BBC Alba, the gaelic TV channel, has seen a 65 per cent increase in the number of people catching up on its programmes via its iplayer.

Younger viewers account for half of online viewing - most of it on mobile devices, according to its annual report. There was also a 13 per cent rise in the percentage of the population watching the channel each week, according to its annual report published yesterday.

The channel, which has a range of programmes in the language is also well known for its Scottish football coverage. Head of BBC Alba Maggie Cunningham said it would be "working harder in the coming year to find new ways to engage, delight and surprise our audiences, and inspire more people in Scotland to get involved."