Gaelic TV channel unveils autumn schedules

Gaelic channel BBC Alba has unveiled its autumn package.  As it marks five years on screen, the channel announced details of the first-ever Gaelic pilot drama for a long-running TV series.

Still in its initial stages of production, the three-part drama titled ‘Bannan / The Ties That Bind’ is a collaboration with Creative Scotland. It is being produced by Christopher Young of Young Films, the man behind the hugely successful TV comedy and film, The Inbetweeners.

Joining Chris on the drama project is new Gaelic screenwriter Chrisella Ross as well as actor turned director Tony Kearney.

Bannan follows the story of Mairi Macdonald’s return to the island she left eight years ago aged 18. Mairi left to escape both her family and the place – its claustrophobia and its customs. She initially comes back just to attend a funeral but realises she had forgotten about the ‘bannan’ – the family and emotional ties that bind her to the island.

Head of service Margaret Mary Murray said: “We are very proud to be delivering another very strong package of programmes for our autumn schedule. Our documentaries, music and sport programmes and series, will continue to provide high quality entertainment for our viewers and we are also delighted to be announcing a new pilot drama series for BBC Alba.

“This new drama series, Bannan, which will screen in 2014, is a fantastic step forward for BBC Alba, helping us in our ambition to establish drama within our schedule, and it is something which has been much anticipated by our viewers.

“We are delighted to be working in partnership with Creative Scotland on this project and are privileged to have acclaimed producer Chris Young overseeing the production. The drama offers a platform to enhance existing and emerging talent and provides opportunities for employment and training across a wide range of disciplines in the creative sector in Scotland.”

Janet Archer, chief executive of Creative Scotland said: “This is an exciting time for people who are passionate about Gaelic drama. There are increasing opportunities for established and emerging actors, directors, writers, and producers to create new work, and a growing momentum for audiences in Scotland, the UK and internationally to have chances to see Gaelic drama. I’m looking forward to Bannan, not only because it is shaping up to be a great show, but because it also has fantastic potential to act as a catalyst for the continued development of Gaelic drama across this country, and Creative Scotland is pleased to be working with BBC Alba to help bring the pilot series to the small screen.”

The channel is committed to promoting women’s sport and this season will be showcasing live international matches from the 2015 Women’s FIFA World Cup qualifiers as Scotland competes against countries including Bosnia and Northern Ireland on their quest to reach the finals in Canada.

Speaking at the event, Shelley Alexander, editorial lead for women’s sport at the BBC, said: “It’s great that BBC Alba is offering comprehensive coverage of Scotland’s World Cup qualifier matches, the programming greatly complements both the women’s football output on BBC Sport, and the coverage of many other women’s sports. This summer’s Women’s Euro’s coverage proved very popular with audiences and we are keen to build on this appetite across the UK as the teams start their World Cup campaign.”

An original documentary, ‘Honeyballers’, authored by Purple TV producer, Margot McCuaig, has been commissioned and will celebrate the remarkable female pioneers who made this World Cup campaign possible. ‘Honeyballers’ will air just after the first live home Scotland World Cup qualifier on September 26th.

The channel aims to build on the success it has generated over the last five years establishing itself at the heart of Scottish broadcasting and now attracts an average weekly audience of over 600,000 viewers, with 4.1 million watching content via the BBC iPlayer in the past year, (April`12 – March`13).

Some of the highlights from the schedule over the autumn include:

DOCUMENTARIES
From Harris with Love – ten years ago, the people of North Harris took ownership of the land on which they live and the North Harris Trust was formed to run the estate on behalf of the community. It is sparsely populated with around 700 residents who live in villages dotted around the area. Throughout the series we follow the stories of some of the most engaging characters who live in this unique island community.
My Brother the Ark Raider – Scotsman Donald Mackenzie was hunting for the remains of Noah’s Ark on Mount Ararat in Turkey when he vanished three years ago. His family has heard nothing since and several searches by Turkish authorities failed to discover any trace of him. This documentary follows Donald’s brother Derick as he travels across Europe to Dogubayazit, a Kurdish town on the border with Iran at the foot of Mount Ararat. Here, somewhere, Donald’s remains most likely lie. Derick goes in search of answers but who can he trust and how close will he come to the truth?
Trusadh – The Private Disease – the poignant and moving stories of those living with Crohn’s disease – young and old, featuring one woman who’s going through a ground breaking (hematopoietic) stem cell transplant.
Trusadh – Donald and the Cargo Boats – The story of the cargo-ships which served the Inner and Outer Hebrides in the 40s, 50s, 60s and 70s – direct descendants of the famous puffers. The documentary is nostalgic story narrated by maritime enthusiast Donald Meek as we follow him in his boat-building hobby, and hear some of the engaging and funny tales from former crewmen as they recount their time on board.
Honeyballers – the Scotland national Women’s football team is striving to qualify for the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2015. Honeyballers celebrates the remarkable female pioneers who made this campaign possible, battling for recognition against a backdrop of discrimination and negativity.
Bethesda – for many, the idea of a hospice is a place to approach with trepidation but the first thing that strikes you when you walk in the door of Bethesda in Stornoway, is how homely and welcoming it feels. Bethesda sees itself very much as a place to live. This moving documentary gives a rare and special insight into day to day life at Bethesda and its relationship with the community it serves and which supports it.

SPORT
Live sport continues to be a popular strand on the channel and this autumn viewers will be treated to a package of live and as-live action from the Scottish Premiership; live coverage of select Glasgow Warriors and Edinburgh Rugby matches from this year’s RaboDirect PRO12 competition including exclusive coverage of the 1872 Cup; exclusive live action from the SPFL Ramsdens Challenge Cup; live action from Scotland’s 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup Qualifiers; live International shinty/hurling when Scotland take on Ireland.

MUSIC
Buskers – following the success of the first series, Buskers returns to our screens and delves into the lives of current and former street artists with input from recording artists and the public. From the young to, well, the not so young, you can find every form of street artist, whether solo artists to full bands, fire jugglers to dancers.
Celtic Music Sessions – The popular music series continues to offer an eclectic mix of music from bluegrass to folk and Celtic as many of the world class musicians performing at Celtic Connections and take time out to head for the Hòro Gheallaidh ceilidh sessions.
Ceòl Country – this series delivers highlights from the very best of local, national and international country music, filmed at this year’s Northern Nashville Country Music Festival in Caithness. Featuring top performers from Scotland, Ireland, the Netherlands and America, Ceòl Country also presents an insight into some of the acts performing at this year’s festival with magazine style features that include in-depth interviews with musicians and country music artists in various locations.
Opry an Iuir – Ireland’s very own Grand Ole Opry – the old Town Hall in Newry opens its doors for a unique series of hour long concerts, each featuring a star of country music including Hugo Duncan, Mike Denver, Sandy Kelly, Nathan Carter, Dominic Kirwan and Mick Flavin.
Coverage of musical events will complement these popular series and will feature highlights from this year’s Blas festival, Na Trads, The Royal National MOD, The Worlds 2013 and Gradam Ceol.

CHILDREN
Dè a-nis? – the ever popular children’s series returns with a new series as the team bring younger viewers the latest music and news, fun and laughter as new presenter Megan MacLellan, from Morar, joins the team for more fun and mayhem.
The Ranch – a new animated series exclusive to BBC ALBA featuring a group of horse-crazy teens who run a refuge for horses and other animals.