Test transmissions for BBC Gaelic have commenced on digital satellite in advance of the channel's launch on September 19.

The channel is testing at 11.953 H with the label 6736, and is showing now-and-next electronic programme guide data for ALBA An Diugh, Scotland Today.

It forms part of the Gaelic Digital Service, which was approved by the BBC Trust in January, and will initially be available nationally on digital satellite and cable. A launch on digital terrestrial will be subject to a further BBC Trust public value test in 2010.

Yesterday, SMG chief executive Rob Woodward suggested that his company work with the BBC to launch a "Scottish Gold" channel based on a similar funding model.