BBC ALBA has revealed the cast for brand-new TV crime thriller, An t-Eilean (The Island), with acclaimed Scottish actor Sorcha Groundsell taking the lead role.
Gaelic-speaking Sorcha Groundsell (His Dark Materials, Clique, Shetland and Netflix’s The Innocents) will play PC Kat Crichton, a police family liaison officer who returns to her home island as part of the investigation into a brutal and inexplicable murder.
Brought up in Ness on the Isle of Lewis, Sorcha moved to Glasgow at the age of nine to attend the Glasgow Gaelic School. Here, she took up drama classes at the Citizens Theatre and the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland before moving to London to pursue her acting career. Sorcha broke out in the States in 2018 with her starring role in the Netflix science fiction series The Innocents.
Sorcha Groundsell said: “I’m thrilled to be part of this incredible series and honoured to participate in breaking new ground for the Gàidhlig language. I have been hoping to find an opportunity to bring this element of my personal life, which means so much to me, into my professional work. I can’t think of a better project than An t-Eilean (The Island) to do so. This show feels like a momentous opportunity for us Gaels to share the language, culture and scenery we love so much with the wider world.”
Iain Macrae (Bannan, Outlander and Crowdie and Cream) has been confirmed to play self-made millionaire, Sir Douglas MacLean, while Sagar Radia (Industry, The Good Karma Hospital and Unicorns) will play the role of lead police investigator, DCI Ahmed Halim. The dysfunctional Maclean siblings will be played by Sinead Macinnes (Outlander and A90), and Skye-born actors Meredith Brook (Bannan) and Sam James Smith (Royal Conservatoire of Scotland’s Faustus: That Damned Woman). And in his first ever TV role, Andrew Macinnes from the Isle of Lewis has been confirmed in the part of Sir Douglas’ eldest son and black sheep of the family, Calum.
Edinburgh-based actor, writer and filmmaker Elspeth Turner (Riptide and Marram) will portray Sir Douglas’ murdered wife, Mary. Also appearing in supporting roles will be well-known South Uist actor Daibhidh Walker (Mara: The Seal Wife, An Clò Mòr and Bannan), Lewis-born Tormod Macleod and Carina Macleod, and exciting newcomer Sharyn Ferguson.
The spectacular Amhuinnsuidhe Castle in Harris will be the main location with filming also taking place across Harris, Lewis and Glasgow.
Arabella Page Croft, executive producer at Black Camel Pictures, the producers of An t-Eilean (The Island), said: “We’re thrilled to be working with Sorcha and the rest of the talented An t-Eilean (The Island) cast on this exciting new drama series. Packed full of complex and provocative characters, and set against the stunning Hebridean landscape, we can’t wait for viewers both at home and abroad to be swept away by what we hope is a must-see, ambitious crime thriller.”
BBC ALBA announced the groundbreaking project last month as the biggest Gaelic drama series in the broadcaster’s history, set to hit international screens in 2025 with support from global distributor All3Media International.
David Swetman from All3Media International, said: “We’re delighted to be working with Black Camel Pictures and BBC ALBA on this gripping crime thriller. This is our first Gaelic project and we’re excited to bring the unique and dramatic Hebridean culture, language and landscape to a global audience.”
Co-written by screenwriter/creator Nicholas Osborne (producer of Remember Me and License to Wed) and screenwriter, Patsi Mackenzie (Buidheagain and An Clò Mòr), and directed by Tom Sullivan (Arracht), An t-Eilean (The Island) sees four troubled siblings gather at their family home in the Outer Hebrides as their father is questioned over the mysterious death of their mother.
With the cast confirmed and filming now underway, Bill Macleod, Commissioning Editor at BBC ALBA, added: “We’ve brought together an amazing cast of brilliant actors for this ground-breaking project. With the breathtaking Isle of Harris as our setting, An t-Eilean (The Island) will bring Gaelic language, culture and story-telling to audiences around the world.”
Black Camel Pictures will produce An t-Eilean (The Island), created by Nicholas Osborne and co-written by Patsi Mackenzie, with Tom Sullivan as director
BBC ALBA has commissioned a brand-new TV crime thriller (4 x 60’) which will be the biggest and most high-profile Gaelic drama series in the channel’s history.
With a budget of over £1 million per episode, the ambitious four-part series, An t-Eilean (The Island), is set to put Gaelic-language drama on the global map with a gripping storyline from screenwriter/creator Nicholas Osborne (producer of Remember Me and License to Wed), co-written by screenwriter Patsi Mackenzie (Buidheagain and An Clò Mòr).
Produced by BAFTA-winning Black Camel Pictures (makers of hit TV show Annika) and directed by Tom Sullivan (best known for his award-winning film Arracht), An t-Eilean (The Island) is set to air to an international audience with support from MG ALBA and global distributor, All3Media International. Development of the project has been supported by Screen Scotland.
Set against the elemental landscape of the Outer Hebrides, An t-Eilean (The Island) is a compelling crime story that follows a family caught up in a murder investigation very close to home. When their mother is found murdered in the family castle, four adult children return to the Scottish island of their birth as their father is questioned over her death.
Bill Macleod, commissioning editor at BBC ALBA, commented: “An t-Eilean is a game-changer for BBC ALBA as our biggest budget and most prestigious TV drama to date.
“We’re in the process of bringing together an amazing cast and breathtaking filming locations to help bring this enthralling Gaelic story to life on a global stage.”
Filming is expected to begin on location against the stunning backdrop of the Western Isles in spring 2024, with more information on casting to be confirmed in the coming weeks.
Arabella Page Croft, executive producer at Black Camel Pictures, said: “We are hugely proud to produce An t-Eilean, another ambitious TV drama series from Black Camel and the first ever high-end Gaelic-language drama made in Scotland!
“It has been such a joy and inspiration to develop this gripping thriller together with BBC ALBA and the whole team are looking forward to beginning principal photography on the spectacular Hebridean isles of Lewis and Harris next month.”
While some may be eagerly awaiting the Baftas and Oscars, Scotland’s Gaelic communities are busy preparing for Gaelic film’s biggest night of the year: the FilmG Awards.
Over 50 films have been shortlisted for the FilmG Awards, a night celebrating the best Gaelic storytellers and filmmakers in Scotland and beyond. Winners will be crowned in categories such as Best Performance, Best Production Design, Technical Excellence, and the Best Film Award.
Leading the way with four nominations in the Under-18 competition is ‘A Bheil Thu An Sin?‘, a psychological drama by the new independent filmmaking group Lost Rollerskate Pictures from Glasgow Gaelic School.
In the Over-18 competition, Inverness charity FC Sonas’s ‘Blàr nan Gàidheal’, which tells the story of the first-ever official football match in Gaelic, also has four nominations, closely followed by Isle of Lewis-based Tormod MacLeod’s funeral farce ‘An Tiodhlaiceadh’ (three nominations).
With the judges’ job now complete, the only categories still to be decided are the FilmG Choice Awards, with the public vote for these categories still open until midnight, 2nd February. Votes can be cast online by the public at www.FilmG.co.uk.
Rachel Kennedy, FilmG Judge and star of hit BBC ALBA drama series An Clò Mòr, said:
“It’s been a record-breaking year for FilmG, with over 160 entries – the highest number of submissions since the competition began. The appetite for the competition is brilliant, but it makes our job as judges incredibly difficult as there is so much talent to choose from. Our shortlist has been carefully considered and showcases the best Gaelic filmmakers based on production, technical ability, and storytelling. From highly skilled animation to tear-jerking documentaries and cutting-edge dramas, the high level of talent, creativity, and effort has been evident in every film shortlisted, and they are all deserved finalists.”
FilmG Project Manager Megan Dale said:
“The theme for this year was “Mo Shealladh’ (My Point of View), and all the entrants embraced this by showcasing different perspectives and playing with form. The shortlisted films show a deep understanding of perspective and the importance of listening to Scotland’s multitude of voices. The nominees represent different perspectives from all over Scotland, including Thurso, Portree, Glasgow, Harris, Lewis, Dunoon, and Inverness. Often, when we think of the film industry, we picture London or Glasgow, but FilmG shows that a wealth of talent can be found in all corners of Scotland (and beyond) and that it is important to encourage these voices to be heard.”
MG ALBA’s Head of Publishing Maggie Taylor said:
“Congratulations to all the nominees this year – it’s wonderful to see such a diverse selection of stories and to acknowledge the skill, talent, and enormous technical effort it takes to bring them alive. The Awards night is where this talent can be recognised, and I’m excited to see who will be crowned FilmG winners on 23rd February. For the first time, the nominees list includes Gaelic filmmakers from the Isle of Man and Canada, showing the international reach of the Gaelic film competition. We hope to continue developing FilmG’s transnational ties and supporting the talented filmmakers emerging across Scotland.”
The FilmG Awards will take place on 23rd February in the Lomond Auditorium of Glasgow’s illustrious SEC. The awards will be live-streamed to YouTube, with a highlights programme to be broadcast two days later on BBC ALBA (Sunday, 25th February.)
Star-studded schedule unveiled as BBC ALBA invites viewers to get ready for the festive season in style
Cathy MacDonald, Coinneach MacLeod (aka The Hebridean Baker) and Anne McAlpine are among the personalities inviting viewers to get ready to party with BBC ALBA as it reveals a stellar line up for its 2023 festive season schedule.
BBC ALBA has something for everyone this Christmas and New Year with a schedule set to entertain throughout the festive break.
With a line-up of much-loved Gaelic personalities and a host of programmes which promise to deliver a captivating mix of inspiring first-person stories, nostalgic archive, and heart-warming classics, BBC ALBA is the perfect place to celebrate the festive season.
Margaret Cameron, Director of Content at MG ALBA said: “This year, our programming is not just about entertainment; it’s a celebration of all Scotland has to offer. From pure escapism to insightful explorations into real people and real places, the schedule is packed with original programming which promises a diverse and engaging viewing experience.
“With a glittering line up featuring some of the best known and emerging talents in Scotland, we extend a warm invitation to both new and returning audiences to join BBC ALBA this season to embrace our vibrant culture and get to know our ‘famous stars a little bit better.”
The classic Christmas special Alleluia na Nollaig (24 December, 11pm) hosted by Iain MacKinnon, celebrates 100 years of Gaelic broadcasting with readings, reflections and carols. This follows Tuath Cheòl (24 December, 9pm) – a new two-part archive series with singer Ruairidh Gray with highlights from the legendary 90s Gaelic-meets-country music series recorded at the Grand Ole Opry; and Geamannan nan Eilean (23 December, 7.30pm) which looks back at the International Island Games which took place in Guernsey earlier this year.
Christmas Day offers a feel-good double bill, with Bill agus an Spitfire – Bill and the Spitfire (8.30pm) following 90-year-old retired airline pilot Bill as he fulfils his lifelong ambition to fly a Spitfire; viewers are then invited ‘behind the scenes’ with The Hebridean Baker – Bèicear nan Eilean (9pm).
Stunning new short drama Cur is Dlùth – Cloe, Warp and Weft also airs on 25 December (6pm) which follows a young girl’s perilous journey to reach family unity and a colourful future; while 11-year-old Mia achieves her dream of riding the family donkey on the beaches of Lewis in the short documentary, Mia agus Jimmy an t-Asal – Mia and Jimmy the Donkey (6.40pm).
On Boxing Day, Hugh Dan (26 December, 9pm), follows one of Scotland’s most recognisable sports broadcasters. Hanging up his microphone earlier this year after a 40-year career, the documentary shines a spotlight on the life and times of Hugh Dan MacLennan. Ramsay MacMahon sets off on his travels to Vienna to indulge himself in all things Christmas in Mach à Seo! An Roinn Eòrpa (10pm), sampling the festive food and drink on offer at the Christmas markets and local cafes while learning about the age-old traditions; while new Gaelic adaptation of the hit movie Creag nam Buthaidean agus na Caraidean Ùra – Puffin Rock and the New Friends (5pm) provides film fun for all the family as Oona, Baba and friends try to bring a missing egg to the safety of the burrows before it is lost.
Looking towards 2024 with a firm focus on music, Peat & Diesel invite viewers to join them on tour and in life across two roller coaster music documentaries (airing on 28 December and 1 January at 9pm); while Fuaim na Fèisean – Scotland’s Festivals (30 December, 9pm), takes a nostalgic look at the 50-year history of Scotland’s music festivals. Exploring some of the best 2023 events, musician Iain “Spanish” MacKay meets the performers, organisers and fans – braving all kinds of weather – to find out what makes the true ‘festival experience’ today.
Bring in the bells with Cèilidh na Bliadhn’ Ùire (31 December, from 11.30pm), with Cathy Macdonald and Niall Iain Macdonald hosting the live Hogmanay ceilidh from Govan Old Town Hall, with performances from Tide Lines, the Glenfinnan Ceilidh Band, Rachel Walker, Mischa MacPherson, Darren Maclean, Finlay MacDonald and the Binneas Choir, conducted by John Joe MacNeil.
The magic continues into 2024 with the brand new series of An Clò Mòr (from 8 January, 9pm). Season two is set to illuminate the winter evenings, promising even more high drama – and high fashion – against the stunning backdrop of the Western Isles.
The fourth instalment of Druthag na Hearadh – A little drop of Harris (31 December, 8.30pm) visits the Harris Distillery as their first batch of whisky goes on sale, almost eight years after the first spirit was distilled; and Ceòl Sìth (31 December, 9pm) follows musician Ingrid Henderson’s thrilling journey through Scotland’s mythical world of fairies and folklore. The first of a new eight-part series set in the stunning Scottish countryside, sees Ramsay MacMahon join eight guests for a walk during which they reflect on life, love, nature and loss in Rathad Ramsay (Saturdays at 8pm from 6 January).
Tune in to BBC ALBA and iPlayer over the festive period, with all new programming from 23 December. Watch live or on demand: BBC ALBA – website
Christmas has come early for the Gaelic short film competition, FilmG, with a record-breaking number of entries submitted by filmmakers across Scotland and beyond.
In total, 162 films have been entered across the 2023 short film competitions, resulting in the highest number of submissions since the competition began in 2008.
FilmG tasks filmmakers of all ages to create short films in Gaelic based on a different theme each year, this year’s theme being ‘Mo Shealladh’ (My Point of View). The competition and surrounding workshops and activities promotes the development of Gaelic storytellers, providing a path for budding filmmakers to enter the world of Gaelic media.
FilmG Project Manager Megan Dale said:
“This is Astar’s second year working with FilmG, and our aim was to enable as many people as possible to create a Gaelic short film whilst making the competitions as appealing as possible to teenagers and young adults. Working with industry experts, we facilitated over 50 FilmG workshops throughout Scotland and beyond, giving communities and schools the tools and confidence to tell their own narratives through short film production.
This is the largest number of workshops FilmG has ever facilitated, and you can see the positive impact of these workshops in the quality and number of FilmG entries. Many FilmG nominees and winners go on to work professionally within the film and TV industry, so it’s reassuring to see such an appetite for Gaelic storytelling. The future of Gaelic media is looking bright.”
MG ALBA’s Brands Communication Manager Alison Macdonald said:
“Congratulations to all the filmmakers who entered this year’s FilmG. The standard is incredibly high and it’s great to see a range of entries from all corners of Scotland. We’ve also had several entries from the Isle of Man and Canada, showing an increased international interest and reinforcing the interest in Gaelic language and culture overseas. Undoubtedly, the FilmG16 Awards ceremony will be the biggest we’ve seen so far and we can’t wait to celebrate the incredible wealth of Gaelic media talent with friends and colleagues in February 2024.”
The FilmG team is processing the entries before they are available to view on the FilmG website later this month. A panel of independent judges in the media profession will then choose the shortlists of nominees in January 2024, with winners being announced at the FilmG Awards ceremony in Glasgow on Friday, 23 February 2024.
Catherine Carswell’s sadly neglected novel reveals the life of a strong-willed and free-thinking young woman brought up in a bourgeois, strict and Presbyterian Glasgow family in Sàr Sgeòil – Open the Door.
The documentary, which is produced by Caledonia TV, focuses on main character Joanna Bannerman, who is born a prisoner of Victorian and Edwardian values, but into a time of possibilities.
Artistic, idealistic and passionate, she breaks free from middle-class, Presbyterian values to pursue love and fulfilment.
However, this story was not just Joanna Bannerman’s, it also belongs to Catherine Carswell, who used the 1920 novel to explore female desire – a taboo subject at the time, especially for a female writer.
Born Catherine Macfarlane in Glasgow in 1879, Carswell was the daughter of two devout Presbyterians who met at an evangelical meeting. George Macfarlane, her father, was an affluent merchant trader and became a town councillor, and both he and his wife Mary Anne were pillars of the church.
In her novel, Catherine’s alter-ego Joanna studies at the Art School, has talent and dreams of earning her living in London. She has a wide circle of friends, one of whom was with writer D.H Lawrence.
In the programme, Cathy spoke to Gerry Carruthers, Professor of English at the University of Glasgow. “This is a new time of frankness,” he said.
Cathy and Gerard Carruthers with a copy of the novel
“It’s a new time of explicitness. Not in a prurient sense, but in the sense that people want to begin to tap in both psychologically and sensually to the body as well as the mind.”
Catherine eventually did move to London, where she supported herself as a journalist and married Donald Carswell, who had loved her from afar for a long time.
Much like Catherine, main character Joanna also followed her dreams in London, using her artistic talent to get by. Her life, like her creator’s, had been very different from the one of a young middle-class woman born at the end of the 19th century.
Catherine Carswell experienced a critical time in the lives of women. Her novel, Open the Door gives a remarkable insight into that changing world, and Cathy MacDonald tells the story in Sàr Sgeòil – Open the Door.
Sàr Sgeòil – Open the Door airs on BBC ALBA on Tuesday 19 September at 9pm and will be available on BBC iPlayer for 30 days after first airing.
Popular BBC ALBA travel show, Mach à Seo, is returning for a seventh series, beginning on Wednesday 21 September.
From Caithness to the Campsies, from the big city to the Borders, presenter Ramsay MacMahon once again takes us with him on his weekend adventures exploring Scotland in Mach à Seo, produced by Caledonia TV.
Ramsay has revealed the top five things to do and see from his TV travels.
1. Beachcombing – St. Ninians beach – Shetland
St. Ninians beach is a large natural sand causeway with sea on either side. Often featured on promotional material of Shetland, the beach is beautifully picturesque and an absolute must-visit. Ramsay describes it as ‘a glorious tombolo beach’ and ‘a spectacular natural wonder’.
The beautiful St. Ninians beach
2. Sampling Smokies – Arbroath
A second-generation family business, Arbroath Fisheries was established in 1969, and specialises in ‘Arbroath smokies’ or whole, smoked haddock. Another must-visit on Ramsay’s list, he said: “Call in to see them smoking the fish, and buy it while it’s still warm. It’s best served hot with lots of butter!”
3. Whisky Galore – Am Politician pub and museum – Eriskay
Am Politician takes its name from the stricken vessel S.S Politician, which ran aground off Eriskay in 1941. In the bar, you’ll find some of the salvaged artefacts made famous in the classic film Whisky Galore. Ramsay said:“It has the best beer garden on the planet with a view of the sunset and it’s a hop, skip and a jump from the beach.” The island is steeped in history, and islanders are still finding buried bottles, with some only being found last year when one moved into a new house!
Ramsay enjoying a dram with a view at Am Politician
4. Rhino mudbath – Blair Drummond Safari Park – Stirling
‘Dot’, an affectionate rhino, made quite the impression on Ramsay when he got the chance to give her a mud bath at Blair Drummond Safari Park, Stirling. Ramsay said: “She knew exactly what was happening. After washing her sides, she turned round so I could give her bum a wee scratch too!”
5. Swinging a claymore – Duncarron Medieval Village – Carron Valley
Last but by no means last, Ramsay has added Duncarron Medieval Village to his line-up of must-sees. Ramsay visits here in the upcoming series 7 of the programme, and it’s an exciting visit at that!
Ramsay learning to sword fight with Gladiator star Chick Allan
He spent the afternoon learning how to sword fight with Chick Allan, who features in the 2000 film Gladiator, and founded ‘Combat International’ who recreate fighting styles and the look of warriors from many different eras. The Medieval Village is home to a training academy for all sorts of combat, and Ramsay is put through his paces.
The new Mach à Seo series begins on BBC ALBA on Thursday 21 September. All episodes will be available to stream on BBC iPlayer for 30 days from first airing.
Legendary Gaelic sport broadcaster Hugh Dan MacLennan is set to call time on his commentary career in shinty following the Tulloch Homes Camanachd Cup Final on 16 September, live on BBC ALBA.
The final, between Oban Camanachd and Kingussie, will be the 100th game to be played at Bught Park in Inverness, and will be the final commentary role in shinty for Hugh Dan, who voiced his first Camanachd Cup final in 1983.
Hugh Dan, who is also known to fans who follow Gaelic coverage of rugby, curling and football, was born in Caol, Lochaber, in 1956. He went on to qualify as a Gaelic teacher, and taught the language at Millburn Academy in Inverness. It was here he met John Willie Campbell, who he later succeeded in the broadcasting hot seat.
Later this year, BBC ALBA will be airing a documentary about the life and work of the star sports broadcaster, produced by Sgeul Media.
Hugh Dan has spearheaded the growth of Gaelic sports broadcasting and will continue with his sports reporting and commentary on BBC ALBA away from shinty for another couple of months before retiring at the end of the year.
It is likely to be a close encounter between the two teams, who have both beaten each other in recent months. In July, it was Kingussie that ran out 1-2 winners. However, it was Oban Camanachd who were 2-1 victors when the two met in August.
Kingussie will be confident, as they come into this one with the competition’s top scorer, James Falconer, who has bagged five goals on their run to the final.
The Tulloch Homes Camanachd Cup Final is live on BBC ALBA, iPlayer, BBC Radio nan Gàidheal and BBC Sounds.
Two childhood friends turned go-getting entrepreneurs, Angela and Katie, have started their own cleaning business to take advantage of the AirBnb boom. But with a TV crew in tow chaos is never far away in BBC ALBA’s hilarious mockumentary series, Glan Fhèin.
Glan Fhèin is produced by The Comedy Unit, the TV hit-makers behind Scot Squad, Still Game, Chewin’ the Fat, Gary: Tank Commander and many other smash comedy shows.
The sitcom, which will be one of the main highlights of BBC ALBA’s autumn schedule, will be on screens from September 20th at 10pm.
Glan Fhèin is written by up-and-coming comedy talents Lana Pheutan and Hannah McKirdy, who also star in the show as best friends Angela and Katie.
The three-part show dishes the dirt on Angela and Katie’s cleaning company – Glan Fhèin, a punning name which means both ‘really clean’ and ‘really good’.
The plucky new business has two employees – scary office manager, Betty, played by TV newcomer Mairi Alice Macdonald, and hapless ex-con, Daniel, performed by Calum Macdonald. No one is quite sure what Daniel’s pregnant girlfriend, Dido, does but Mairead Hamilton brings a hilariously loopy energy to the role. Other regulars include smooth- tongued charmer, Seonaidh, performed by Iain Beggs, and his put-upon brother, Calum, played by Sam James Smith in his first TV role.
The cast of Glan Fhèin. Front row L-R: Mairead Hamilton, Calum Macdonald. Back row L-R: Mairi Alice Macdonald, Hannah McKirdy, Lana Pheutan.
The series also features a cameo from rising star of Scottish stand-up, Stuart McPherson, playing a brash property owner who mangles the pronunciation of his Gaelic-named holiday home.
Glan Fhèin aims to clean-up and give the competition a bleaching. However, Katie and Angela find a few blockages along the way…
Demanding customers, business rivals, angry protestors, disgruntled employees, pesky wildlife, stubborn stains, and romantic entanglements – it’s dirty work but someone’s got to do it!
But no matter how messy things get, Angela and Katie are determined to pull on their rubber gloves, pick up their squeegees and deliver big laughs. It’s all good, clean fun!
Angela clashes with angry locals protesting about short-term lets.
Hannah and Lana are Scotland’s latest comedy writing and performing sensation. The Comedy Unit has worked with several writer-performer duos over the years, notably Greg Hemphill and Ford Kiernan (Chewin’ the Fat, Still Game) and Iain Connell and Robert Florence (Burnistoun, The Scotts).
Like these partnerships, Hannah and Lana are a stellar pair, who honed their writing skills on sketch shows before turning their attention to sitcoms.
With Glan Fhèin, they’ve created fantastic characters for themselves, while also populating the show with a cast of recognisable comic personas that will tickle the funny bones of viewers the length and breadth of the country.
Co-creator Lana Pheutan says, “From the day we came up with this idea for ‘Glan Fhèin’ to our last day on set, this programme has lifted me up. I am so proud of myself and Hannah, who worked so hard to create the amazing characters in our scripts.
“We wanted to write something that felt new and different, but wanted there to be characters and a community that the viewers would recognise as well. It was so easy to bring this world to life because it’s not far from the world we’re in right now, just crazier with a lot more misogyny.
“I can’t wait to see the whole thing and I hope everyone likes it as much as I do.”
Co-creator Hannah McKirdy added, “As young writers, it’s not often that an opportunity like this presents itself. I am very proud of the scripts we wrote, and the characters and the world we created.
“We were so lucky that such good and talented actors (Mairead Hamilton; Iain Beggs; Calum MacDonald; Mairi Alice MacDonald and Sam James Smith) were willing to be involved, and they did amazing work to bring what we wrote to life.
“I hope that people will enjoy Glan Fhèin as much as we both enjoyed writing it together.”
Rab Christie, Managing Director of The Comedy Unit says, “At the Comedy Unit we are lucky enough to have been working with Hannah and Lana on comedy material for the last couple of years.
We are thrilled McKirdy and Pheutan have created such a fantastic ensemble workplace sitcom! It is a great idea for a show and features a terrific twosome at the heart of the action in Angela & Katie!
“Hopefully the audience will find something hysterical to relate to as Glan Fhèin has universal appeal. There’s something for anyone who has ever worked with a pal, stayed in a short-term let or pulled on the rubber gloves to clean-up something icky!”
Bill Macleod, Commissioning Editor for BBC ALBA, says “Glan Fhèin is a comedy clean sweep – brilliantly written, crammed with jokes and full of faultless performances. At its heart it’s about friendship – mismatched and messy at times, but always warm-hearted.”
Glan Fhèin first airs on BBC ALBA on Wednesday 20th September at 10pm. All three episodes will be available on BBC iPlayer for 30 days after first airing.
From the boreal peatlands of Canada, to the expansive peat plains of Finland and the
beautiful blanket bogs of home – Anne McAlpine takes us on a journey exploring
spectacular peatlands around the world.
This stunning documentary series takes us to Iron Age bog bodies, remarkable pool
systems, shielings which built communities on the moor, and bogs which cover stone
walls older than the Pyramids.
Anne also discovers how peatlands, which cover just 3% of the planet yet hold more
carbon than all the forests combined, are an important ally in the fight against climate
change. But to keep our peatlands from leaking out all the carbon they hold, we need to
look after them.
In episode one, Life on the Bog, Anne discovers what exists on the peat: from rutting stags
that roam the peatlands in Harris, to salamander-eating pitcher plants in Canada and the
watery legacy of peat extraction in the Netherlands.
In her home island of Lewis, Anne joins local Danny Mackay as he makes the finishing
touches to a peat stack to learn about how small-scale use of peat has long heated homes
in the Highlands and beyond.
We also hear from a peat producer in Finland, where times are changing amidst
environmental concerns, to learn about the use of peat on a commercial-scale.
Our Peaty Past, episode two, focuses on times when peat has come to the fore.
Remarkable stories include the use of bog moss for field dressings in the First World War
thanks to a widespread civilian volunteer effort, with origins at the Royal Botanic Garden
Edinburgh.
Anne meets Professor of Conflict History and Archaeology, Tony Pollard, of the University
of Glasgow, who has been exploring Scotland’s many battles. He relays how Robert the
Bruce’s boggy battle tactics proved decisive.
Bog pools in the Flow Country, northern Scotland, where scientists are monitoring the
health of Europe’s biggest blanket bog.
When speaking about the battle of Loudoun Hill, he said: “What Robert the Bruce cleverly
does, is he would come to the battlefield early, and work out how he could turn the terrain to
his advantage.
“Horses are not going to be able to operate over those bogs. To limit the space even more,
Robert the Bruce and his men dug three ditches, creating choke points and bottlenecks.
“The English cavalry could only pass through 500 at a time. At that point, Robert the Bruce’s
Scottish army, with their spears, come in and basically cut them to pieces.”
Anne also visits Roman Vindolanda Fort and Museum, where treasures include the only
surviving boxing gloves from the entire Roman Empire, preserved in the peaty landscape.
The final episode of the three-part series, The Power of Peat, looks at the dramatic
outcomes when peat is disturbed, and Anne continues her trip through the Netherlands,
visiting a city built on soft peaty soils that are slowly sinking.
Back on home turf in the Outer Hebrides, Anne finds out how the peat moors inspire artist
Màiri Gillies and popular local band Peat & Diesel.
Throughout the series, Anne makes many extraordinary findings:
“In Scotland, peat is behind some of our most iconic scents, tastes and sights” she said.
“Growing up in the Western Isles, peat played a central role in community life. Many
islanders will have memories of summers spent cutting peat with family, friends and
neighbours and will recognise the inviting smell of a peat fire keeping houses warm through
the winter.
This series really opened my eyes to the importance of keeping our peatlands healthy. From
preserving Roman artefacts to having a pivotal role in storing carbon, it’s been fascinating
to learn about the power of the humble peat in combating climate change.”
The Secrets in the Peat series begins on BBC ALBA on Wednesday 20 September at 9pm.
All three episodes will be available to stream on BBC iPlayer for 30 days from 20
September.
