An t-Eilean will soon be making its big debut, so where was the highly anticipated Scottish drama filmed?
An t-Eilean has been making headlines as the BBC announced it would be its “first-ever high-end” Gaelic drama, with each episode costing more than £1 million to make.
The four-part thriller will delve into the story of family liaison officer Sorcha Groundsell (played by Sorcha Groundsell) who, under the orders of DCI Ahmed Halim (Sagar Radia) is assigned to a murder case on the islands of Lewis and Harris.
Not only does the investigation give Sorcha a bad feeling, but so does the place itself, as she mysteriously fled the Western Isles 10 years prior. But why did she leave?
As the countdown begins until An t-Eilean premieres, here’s everything there is to know about where An t-Eilean was filmed.
An t-Eilean filming locations
The upcoming show, which has dialogue in both Gaelic and English, began in April last year on the islands of Lewis and Harris, where it is set.
It is a singular Scottish island, with the areas of Lewis and Harris divided by mountains, in the Outer Hebrides, around 24 miles from the Scottish mainland.
The main location throughout the drama is Amhuinnsuidhe Castle, a 19th-century private country house near Taransay on the island of Harris.
The castle was also previously used for the BBC reality show Castaway in the early 2000s.
Scenes for An t-Eilean were also shot on the mainland in Glasgow, but specific locations haven’t been revealed.
Regarding the show’s impact, actress Groundsell told the BBC: “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.
“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.”
Along with Groundsell and Radia, other cast members include Sinead McInnes, Ian Macrae, Sam James Smith and Elspeth Turner.
An t-Eilean premieres on Tuesday, January 14, at 9pm on BBC ALBA, BBC iPlayer and BBC Four.