Peter Mullan Launches BBC Alba's Freeview Campaign

Actor and filmmaker Peter Mullan has helped to launch BBC Alba's Open Your Eyes campaign as the channel counts down to its launch on Freeview.
From June 8, BBC Alba will be available on Freeview channel 8, which the broadcaster says will greatly increase accessibility for viewers.
Mullan, along with a host of TV stars and celebrities, including Gaelic broacaster Cathy McDonald, has launched the Open Your Eyes to BBC Alba campaign at the Glasgow Gaelic School to increase awareness of the channel's new availability on Freeview.
BBC Alba is also now available on Virgin Media's Cable channel 188.
The Open Your Eyes campaign was endorsed by First Minister Alex Salmond who said: "BBC Alba has captured the interest and imagination of both Gaelic and non-Gaelic speakers alike since its launch in 2008.
"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 encourage a new generation of Gaelic speakers across Scotland."
Alasdair Morrison, Chairman of MG Alba, said: "Launching BBC Alba on both the Freeview and Cable platforms is a true landmark for Gaelic broadcasting. We have been immensely proud of the channel's achievements to date, appealing to both Gaelic and non-Gaelic speakers and the BBC Trust's decision to make it available on Freeview is testament of its success.
"Being positioned so prominently on the Freeview listings reflects the channel's contribution and is now a one button step for viewers to enjoy our programming."
Ken MacQuarrie, 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's programmes are produced by a range of independent production companies based across Scotland as well as from the BBC and STV. The channel also plays a key role in promoting the Gaelic language as well as supporting language learning through broadcasting programmes for learners and those interested in Gaelic language and culture.
(KMcA/GK)