Media release: Escape to the beautiful Hebridean island of Tiree with new BBC ALBA documentary

FINDING some form of escapism has been a must for many of us since lockdown began and a new series on BBC ALBA offers just this – by transporting viewers to the beautiful Hebridean island of Tiree and a completely different way of life.

Na Tiristich/From Tiree with Love which follows the lives of ‘Tiristich’, Tiree islanders, will be broadcast from Tuesday, July 7. It was filmed over a six-month period from June to December last year, by independent Glasgow-based TV production company, Corcadal Productions, which was set up by Christine Morrison 12 years ago.

Na Tiristich is the fourth island-based observational documentary series Corcadal has made for BBC ALBA. Previous series were made in Harris, Uist and Skye.

Tiree, the most westerly island in the Inner Hebrides, has an exposed location on the Atlantic which makes it a favourite place for windsurfers and the Tiree Wave Classic, recognised as the longest-running professional windsurfing event in the world, is held there every autumn.

Christine Morrison, from Corcadal Productions, said: “Surrounded by sandy beaches and with an abundance of birds and wildlife, Tiree is a really beautiful place and a popular destination for summer visitors. The focus of our series though is those for whom the island is home. We really enjoyed spending time on Tiree and getting to know our contributors on our many visits to the island.”

Programme one features novice crofter, Rhoda Meek, who moved to Tiree seven years ago. Rhoda’s dad comes from Tiree and Rhoda has renovated the house he grew up in on the island. With no crofting experience prior to moving to Tiree, Rhoda now has Hebridean sheep and is training a collie dog, Gunna. We get an insight into Fèis Thiriodh, the annual music tuition festival for children, and meet William Maclean, who runs a watersports business. Viewers also meet father and son, Alastair and Iain MacInnes, who are keen and active crofters.

Islanders are preparing for the busiest weekend of the year in programme two – the Tenth Tiree Music Festival – with festival director, Stewart Maclennan, and others from team TMF. Meanwhile, Rhoda, Alastair and Iain are getting ready for another big community event, the Tiree Cattle Show, and the traditional dipping lug sail boats take part in the annual regatta at Gott Bay.

The Tiree Music Festival also features in programme three with Gordon Connell, who has been teaching accordion on the island for 50 years, and festival founders, Stewart Maclennan and Skerryvore’s Daniel Gillespie. Viewers also meet young Tiree musicians and entrepreneurs, Ian Smith and Alain Campbell (from Trail West), who have set up Tyree Gin. Rhoda, Alastair and Iain take their lambs to the sale, and the children visit watersports club.

Viewers meet the organiser of The Tiree Wave Classic, William Maclean and his family, in programme four and there’s a visit to the ‘puffin’ island of Lunga with Frazer and Donnie Macinnes, from Tiree Sea Tours.

Na Tiristich/From Tiree with Love starts from Tuesday, July 7 at 8.30pm.

Complementing this series viewers will also be able to join a celebration of Tiree Music Festival in BBC ALBA’s special Summer Nights schedule of music, Tiree Music Festival 2020: Air Chuairt airs on Saturday, July 11 at 9pm.

Both programmes are also available on the BBC iPlayer for 30 days after they air.

MEDIA RELEASE issued by Electrify Marketing & Communications. You too can share your stories (aka press or media releases), on this site. Email here for more information.

Contact: Laura Sturrock

Email: laura@electrify.me.uk