MG ALBA today hosted key partners, stakeholders and funders on the set of the award-winning Gaelic crime drama An t-Eilean, as filming continues across Lewis and Harris on its second series.
Visiting cast and crew on location in Breasclete, representatives from Ofcom, Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (CnES) and VisitScotland saw first-hand the scale and impact of the multi-partner funded production.
The four-part drama, produced by Black Camel Pictures, is midway through a seven-week shoot in the Western Isles. The production is expected to deliver around £1 million to the local island economy, with 50 crew and 30 cast working across multiple locations.
Five step-up training opportunities – backed by the British Film Institute, Creative Scotland and MG ALBA – have been created across editing, sound, directing and digital content, supporting skills development in the Highlands and Islands and expanding the Gaelic-speaking talent pool.
The first series of An t-Eilean was broadcast in January 2025 on BBC ALBA, followed by BBC Four, attracting audiences of around two million. It went on to secure international distribution and was recognised as the best TV show in European regional television, with CIRCOM’s Grand Prix and Best Entertainment and Drama Award in 2025, marking it as the most successful Gaelic-language television production. The new series builds on that success, with an expanded cast of returning and emerging talent.
The return of An t-Eilean reflects the strength of collaboration across the sector, with additional support from Screen Scotland, the BBC, CnES, HIE, Black Camel Pictures and All3Media International.
John Morrison, Chair of MG ALBA said: “The success of An t-Eilean demonstrates the growing reach and confidence of Gaelic-language drama, not only as a cultural asset but as a driver of economic and creative opportunity for the Highlands and Islands.
“This production is bringing significant investment into local communities, creating valuable skills opportunities and showcasing Lewis and Harris to audiences across the UK and internationally.
“The continued success of An t-Eilean reflects the strength of partnership working across the sector and underlines the importance of sustained investment in Gaelic broadcasting and screen production.”
Cllr Paul Steele, Leader of CnES, said: “We are pleased to have been able to support this significant production with a funding contribution and through use of the Comhairle-owned Studio Alba for filming over the period. An t‑Eilean has already demonstrated the very real economic, cultural and reputational benefits that high‑quality screen production can bring to the Outer Hebrides. Supporting the second series aligns closely with our economic strategy, strengthens our creative industries, and helps ensure that the islands continue to be seen as a centre for Gaelic language, culture and talent.”
Joanna Peteranna, Director of Area Operations at HIE, said: “We are very pleased to support the
An t‑Eilean production, which demonstrates the economic and cultural value of Gaelic screen content to the region. The production is expected to generate significant local economic activity, while supporting local jobs, businesses and services. Just as importantly, it is helping to build long‑term capacity in the Gaelic screen sector through targeted training and skills development, ensuring talented people can build creative careers in and from our island communities.”
images © John Maher
