BBC ALBA head to give free talk

The head of BBC ALBA is to give a free talk on the use of Gaelic in the media as part of the Celtic Connections festival. Margaret Mary Murray, head of service at BBC ALBA, will look at the impact of Gaelic media, including radio, television and online provision, on Scottish cultural life and Gaelic speakers around the world. The lecture will take place at BBC’s Scotland’s headquarters at Pacific Quay, Glasgow next week.

Speaking about the talk, Margaret Mary Murray said: “I am delighted to be able to spend some time during the Celtic Connections festival as a guest of the University of the Highlands and Islands to share some thoughts on the role and impact that Gaelic broadcasting has in Scotland, the UK and indeed across the world. BBC ALBA has been successful in taking Gaelic programmes to a wider audience and, in doing so, raising awareness of the Gaelic language and culture. The channel, which is delivered in partnership with MG ALBA, has also worked with a network of partners to support those learning and using the language. This event will also offer a very welcome opportunity to meet members of our audience to hear their views on the services we provide on TV, radio and online and the developments they would like to see in the future. ”

Margaret Mary Murray has been involved with the BBC’s Gaelic provision for almost 15 years. Brought up on the Isle of Lewis, she went on to complete an honours degree in Celtic Studies at the University of Glasgow. She joined BBC Scotland’s Gaelic department in 1988 and has since worked as a researcher, producer, editor and occasional presenter for numerous television and radio programmes, including current affairs show, Eòrpa. Margaret Mary held positions as BBC Scotland’s Gaelic department executive editor and head of Gaelic, before being appointed as head of BBC ALBA in 2008.

Margaret Mary’s talk, “The Gaelic Language in the media,” has been organised by the University of the Highlands and Islands, an education partner of Celtic Connections. University students and staff will be involved in a number of free talks and concerts over the two week festival, including a debate on the origin of Scotland’s indigenous languages chaired by comedian Susan Morrison.

“The Gaelic Language in the media” takes place from 7pm to 9pm on Wednesday 23 January at BBC Scotland, Pacific Quay, Glasgow. The talk will be delivered in Gaelic and a simultaneous English interpretation will be available on request. The event is free, but ticketed. To book a place or find out more, visit www.celticconnections.com

Media contact

Susan Szymborski
Communications officer
01463 279222
susan.szymborski@uhi.ac.uk