was ahead of law enforcement at almost every turn. Using a rich layer of social history, we see how the breaking down of borders gave untold advantages to the criminal fraternity, and how the northwest coast of Scotland offered the ideal landscape with islands, inlets and coves to hide contraband.

Uncover the story of Scotland’s connection to international cartels as BBC ALBA unravels what became the biggest crime in Highland history. Discover how globalisation, oil and employment all played their part in turning local fishermen into international drug smugglers, helping the gang almost pull off a crime of unbelievable magnitude. 

A complex story of twists, turns and red herrings, the first episode of Cocain is na Klondykers premieres on BBC ALBA and BBC iPlayer on Tuesday 18 February at 9pm, in Gaelic with English subtitles, with weekly episodes airing each Tuesday.

Watch live or on demand: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m00285qr

BBC ALBA uncovers lost Hebridean footage in new Hogmanay documentary

BBC ALBA is kicking off its Hogmanay 2024 celebrations with a nostalgic feel, as footage from a bygone era is uncovered in a new hour-long documentary, Faodail : Found Film.

With content spanning over 50 years, the footage recovered by the Faodail | Found Outer Hebrides Film Archive project shows daily life in the Outer Hebrides, from the 1930s through to the 1980s, paying homage to the heritage of the local communities. 

The lost films give viewers a glimpse of everyday experiences living on the islands, including crofting, education and domestic life.

In the 1970s, filmmaker Annie MacDonald even managed to capture footage of a flamingo that had landed on Loch Ordais in Bragar.

With films made by Annie, along with more than a dozen other filmmakers, the archive has now managed to preserve a bank of footage to showcase to contemporary audiences, bringing the content to Gàidhealtachd and global screens for years to come.

Andy Mackinnon from the Faodail Film Archive, part of Taigh Chearsabhagh Museum & Arts Centre, commented: “Through crowdfunding efforts, we have been fortunate enough to be able to digitise these collections of indigenous 8mm film footage that will now be showcased to BBC ALBA viewers this Hogmanay.

“While most of this footage has never been seen by contemporary audiences before, the film collection donated to the project will no doubt bring back fond memories of the Outer Hebrides for many viewers.

“With some footage now over 90 years old, it is remarkable that these indigenous filmmakers at the time had the foresight to capture day-to-day living in the Outer Hebrides. This vital footage is now helping us in our understanding of the social history of the Outer Hebrides and the preservation of Hebridean culture.”

Faodail : Found Film, produced by UistFilm, is currently available on BBC iPlayer in four 15-minute short episodes. The episodes will premiere as an hour-long documentary on BBC ALBA on Tuesday 31 December at 8.30pm (in Gaelic with English subtitles).

Watch the episodes here: 

https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m00262l1/faodail-found-shorts-episode-4

BBC ALBA AIRS NEW DOCUMENTARY ON STRUGGLES WITH ADDICTION

The latest episode of BBC ALBA’s award-winning Eòrpa current affairs programme sees journalist Ruairidh Maciver marking 10 years of sobriety. In a powerful, personal, and thought-provoking programme, Ruairidh takes us from his childhood in the village of Brue in the west coast of Lewis, into adulthood, and a series of struggles with addiction to alcohol and drugs.

The report contains reflections from friends and family who have known him during this time, as well as those who he met along the way and were instrumental in his journey to recovery.

Since sobriety, addiction dealt another cruel blow to Ruairidh and his family, with the tragic and untimely death of his brother Alasdair in 2022 due to alcohol and drugs. Ruairidh reflects on this painful time and meets one of Alasdair’s closest friends, to remember his brother’s life.

Eòrpa: Recovery also brings together expert testimony from the world of science, academia, and outreach organisations who strive to minimise the effects, and understand the nature of drug and alcohol use in Scotland’s communities. With the festive season approaching, and with it a temptation to consume more alcohol, this is a time of year when worries about problem drinking can grow.

Ruairidh has known his friend Joanne Havinden since childhood.

Reflecting on Ruairidh’s addiction in his teens, she told him: “My memory of you when we were wee – you were so happy.

“And, you know, you were so good at word games and jokes and puns and making up stupid songs and all that kind of thing. 

“And you stopped doing that sort of stuff and you were unhappy. You were really sad. You know, it was just like watching an out-of-control train and we didn’t know what to do to help.”

Kenny Trainer is the Project Manager at the Bluevale Community Club in Haghill and Dennistoun. It started off as a boxing club, but has expanded, with volunteers now helping with a variety of social issues nearby.

Asked if things had moved on since a joint visit in 2021 by then First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, and then Scottish Conservative Leader Douglas Ross, Kenny told Ruairidh: “To be honest with you, probably not.

“I think that, politics as politics go, they want to point fingers at each other and blame each other and say that one is better than the other, when realistically a lot of the time they are the exact same while nothing really changes and they’ve got the power to make it change.”

This is the first time Ruairidh has spoken publicly about his past issues with alcohol and drugs, and of his journey through recovery.

Reflecting on making this special edition of Eòrpa, Ruairidh said: “It’s vital that we have an open, compassionate and non-judgemental conversation about where things stand with alcohol and drugs in Scotland today.

“Addiction is something that could affect any person and any family. The reason I wanted to make this programme is that I’ve reached a stage in my recovery where I feel ready to add to that conversation and share some of my own experience.

“My journey brought me into contact with many individuals and organisations who helped me and it was a privilege to be able to go back and speak to some of them. Everything I have in my life today is rooted in the sobriety that they helped me to achieve.

“If this programme can offer hope to anyone struggling with addiction, or encourage them to seek support, it will have been worthwhile.”

Eòrpa is BBC ALBA’s flagship current affairs programme, covering a variety of domestic and European stories.

Eòrpa: Recovery will premiere on BBC iPlayer and BBC ALBA at 9.00pm on Wednesday 27 November (in Gaelic with English subtitles). Watch live or on demand: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/b006mvwb/eorpa

BBC ALBA explores Scotland’s favourite dog breeds

BBC ALBA’s new six-part series, Cù Leis Thu? A Puppy for Pàdruig is getting up close with Scotland’s best-loved dog breeds – from firm family-favourites to breeds you may be less familiar with – as we follow presenter Peter MacQueen choosing a new puppy.

TV personality and author Peter MacQueen has been on a journey to find a pup to take home to the cosy rural hut he shares with partner, Coinneach MacLeod (The Hebridean Baker), following the passing of their beloved Westie, Seòras, last Christmas.

Peter sets out to gather as much information as he can about Scottish dog breeds, from the rarest to the oldest, and everything in between. He remarks: “I hope to find a new puppy…but choosing one will be the challenge!”

Peter adds: “We often ask each other ‘Cò leis thu?’ [who do you belong to?]. It’s much more than just asking who your family is – it’s a question about your roots, your ancestors, and your place in the wider community. For me life isn’t complete without a dog, so this also begs the question “Whose dog are you? or ‘Cù leis thu?!” Afterall, the history of our Scottish dogs is so deeply connected to our story too.”

Starting in Skye, Peter meets one of the rarest dog breeds in the world – the Skye Terrier. After playing with the pups, he uncovers hidden secrets about the breed, which leads him to wonder if a Skye Terrier could fit in with their lives. Peter remarks: “From a practical perspective, could I look after that long hair? It’s difficult enough for me to look after my own beard!”

After a few more visits, Peter finds himself in Argyll and Bute discovering more about a dog breed very close to his heart – the West Highland Terrier. In the very place that the Westie originated, Peter learns the fascinating story behind why these charming dogs were bred, and how they got their distinctive white fur. Will the Westie pups prove to be irresistible to Peter?  And if so, does he settle with one and resist the other breeds?

He continues to Glasgow’s famous Kelvingrove Park where, with the help of experts and a group of dog walkers, Peter sets out to see if genes play a role in shaping the dogs’ personalities.

The final episode, airing on Christmas Day, promises to deliver a heart-warming surprise and also discovers the rewarding experience of rescuing a dog. Animal shelters often see a huge increase in abandoned dogs after the festive season, when some owners realise they can’t keep up with the demands of a dog.

The new docu-series is set to entertain but also encourage potential dog-owners to think more carefully about their chosen breed and the responsibilities of bringing a dog into the family. While a puppy may appear to be the perfect Christmas gift Cù Leis Thu? A Puppy for Pàdruig reminds viewers that they are a lifelong commitment requiring training, socialisation and lots of love.

Tune in each week on BBC ALBA and BBC iPlayer to join Peter in pursuit of puppy facts, folklore and fun, from Tuesday 19 November at 8.30pm. 

Don’t miss the Cu Leis Thu? A Puppy for Pàdruig finale surprise at 8.30pm on Christmas Day.  Watch live or on demand (in Gaelic with English subtitles).

BBC ALBA explores male suicide in Scotland

One in 100 deaths worldwide are connected to suicide. In Scotland, that accounts for over 700 people a year and three-quarters of these are men.

A new BBC ALBA Trusadh documentary, Big Boys Don’t Cry, will air during National Suicide Awareness Week on Monday 9 September at 9pm with presenter Derek ‘Pluto’ Murray meeting people whose lives have been affected by mental health struggles and suicide.

Professor Rory O’Connor from the University of Glasgow, is Professor of Health Psychology, Director of the ‘Suicidal Behaviour Research Laboratory’, and leads research into suicide and self-harm.

Discussing the support available, Professor O’Connor says: “We did some work recently looking at trying to understand male suicide specifically and one of the messages that came back time and time again was that the services and support out there are not tailored to their needs.

“We have this traditional model of expecting men to go to clinical services; well, that might work for some people, but what about actually going to places that men are? Why don’t we go to places like football clubs, rugby clubs, the shinty club, whatever it might be, and use that as a mechanism of support?”

This is particularly important in a rural context. Professor O’Connor continues:

“We’re trying to make sense of why the suicide rates are particularly high there. Part of that is linked to access to services, and part of that is linked to the fact that if you live in rural communities, the likelihood of being socially isolated is increased.

“There’s also this idea people talk about of ‘living in a fish bowl’, that you’re less likely to talk about your emotions, your feelings, or if there’s problems going on in your life because you’re concerned about what your neighbours or friends might think.

“Reaching out for help is a sign of strength, it’s not a sign of weakness, so we need to engrain that in our young people. But we also need to ensure that the services and support out there is tailored to these men.”

Patrick Mullery from the ‘James Support Group’ explains: “We offer support – monthly meetings in various locations. There’s 10 actually, all the way from Thurso down to Fort William, across to Elgin, Inverness and lots of places in between.

“It’s a group setting, it’s specifically for people who are bereaved by a suicide but also for people who have suicidal thoughts. We bring those two types of people together for mutual support and understanding – the hope is that people who have suicidal thoughts will see the devastation that is left behind in an attempt to give them another barrier to stop them going that extra step.

“To actually just make them stay with us and realise that they are loved and they would be missed.

“We’ve all got emotions and we have to break the stigma around poor mental health and about suicide. Boys can cry and the best thing to do for yourself, if you’re in a bad place, is talk about it. Unfortunately, suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem.”

In Glasgow, Derek visits Drumchapel-based charity ‘Men Matter Scotland’ to find out more about their approach to offering support and how they have created a safe place for men to visit. 

From street outreach to the facilities available at the welcoming hub, the team hope to build a self-sustaining and secure model that can be shared with other parts of Scotland.

Vice chair D I Brown says: “What is most important is that people talk. If people don’t start to speak about this, it will be hidden and more men will die from suicide. I’d say that people need to open up and be open.”

Professor O’Connor adds: “People sadly still believe that if you ask somebody about suicide, or if you talk about suicide, that you make it more likely that you’ll plant the idea in somebody’s head. There’s no evidence for that. Indeed, the evidence is for the opposite – suicide prevention is everyone’s business – and I mean that sincerely.

“We all have a role that we can play in preventing suicide. Anything we can do, no matter how big or small – a WhatsApp message, a text message, a phone call – anything that reaches out to someone who might be struggling, that sense of connection could be potentially lifesaving.

“I would encourage everybody and anybody, if you’re concerned about a loved one, a friend, a colleague, please reach out… That sense of human connection could save a life.”

Filmed and produced by Stornoway-based MacTV, Big Boys Don’t Cry premieres on BBC ALBA and BBC iPlayeron Monday 9 September at 9pm (in Gaelic with English subtitles).

Watch live or on demand: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0022vyn

BBC ALBA airs Eòrpa, Gaelic Census Special

2022’s Census saw the first increase in those able to speak Gaelic since 1971. The numbers were up from 57,375 to 69,701 – a 21% increase.

While the national data is welcome news for a language which has seen a long downward trend in speaker numbers, the picture is not as positive in the language’s heartland of the Western Isles.

There, Gaelic is now a minority language with 45% reported being able to speak it in 2022, compared to 52% in 2011 – a 7% decrease.

In this latest episode of BBC ALBA’s current affairs programme, Eòrpa, reporter Eileen Macdonald visits the Western Isles where she hears how depopulation and housing challenges are impacting traditional Gaelic-speaking communities.  In Glasgow Eileen hears the challenges faced by Gaelic speakers in Scotland’s cities when it comes to opportunities to use the language.

The northwest of the Isle of Lewis has traditionally been one of the areas in Scotland with the highest proportion of Gaelic speakers. There, Eileen met Kirsty and John, both plumbers and both part of a younger generation on which any improvement in the fortunes of the language depends.

Kirsty, a Gaelic speaker, told Eòrpa: “Not many people use it. If your parents or your gran or grandad have it, then you’ll probably speak it. But if your parents don’t have it, any the people you speak to regularly don’t either, then you won’t”.

John, who grew up with the language but rarely uses it, added: “I think if you’re not speaking it home, it’s definitely going to die down and I think less and less young people are out less and so they are not interacting with people who have Gaelic and they don’t know about it as well.”

Responding to the 21% growth nationally in Gaelic speakers, and sharp growth in parts of the the country with comparatively few Gaelic Services, Emeritus Professor Wilson McLeod of the University of Edinburgh said: “In places like Edinburgh and Glasgow, there are Gaelic schools and these places have always attracted Gaels from the islands for work and study.

“But in other parts of the mainland, there isn’t very much being done. Despite that, the biggest growth is seen in places like Aberdeenshire, Falkirk, Dundee and similar places where not much is happening in terms of Gaelic.”

Indeed, encouraging those able to speak the language to use it regularly remains a challenge. The Census tells us how many people in 2022 reported being able to speak the language, but not how many actually do.

In the Scottish Government, the responsibility for Gaelic is part of Deputy First Minister and Economy Secretary Kate Forbes’ brief.

Asked if she thinks Gaelic is in crisis, the Cabinet Secretary remarked: “You can be happy about the numbers that have gone up. People would always ask how best to provide more support for learners, and we’re seeing progress there. That’s good news.

“But a language has to be alive, like English is alive. Gaelic is alive in the traditional communities, but it’s bad news that the numbers there are falling. People ask if Gaelic is in crisis.

“I’m prepared to say “yes it is”, but that’s not going to make any difference if all it is is words. We need the right policies, as well as money and funding.

Reporter Eileen Macdonald: “Having visited communities, and met campaigners, experts, and poilicy-makers, it’s clear there are positives and negatives to take from the state of Gaelic today.

A national rise in speakers is good news, with Gaelic Medium Education continuing to play a large part in feeding that growth. However, there’s real concern about the decline of Gaelic in its heartlands and the fact that it is now a minority language in terms of speakers in the Western Isles.

“The challenge persists too, of how to make sure those able to speak it actually do.”

Eòrpa is BBC ALBA’s flagship current affairs programme, covering a range of domestic and European stories, ranging from the plight of refugees from Nagorno-Karabakh, to the impact of mass tourism in the Canaries, and the issue of gender-based violence in rural Scotland.

The new episode of Eòrpa: Suas leis a’ Ghàidhlig? premiered on BBC iPlayer and BBC ALBA at 9.00pm on Wednesday 28 August (in Gaelic with English subtitles).

Watch on demand: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/b006mvwb/eorpa

BBC ALBA investigates the lasting effects of long Covid

Four years after the UK went into lockdown due to the global COVID 19 pandemic, BBC ALBA explores the long-lasting impact of the virus experienced by people across Scotland in a brand new Trusadh documentary, Fo Sgàil Covid/Covid’s Long Shadow.

The Office of National Statistics estimated that there are around two million people in Scotland and England suffering with ‘long Covid’. For those who are still battling with the after-effects of the disease, it makes working and undertaking everyday tasks challenging.

Broadcaster Cathy Macdonald travels around Scotland to meet people living with the lasting effects of Covid to learn about the different ways in which the disease has affected them and how they have been managing their recovery whilst living in Covid’s long shadow.

David MacLennan from Gress on the Isle of Lewis is amongst those who Cathy talks to during the documentary, produced by MacTV. David has spent most of his working life in nature conservation and loves the outdoors. 

The impact the disease has had on him has been incredibly challenging.

He said: “I became ill about a year into the pandemic. Like everyone else, I isolated for 10 days, but after the 10 days were up, I was not fine.”

David was admitted to Western Isles Hospital, before being airlifted to Raigmore Hospital in Inverness and admitted to the High Dependency Unit. David was eventually discharged but it took him nearly four months to begin to show signs of recovery.

He continues: “For a man who has never been in hospital in his life, for that to happen so quickly was an absolute shock to the system.

“I remember everything I experienced, from the headaches and the high temperatures to the fatigue; I couldn’t walk 10 yards and I couldn’t breathe. Thankfully, the treatment I received in the High Dependency Unit worked, and the staff in Raigmore were fantastic; I owe them my life.

“I struggled to walk around the house when I got home. It took me four months before I could even think about starting back at work. I remember coming to Tràigh Mhòr beach with a colleague who I hadn’t seen for some time to just get out of the house. It was such a pleasure to be able to walk along the sand, something that was so precious to me before and I thought was being taken away from me by Covid.”

When asked about his health now, David says: “I am about 90% of who I was before Covid. I am back climbing hills and catching salmon.

“I feel privileged to do these things. At my work I am able to go out into the countryside and meet people, which I couldn’t do when I was ill.

“There is still a bit to go, but I am working on it.”

Fo Sgàil COVID Press PromoDownload

Learn more about the real lives and stories of those affected by long Covid in Fo Sgail Covid / Covid’s Long Shadow, premiering on BBC ALBA and BBC iPlayer on Monday 19 August at 9pm (in Gaelic with English subtitles).

Watch live or on demand: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m00226wp