Ratings have been released for BBC Alba, the new channel on British public television that broadcasts exclusively in Gaelic, one of the languages of Scotland. According to The Herald some 610,000 people, roughly 15% of all Scots, tuned into the channel during its first week on the air.

The new project-running since September 19-aims to attract not only speakers of Gaelic but all Scots, so all programs are subtitled in English. In fact, early data shows that the channel has been watched by many more people than there are speakers of Gaelic, which number some 66,000. The director of BBC Alba, Margaret Mary Murray, explaining the success, said, "People seem to be drawn in by the freshness and originality of the channel's approach."

It is no surprise that Murray seems "delighted" by these early ratings. The channel can so far be picked up on three different satellite systems: Sky, Freesat and Virgin Media, but still not on the most popular system, Freeview. This means the outlook is bright, considering that sooner or later the channel will be added to that system's program.

According to other studies reviewed by The Herald, BBC Alba has drawn more viewers in the Highlands and the islands, where nearly one in four has tuned into the channel. Around the country, 82% of Gaelic speakers have watched the channel at least once during its first week on the air.

Further information:

• The Herald: BBC Alba pulls 600,000 viewers in first week
• BBC Alba website