Sgoil nan Loch shine at FilmG awards in Glasgow

Young filmmakers from Sgoil nan Loch have been celebrated on the national stage after winning the Heritage prize at this year's FilmG awards, with support from Muaitheabhal Community Trust helping the pupils travel to the ceremony in Glasgow.

FilmG is the annual Gaelic short film competition, and its awards ceremony took place at the SEC in Glasgow on Thursday 11 June, hosted by BBC Alba's Siobhan Sutherland. A total of 157 films were entered this year across three age categories, including a newly introduced competition for under twelves, which gave primary schools a dedicated space of their own for the first time.

Sgoil nan Loch took the Heritage prize in the under twelves competition for their entry, Salmaidh, coming out on top against three other films in a strong field. It is a tremendous achievement for the young pupils, and a proud moment for the wider Lochs community.

Muaitheabhal Community Trust was pleased to fund the pupils' attendance at the celebration event, supporting their travel to the mainland so they could see their hard work recognised in person. For many of the children, it was a first experience of a major awards ceremony, and a chance to stand alongside filmmakers from across Scotland.

Iain Maciver, Chair of the Muaitheabhal Community Trust board, said: "We could not be prouder of the pupils of Sgoil nan Loch. To win the Heritage prize at FilmG is a wonderful achievement, and it reflects the creativity and talent we have right here in our own community. Helping these young filmmakers get to Glasgow to celebrate their success was a real privilege for the Trust. Supporting our young people to tell their own stories in Gaelic, and to be applauded for it, is exactly the kind of work we want to be part of, and we wish them every encouragement for the future."

Sgoil nan Loch were in good company among the Western Isles winners. In the under eighteen competition, Castlebay Secondary School won the Performance award for their entry Isbeanan Gu Leòr, while The Nicolson Institute took the FilmG Choice Award for Cha do Shèid Gaoth Riamh.

Reflecting on this year's competition, FilmG Project Director Murdo MacSween said the winners showed exactly why FilmG matters, with primary schools, secondary pupils, community voices and emerging filmmakers all using Gaelic to tell stories in their own way. He added that the new under twelves competition had worked well in its first year, giving primary schools a clear space within FilmG.

Margaret Cameron, Director of Content at MG ALBA, said FilmG continues to play an important role in supporting Gaelic voices and developing creative talent for the future, giving people a platform to create in Gaelic and share their stories with audiences across Scotland and beyond.

Muaitheabhal Community Trust congratulates the pupils and staff of Sgoil nan Loch on their success, and looks forward to seeing what these talented young storytellers create next.