BBC Alba sets sail for The Island
Scottish actor Sorcha Groundsell will take the lead in Gaelic language thriller An t-Eilean (The Island), a BBC Alba series set against the backdrop of the Outer Hebrides.
Described as the biggest Gaelic drama series in the broadcaster’s history, with a cast featuring a number of local actors, the crime drama 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.
Groundsell (His Dark Materials, The Innocents) will play PC Kat Crichton, a police family liaison officer who returns to her home island as part of the investigation into the brutal and inexplicable murder.
Iain Macrae (Bannan) plays self-made millionaire Sir Douglas MacLean, while Sagar Radia (Industry) is lead police investigator, DCI Ahmed Halim. The dysfunctional Maclean siblings will be played by Sinead Macinnes (Outlander), and Skye-born actors Meredith Brook (Bannan) and Sam James Smith (Royal Conservatoire of Scotland’s Faustus: That Damned Woman).
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.
Elspeth Turner (Riptide ) 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), Lewis-born Tormod Macleod and Carina Macleod, and newcomer Sharyn Ferguson.
Filming is now underway, with Amhuinnsuidhe Castle in Harris serving as the main location. Shooting will also take place across Harris, Lewis and Glasgow.
Due to air in 2025, the series is produced by Black Camel Pictures and distributed by All3Media International. It is co-written by screenwriter/creator Nicholas Osborne (Remember Me) and screenwriter, Patsi Mackenzie (Buidheagain), and directed by Tom Sullivan (Arracht).
tagged in: All3Media International, An t-Eilean, BBC Alba, Black Camel Pictures, Sorcha Groundsell