BBC ALBA Can Be Seen In Island Care Homes

MG ALBA announced today that it has commenced the roll out of Freesat box provision in residential care homes throughout the Western Isles.

In a partnership agreement between MG ALBA, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar social work department, the Western Isles Health Board and The League of Friends, Freesat boxes are being provided for all care homes in the Western Isles that currently do not have this digital satellite television service.

Harris House and Dùn Eisdean will be among the first care homes in the Western Isles to receive their Freesat boxes, allowing residents to now get access to BBC ALBA, the new Gaelic television channel.

Alasdair Morrison, Chairman of MG ALBA said: “It’s good that in partnership with others we’ve been able to provide BBC ALBA in care homes across the islands. This confirms our commitment in increasing accessibility for the much watched BBC ALBA channel.

“The elderly sector of the community is one in which Gaelic programming is highly important and linking up with the local authority, the health board and the League of Friends to provide this desired service has been a big step forward, particularly at this time of year when BBC ALBA is providing an unprecedented festive schedule of Gaelic programming.”

Comhairle nan Eilean Leader, Angus Campbell said: “Although the target viewing figures for BBC ALBA, the new Gaelic channel, have far surpassed expectations, there are many Gaelic speakers, young and old, who are unable to access the channel as it is not yet available on Freeview.

“This initiative, supported by MG ALBA will provide the opportunity for residents of Harris House and Dùn Eisdean to enjoy the new channel and view the exciting package of programmes available. Many of the residents in these two establishments have witnessed momentous changes in their life styles over many years and the advent of a Gaelic television channel is probably a development which seemed as improbable, at one time, as Man setting foot on the moon.”

Councillor, Annie Macdonald, Chair of the Joint Services Committee, said: “The addition of a choice of channel to include Gaelic television will improve the quality of life for our residents and is a welcome enhancement particularly given the high number of Gaelic speakers in our homes.”

The initiative, which costs as little as £140 per Freesat box installation will be rolled out throughout December and January so that all care home residents, will have access to BBC ALBA.

For a full list of all programmes available on BBC ALBA over the Christmas and New Year period please visit www.bbcalba.co.uk or www.mgalba.com