BBC Radio nan Gàidheal is a Scottish radio station, broadcasting in Scottish Gaelic. It is operated by the BBC as part of its portfolio of television and radio services in Scotland. The station is available from FM transmitters throughout Scotland: its service licence states that "BBC Radio nan Gàidheal should be available every day for general reception across Scotland on FM"; it can also be heard on digital television platforms, DAB Digital Radio, and online. BBC Radio nan Gàidheal programmes are also broadcast on the Scottish Gaelic digital television channelBBC Alba during periods when the channel is not carrying television programmes.
History
Scottish Gaelic-language programming has been transmitted in Scotland since 1923, and the BBC's Gaelic-language department was established in 1935. Launching on 17 May 1976, BBC Radio Highland produced a range of Gaelic programming – BBC Radio na Gaidhealtachd – and on 5 October 1979 the Scottish Gaelic service BBC Radio nan Eilean was established in Stornoway. On 1 October 1985, these two separate services united to form Radio nan Gàidheal. The main base for Radio nan Gaidheal is on Seaforth Road in Stornoway, having moved in June 2014 from the Church Street studios.
Coverage
Radio nan Gàidheal broadcasts for over 90 hours every week, and joins BBC Radio Scotland's medium-wave feed when they close transmission. Radio nan Gàidheal now frequently broadcasts important Scottish football matches providing Gaelic commentary. Radio nan Gàidheal shows are available for 30 days after most recent broadcast on BBC iPlayer and on the BBC's website. Podcasts of some shows are available from the BBC website and on iTunes for some time after transmission. These include two programmes aimed at learners of the language, entitled Letter to Gaelic Learners and The Little Letter, the latter being a more basic version of the former. Both letters are also available at learngaelic.net, with transcripts.
Funding
The service budget for 2009 was £3.9m with a change of any more than 10% requiring approval of the BBC Trust. The service budget in 2011 was almost the same as 2009 at £3.8m and requires the same controls as previous licences. This funding comes from the BBC Trust, the governing body of the BBC which is operationally independent of management and external bodies. As is the same with all BBC Radio and TV stations, the channel is funded by the licence fees gathered.
Programming
News and talk programmes
News
The news is broadcast in three-minute bulletins five times a day during the week and three times a day on a Saturday. Shows containing other local and national news include:
Aithris an Fheasgair – Local and national news.
Aithris na Maidne – The main morning news and current affairs programme of Radio nan Gàidheal. Presented by Seumas Dòmhnallach, Dòmhnall Moireasdan, Iain MacIlleathain, Angela NicIlleathain and Innes Rothach. It covers a wide news agenda, encompassing national and international affairs, Highland and Island issues and issues pertaining specifically to the Gàidhealtachd.
Current affairs and Drivetime
Coinneach MacÌomhair – Daily topical programme with light-hearted reflections and fun along with debates, discussions and deliberations about the news. Presented by Kenneth Maciver from the Stornoway studio.
Siubhal gu Seachd le Pluto – Drive time show containing entertainment and the latest news with Derek 'Pluto' Murray.
Music programmes
A' Mire ri Mòir – Presented by Mòrag Dhòmhnallach. Traditional Gaelic music and general chat every weekday from BBC studio in Inverness.
Caithream Ciùil – Daily afternoon programme featuring Celtic music and interviews presented by Mairead MacLennan and Seonag Monk.
Mac'illeMhìcheil – Weekly Gaelic and country music show presented by Iain Mac'illeMhìcheil, with his guests from the Glasgow studio.
Na Dùrachdan – Music request show where listeners can request songs by telephone, internet and email. Presented from Inverness.
Oran an Là – Five minute broadcast containing a "Song for the Day".
Rapal – show dedicated to new music including rock and pop, currently presented by Emma MacInnes.
Other programmes
Aileag – Gaelic children's programme featuring modern-day and Celtic music, interviews and information. It is a weekly show, first broadcast on Friday then repeated on Saturday. Aileag is broadcast from the BBC's Stornoway studio and first started in 1992. It is presented by Karen Mhoireasdan & Janice Anne Mackay.
Beag air Bheag – Educational programme for Gaelic learners, presented by John Urquhart.
Feasgar – Lunchtime show including news, debate, music and entertainment, presented by Cathy MacDonald.
