BBC Alba to launch on Freeview next month

The BBC has started the countdown for the launch of Gaelic channel BBC Alba on Freeview in Scotland on June 8, after the channel became available on Virgin Media last week.

In December 2010, the BBC Trust gave its approval for BBC Alba to launch on digital terrestrial television (DTT) in Scotland, after judging that the move would better serve Gaelic-speaking audiences and those wishing to learn the language.

BBC Alba - jointly run by the BBC and MG Alba - will officially become available in Scotland on Freeview channel 8 on June 8. This follows the network's launch on channel 188 on Virgin Media's cable TV platform on May 18.

However, carriage for BBC Alba on DTT will result in the BBC's main radio networks - Radio 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 Live, Radio Scotland and World Service - not being available on Freeview between 5pm and 11pm every night.

The BBC has started an Open Your Eyes campaign, featuring celebrities such as actor Peter Mullan, to raise awareness of BBC Alba's launch on Freeview. The campaign, endorsed by Scotland first minister Alex Salmond, launched yesterday at the Glasgow Gaelic School.

"BBC Alba has captured the interest and imagination of both Gaelic and non-Gaelic speakers alike since its launch in 2008," said Salmond.

"The channel's move to Freeview will broaden the reach of BBC Alba, strengthen its role as a national broadcaster, and ensure everyone across the country has access to its quality programmes.

"Increasing access to BBC Alba also supports this government's ongoing work to build a sustainable future for Gaelic as we celebrate its contribution to our culture and society and encourage a new generation of Gaelic speakers across Scotland."

Ken MacQuarrie, the director BBC Scotland, added: "We know that viewers who already tune into BBC Alba really appreciate the variety and quality of the programmes it offers.

"Making it available on Freeview and cable now means that audiences throughout the whole of Scotland will be able to enjoy these programmes in addition to those already watching on satellite."

BBC Alba, which airs Gaelic-language programming from the BBC, STV and independent production companies, is already available in Scotland on Sky channel 168, Freesat channel 110 and live online via catchup platform BBC iPlayer.