THE digital Gaelic channel came another step closer to broadcasting today as Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) announced a £250,000 contribution towards upgrading TV studios in Stornoway.

Gaelic Media Service is now in the final stages of setting up in partnership with the BBC for a digital Gaelic TV channel operating from early morning until late evening providing an hour-and-a-half of original material per day.

In order to meet this increase in programme-making, to work effectively in partnership with the BBC and to deliver the technical quality required for digital transmission, GMS plans an £1.3m upgrade of its facilities.

Currently GMS leases offices, a studio and audio dubbing premises in Stornoway from Comhairle nan Eilean Siar. However, a commissioned report outlined a range of technical improvements that are required to meet the needs of the new digital channel.

These include an upgrade of studio and connection facilities so that independent programme-makers can contribute a range of new programme types and genres. It will also require an improved connection to feed the Inverness-based BBC news service, new server-based editing equipment and a mobile satellite uplink to allow enhanced coverage of news, events and sport.

The announcement of HIE's contribution to these works was made prior to the network's public board meeting at An Lanntair in Stornoway on Tuesday (March 27). HIE chairman William Roe commented: "Following our early undertaking to adopt a Gaelic language plan, the network is delighted to be contributing to this very significant project. It will help secure for the Outer Hebrides a significant creative industries cluster and allow programme making technology and skills to be shared and transferred seamlessly with those at the new BBC HQ in Glasgow's Pacific Quay.

"By investing in this level of technology we will be helping to retain excellent skills in Stornoway and create high-calibre, exciting jobs which will be promoting Gaelic heritage through a dynamic, creative medium."

Chief Executive of GMS, Donald Campbell said: "HIE have been incredibly supportive financially. And just as importantly, we share an enthusiasm for growing the Gaelic creative community through the creation of development opportunities, technical training and first class facilities.  There is much work to be done over the coming years and I am delighted that an opportunity is opening up for the Western Isles to become a main player in the delivery of a new Gaelic service and hopefully also centre of influence within the Scottish media scene."

It is expected that work to upgrade the studios will be completed over the summer.