Western Isles MSP say’s BBC Alba must be on Freeview

Alasdair Allan MSP

Western Isles  MSP, Alasdair Allan, has today spoken in a debate in the Scottish Parliament which called on the BBC Trust to make BBC Alba available on Freeview without delay.

During his speech, which was delivered in Gaelic, Dr Allan said:

“Across the whole of Scotland people welcomed BBC Alba when it started just over a year ago. It was another step on the road to the normalisation of Gaelic and its acceptance in the broadcasting world as a distinctive and appealing Gaelic voice.

“BBC Alba understands the importance of broadcasting every sort of programme in Gaelic and of appealing to every sort of viewer, but their job would be much easier if BBC Alba was available on Freeview.

“If BBC Alba was available with other Freeview channels it would provide a huge incentive and boost for Gaelic broadcasting. There would be many more houses where people would be listening to, and becoming engaged with Gaelic. And the BBC Trust would get some peace as well!”

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