A new TV show is set to combine the pristine turquoise waters of the Outer Hebrides with the adventures of a 'real life' mermaid.
Miann na Maighdinn-mara (Mermaid Tales) will follow wild swimming enthusiast Kate Macleod, 24, as she takes viewers on a thrilling tour of the Isle of Lewis.
The four-part series on BBC Alba sees Kate indulge in her lifelong passion of swimming in the sea as she discovers hidden treasures in the beautiful turquoise seas on her own doorstep, in her homeland of Uig.
The brave swimmer isn't put off by the climate and can often be spotted happily swimming in the sea even in winter, sporting her distinctive Monofin.
The giant flipper is what gives her mermaid look, something she's embraced by ordering a series of Ariel-style tails, custom-made in Hawaii to fit over her Monofin.
Raised in the Outer Hebrides by boat company owner dad Murray and mum Janet, her love of outdoor swimming began when she was a young girl taking part in the family’s own version of the New Year’s Day Loony Dook.
Kate said: “I have such a strong bond with the sea and Uig. I think a lot of islanders feel the same. There’s something so special about the islands and Scotland as a whole."
In the new series, Kate explores the west coast of Lewis, and nearby smaller islands, by boat with her dad and talks to knowledgeable locals about the fascinating history on her own doorstep.
She added: “I feel so privileged to live in this part of the world, at the edge of the sea, and in the water. When I was young, I felt that if our sea was warmer I would never leave it, I’d just be a mermaid for the rest of my life!”
Her mum Janet says: “When Kate started swimming in the sea it would be too cold for everyone else but she would just keep going, she’d spend the whole afternoon in there then come out freezing. On holiday she’d spend all her time on the swimming pool, and she wouldn’t just swim, she would be underwater.”
In the first episode, Kate visits the beautiful island of Little Bernera where she kayaks with seals, before swimming in crystal clear waters around the island.
In future episodes she'll also visit the island of Vuia Mhor, where after hearing the 200-year-old story about a boy who used to swim a great distance to see his sweetheart, she decides to recreate this amazing feat.
Created by Stornoway based MacTV, their head of production and executive producer on this series, Seumas Mactaggart, said : “Mermaid Tales offers a glimpse of another world, it’s full of fantastic wildlife and impressive scenery on the west coast of the stunning Isle of Lewis.
“This is filmed from the perspective of a young woman who has a strong interest in the natural environment and who is extremely proud of her maritime heritage. It is truly escapist, and such a tonic in these difficult times. “
Miann na Maighdinn-mara/Mermaid Tales begins on BBC ALBA on Tuesday, March 16 at 8.30pm, with subsequent episodes on Tuesday each week at the same time. All four episodes will also be available on the BBC iPlayer for 30 days.
