BBC ALBA is taking a deep dive into the mystical waters surrounding the Western Isles with the Islands’ ‘real-life’ mermaid in a brand-new series of Miann na Maighdinn-mara – Slighe gu Deas | Mermaid Tales – Uist and Barra.
The new three-part series follows 28-year-old sea swimmer, Kate Macleod, as she brings ancient Hebridean folklore to life, uncovering secrets hidden beneath the waves while wearing her monofin and tail. Joined by her father, Murray, the pair travel over 150 nautical miles on the family boat to explore the Monarch Isles and Uist before heading south towards Barra and Vatersay.
Kate’s passion for swimming has long seen her explore life under the sea but now, with custom-made mermaid tails, she is able to dive even deeper to get a closer look at the wildlife lurking on the seabed.
Careful not to disturb the natural environment, Kate follows a curious seal off the shores of the Monarch Isles, and even spots a shoal of sand eels while hidden amongst the seaweed. Beneath the waves of South Uist, Kate comes across a flounder resting among coral and cautiously ensures the fish isn’t caught in netting, before watching it glide away.
Kate, from Uig on the Isle of Lewis, comments: “The sea is a second home to me; it’s a precious place. Sea swimming is very peaceful.
“Under the water it is so quiet, calm and the colours are so bright and unlike anything you see above the surface. There is sea life and different kinds of seaweed – you see something different each time.”
On dry land, Kate goes in search of hidden treasures around the southern islands of the Western Isles. Here, she samples local delicacies, including cockles and seaweed, and hears the traditional Gaelic selkie songs sung by local musician, Pàdruig Morrison, that can be traced back hundreds of years.
Along her journey ashore, Kate learns more about mermaids in Scottish folklore and how the mythical sea creatures are said to be an unlucky sign to sailors.
At Lochboisdale Harbour, Kate meets PhD researcher Liam Crouse who has a keen interest in the history of the Outer Hebrides. Kate learns that over 100 years ago, herring fishermen spotted a mermaid at the mouth of Lochboisdale – an event which was immediately marked as a bad omen. Thankfully, Kate is reassured her tail is safe from bad luck.
Kate adds: “My tail always takes me to interesting environments beneath the sea, and I am fortunate enough to bring BBC ALBA viewers along for the journey around the southern Hebrides in this new series.
“Expect a whole new perspective on life under the sea, complete with stories from locals across the islands as we sail to some well-known spots and tranquil locations – most, rarely even seen by islanders. From land to sea, this series showcases the magical wonders of the Outer Hebrides.”
Filmed and produced by Stornoway-based MacTV, Miann na maighdinn-Mara – Slighe gu Deas | Mermaid Tales – Uist and Barra S3 premieres on BBC ALBA and BBC iPlayeron Tuesday 8 April at 9pm (in Gaelic with English subtitles).
Watch live or on demand: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000t8kj
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