BBC4 has picked up Gaelic-language channel BBC Alba’s biggest drama to date, An t-Eilean (The Island), in a deal overseen by All3Media International.
The 4 x 50-minute drama combines Gaelic and English dialogue and will be set in the Western Isles of Scotland.
Star of The Innocents Sorcha Groundsell leads the cast as a young family liaison officer assigned to investigate a brutal murder of a woman at a remote family castle.
The story will be told through the eyes of the murder victim’s four adult children, who reunite on the island following the tragedy.
Groundsell is joined by Sagar Radia (Industry), Iain Macrae (Bannan), Sinéad MacInnes (Outlander), Meredith Brook (Bannan), Sam James Smith, Elspeth Turner and newcomer Andrew Macinnes.
All3Media International’s senior vice president, UK & Eire sales Caroline Stephenson said: “For every partner involved in this project, the goal has always been to take Gaelic-language drama to an international audience, tapping into the proven success of minority-language premium drama on the global stage.
“We have every confidence this multi million budget production with its gripping storyline full of complex characters, and the breathtaking Hebridean landscapes as a backdrop, An t-Eilean (The Island) will enthral audiences.”
The show’s star Groundsell added: “This feels like a watershed moment for Gaelic. Across the world, we are seeing indigenous languages step confidently out from the shadows to enjoy the recognition they deserve. I see our show as part of that wider movement; a celebration of all that makes us unique.”
She adds: “Working on An t-Eilean has been a privilege and a joy. I’m so proud to have been part of a production that is pioneering these new horizons for Gaelic and showcasing the beauty, creativity and depth our language brings to the world.”
An t-Eilean (The Island) is funded by MG ALBA, All3Media International and Screen Scotland.
The series is written by Nicholas Osborne and Patsi Mackenzie, directed by Tom Sullivan, exec produced by Page Croft and Nicole Fitzpatrick and series produced by Kieran Parker and Bjorn Hanson. The commissioning editor for BBC Alba is Bill MacLeod.
