Great Coastal Railway Journeys: Mallaig to Isle of Lewis and Harris (BBC Four Tuesday 12 September 2023)

Great Coastal Railway Journeys: Mallaig to Isle of Lewis and Harris airs Tuesday 12 September 2023 on BBC Four.

What is this episode about

From Mallaig, where the West Highland Line ends, Michael sails to Skye in the footsteps of Bonnie Prince Charlie. Michael is interested in seeing the sea eagle, one of the island’s most famous inhabitants. He also has the good fortune to see a pod of dolphins.

Michael learns that the Gaelic language is used daily and is an integral part of a larger culture in the small town of Uig. He hears a solo performance of Gaelic songs and learns that they were once sung as part of everyday chores like spinning, milking, and mowing grass.

Michael travels from Skye to Lewis and Harris, the Outer Hebrides, and their capital city of Stornoway by way of the Minch, a treacherous body of water. His interest is piqued by the island’s most well-known product, Harris Tweed. A Hebridean textile designer explains to Michael where the wool for her knitwear comes from and how it was inspired by the island’s traditional cloth.

Michael runs into a legendary beast on a deserted beach on the island’s western coast. She looks like a woman from the waist up, but her tail is more akin to a fish’s. Michael, captivated, walks out into the surf to meet her.

Series 1 Episode 20 of 25

When can we see the episode

Great Coastal Railway Journeys: Mallaig to Isle of Lewis and Harris airs Tuesday 12 September 2023 at 8:00pm on BBC Four

Featured Image Credit: BBC Four