THE media company which provides services in Gaelic across Scotland has awarded £500,000 from the Gaelic Capital Fund.

MG ALBA said it would use the investment to redevelop the Seaforth Road Studio in Stornoway to provide improved facilities for programming, which will be used to increase training in creative digital media, learning, arts and cultural heritage.

Funding will enable MG 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.

The Gaelic Capital Fund aims to help meet demand for Gaelic across Scotland and since its inception it has helped deliver the expansion of all stages of Gaelic education across Scotland, working with the Scottish Government, which has an ambition to return Gaelic speaker numbers to 2001 levels by 2021.

In announcing the funding, Deputy First Minister John Swinney said: “I have been very impressed with MG Alba’s ongoing vision and commitment and I am pleased to announce this investment in its Stornoway operations.

“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.”

Maggie Cunningham, Chair of MG Alba 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.”