Celtic Media Festival Awards Celebrated

BBC Alba and Radio nan Gàidheal have been honoured with major awards at this year's Celtic Media Award ceremony.

The awards were presented as part of the Celtic Media Festival held in Newry, Co Down.

Tormod: A Life, BBC Alba's hard-hitting documentary about the life and times of Norman Maclean, produced by Robbie Fraser, Pure Magic Films and Karen Smyth of La Belle Allée Productions, scooped the prestigious Jury Award.

The Jury described Tormod as: "A film of particular excellence. Outstanding in its quality and truly Celtic in character. Tackling personal weakness and turbulence with strength and honesty."

Radio nan Gàidheal, which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year also won the hotly contested 'Radio Station of the Year' award.

BBC Radio nan Gàidheal beat strong competition in the category from BBC Radio Cymru, BBC Radio Scotland, BBC Radio Wales, Raidió Fáilte and RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta.

Marion MacKinnon, Managing Editor of BBC Gàidhlig, said: "We have enjoyed being part of this year’s Celtic Media Festival and are absolutely delighted to gain the top award of Radio Station of the Year.

"Winning this title of best radio station of the year is testament to the hard work and determination of the teams as well as the support received from our loyal audience. Gaining industry recognition at an international media festival, in the year we celebrate our 25th anniversary, is fantastic and a huge boost for us as we continue to deliver the best Gaelic content for our audience."

Alan Esslemont, Head of Content for BBC ALBA, added: "We congratulate the Radio nan Gàidheal team and are delighted that Tormod: A life has won BBC ALBA's first major documentary award. Norman's remarkable story, which aired on the first anniversary of the channel, made a powerful impact on audiences in Scotland. We are proud that this work has been recognised by the Festival and congratulate Pure Magic Films on their achievement."

(BMcN/BMcC)