Gaelic Television

This collection showcases the variety of television programmes in Gàidhlig preserved by the National Library of Scotland on videotape. From magazines and current affairs debating the important events of the day to regular news broadcasts and Hogmanay Hoolies - you'll get to see 1990s Britain from a different perspective. The collection is diverse and surprising: alongside language learning programmes you'll discover Country and Western music, historical drama, wildlife and religion! The main Gaelic speaking audiences in Scotland live in the Western Isles, Highlands and the big Scottish cities. Programmes were often transmitted with English subtitles so they could be enjoyed nationwide. Made by independent production companies as well as Grampian TV, Scottish TV and BBC Scotland, the sector is ambitious and creative. The Broadcasting Act (1990) kickstarted the creation of the Comataidh Telebhisein Gàidhlig (Gaelic Television Committee) that first funded and developed production. Today, MG Alba as it is now known delivers all BBC Alba content digitally in partnership with the BBC. BBC Alba is a free-to-air public broadcast television channel jointly owned by BBC and MG Alba (with similarities to S4C in Wales or TG4 in Ireland) Let's watch some Gaelic TV! Bi tapaidh!