A NEW documentary delving into the lives of the children of island minsters airs next week on BBC Alba.
Presented by Cathy MacDonald, viewers will discover what life was like for those growing up in a manse in the Western Isles from the 1960s to the present day.
Part of BBC Alba's award-winning Trusadh series, Children Of The Manse is described as a "warm and moving glimpse of the experiences of the sons and daughters of the manse", as they share memories of the upbringing they had, the values they were taught, and how this has influenced their adult lives and worldview.
Alongside archive footage from the 1960s and 70s, the two-part documentary features interviews with the children of clergymen who served in churches in the Outer Hebrides, some of whom have continued to practice the Christian faith.
We hear the stories of those who felt "under constant surveillance" with a need to "escape" to university, as well as those who despite this, had their faith grow over the years.
Donald John MacAulay is one of those featured and found being a son of the manse a heavy burden, leading to a rebellious youth, but had an eventual return to God as an adult.
Some speak warmly of their fathers and paint portraits of a community filled childhood, such as Rachel MacPherson and Reverend Iver Martin, who followed in the footsteps of his father and is now minister, moderator and principal of the Edinburgh Theological Seminary.
Cathy also chats with Jessie Mary Little, daughter of Reverend Angus Smith, a well-known minister who protested Sunday sailings in Skye in 1965.
Episode two of the MacTV-produced series features children of the manse from more recent times, such as Kirsteen Murray, who pursued a career in music and Rachel Kate Macleod, an artist, who created an exhibition about the culture she was brought up in.
Part one of Trusadh: Children of the Manse airs on BBC Alba on Monday, November 14 at 9pm, with part two on Monday, November 21 at 9pm.
Both episodes will be available on BBC iPlayer for 30 days after broadcast.
