Up to £500,000 is to be invested to upgrade studio facilities at Scotland's Gaelic media service, MG ALBA.

The Seaforth Road Studio in Stornoway will be redeveloped to provide improved facilities for programming which will be used to increase training in creative digital media, learning, arts and cultural heritage/

The Gaelic Capital Funding will also allow MG ALBA, ALBA, which operates BBC ALBA in partnership with the BBC, to develop a training programme for young people with an interest in working in the media.


Announcing the investment, Deputy First Minister John Swinney said: "As well as supporting this government's aims for the Gaelic language, the funding will bring economic benefits for the Isle of Lewis and create opportunities for young people interested in a career in the media. It also recognises the important role of arts and media in promoting Gaelic as a living language used by people every day."

Chair of MG ALBA, Maggie Cunningham, said: "MG ALBA are delighted to receive this additional support from the Scottish Government. The Gaelic television industry continues to be an impressive economic driver in the Highlands and Islands and this funding will enable further great content and will help facilitate development in skills, training and facilities within the media sector."

(LM)