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The BBC Trust's announcement that Gaelic television channel BBC Alba will be made available on Freeview has been welcomed by the Scottish Government.
As a major funder of the service, the Scottish Government has campaigned for BBC Alba to be available to a much wider audience since the channel's launch two years ago.
Culture Minister Fiona Hyslop said:
"This is the right decision by the BBC Trust and fitting recognition of the achievements and progress made by BBC Alba.
"BBC Alba has secured its position as a major player in Scotland's broadcasting sector. The channel has given the industry a welcome boost creating jobs, retaining skills and becoming responsible for more than half of the content commissioned from Scotland's independent producers. It is all the more welcome that much of the economic impact of BBC Alba is being felt in areas of low population.
"This is a good day for the Gaelic language. BBC Alba's commitment to Gaelic learning means the decision to broaden the reach of the channel will increase opportunities for Gaelic learners. This will make a significant contribution to our aim of securing the future of the language through creation of a new generation of Gaelic speakers."
On the same day Fiona Hyslop gives evidence to the Scotland Bill committee, the Minister called for responsibility for approval of appointments to the board of MG Alba to transfer to the Scottish Government.
Ms Hyslop said:
"The Scottish Government provides funding of more than #12 million to MG Alba, yet UK Ministers remain responsible for approving appointments to the organisation's board. This situation is clearly unsustainable and remains one of the anomalies of the current devolution settlement. The opportunity exists for this democratic responsibility to transfer to Scottish Ministers by including it in the Scotland Bill currently undergoing scrutiny in the Scottish Parliament."
The Scottish Government funds Gaelic media service MG Alba, the BBC's partner in delivering BBC Alba. MG Alba is receiving £12.4 million in 2010/11 from the Scottish Government.
As a major funder of the service, the Scottish Government has campaigned for BBC Alba to be available to a much wider audience since the channel's launch two years ago.
Culture Minister Fiona Hyslop said:
"This is the right decision by the BBC Trust and fitting recognition of the achievements and progress made by BBC Alba.
"BBC Alba has secured its position as a major player in Scotland's broadcasting sector. The channel has given the industry a welcome boost creating jobs, retaining skills and becoming responsible for more than half of the content commissioned from Scotland's independent producers. It is all the more welcome that much of the economic impact of BBC Alba is being felt in areas of low population.
"This is a good day for the Gaelic language. BBC Alba's commitment to Gaelic learning means the decision to broaden the reach of the channel will increase opportunities for Gaelic learners. This will make a significant contribution to our aim of securing the future of the language through creation of a new generation of Gaelic speakers."
On the same day Fiona Hyslop gives evidence to the Scotland Bill committee, the Minister called for responsibility for approval of appointments to the board of MG Alba to transfer to the Scottish Government.
Ms Hyslop said:
"The Scottish Government provides funding of more than #12 million to MG Alba, yet UK Ministers remain responsible for approving appointments to the organisation's board. This situation is clearly unsustainable and remains one of the anomalies of the current devolution settlement. The opportunity exists for this democratic responsibility to transfer to Scottish Ministers by including it in the Scotland Bill currently undergoing scrutiny in the Scottish Parliament."
The Scottish Government funds Gaelic media service MG Alba, the BBC's partner in delivering BBC Alba. MG Alba is receiving £12.4 million in 2010/11 from the Scottish Government.