Gruth
Is Uachdar broadcast across UK on BBC FOUR
BBC
Scotland's acclaimed Gaelic serial drama, Gruth Is Uachdar (Crowdie
and Cream), is to be broadcast across the UK on BBC Four from Saturday
29 June.
The
series will be transmitted in three one hour programmes to be shown
on Saturdays at 8.00pm and repeated on Sundays at 7.00pm.
When
Gruth Is Uachdar was broadcast on BBC TWO Scotland in February,
nearly a quarter of a million viewers tuned in for the first episode,
surpassing all expectations for a period drama transmitted on this
channel.
The
enthusiastic audience response was matched by warm praise from the
critics:
"…one
of the most stunning, imaginative, and culturally significant experiences
of the year... Gruth is Uachdar is… a visual delight…
the extraordinary eye of the cameraman and the director is plain
for all to see." (The Herald, 18.3.02)
"Gruth
is Uachdar… is simply breathtaking." (The Daily Record,
16.2.02)
"The
classy production is set to… make the crossover to a mainstream
audience… the stunning scenery, sandy beaches and aquamarine
waters... is sure to work its magic… and turn Crowdie and Cream
into a ratings winner." (The Sun, 19.2.02)
"...a
vivid… evocation of a vanished way of life." (The Scotsman,
25.2.02)
"...a
heartfelt, expansive and impressive adaptation… the story has
a subtle, intimate power, and the environment is rendered with…
visual poetry." (The Sunday Herald, 24.2.02)
"Gruth
is Uachdar is enchanting and a marvellous insight into the culture
in the years leading up to the Second World War. Beautifully acted,
it has a charm, and a depth, lacking in so much we watch. If you
didn't have a lump in your throat when the Harris islanders sang
a psalm as the ferry carrying the young men to the war pulled away
from a darkened quay side, then I suggest you examine your soul."
(The Sunday Express, 24.3.02)
"...it
was with an incredulous sense of disbelief that I watched this stunning,
beautiful programme… the most exquisite piece of period drama
that I've seen in a number of years. The acting was faultless, the
direction quite stunning and the photography verged
on perfection... Quite simply, Gruth is Uachdar is brilliant, breathtaking
and beautiful. I feel privileged to have watched it." (Off
the Telly (Yahoo website), 8.4.02)
Gruth
is Uachdar tells the story of a young Hebridean boy and his family's
attempts to establish a new crofting community during the lean years
of the 1930s.
Based
on Finlay J Macdonald's classic autobiographical trilogy, the serial
is a moving and evocative tale of a band of pioneers. Set against
the stunning backdrop of the high mountains and white beaches of
Harris, Gruth is Uachdar is a powerful and unforgettable drama:
vivid, magical and tinged with bittersweet yearning.
The
tale begins in 1930 when Finlay's family arrive to work their new
croft, belatedly awarded to Finlay's father, Iain, for services
to his country during the Great War.
Through
the boy's eyes we witness the growth of this new community and its
struggle to put down roots.
Set
during the years of the Great Depression, with the Second World
War looming ominously on the horizon, Gruth is Uachdar is a compelling
tale of humour laced with tragedy.
As
Finlay grows up, so does the new village, the optimism of the early
years giving way to the economic hardships of the Great Depression,
and the anxiety of impending war.
Despite
the difficult times the community endures, with the cast of colourful
characters bound together by an unquenchable sense of humour.
Gruth
Is Uachdar is a family drama designed for an early evening prime-time
slot. Subtitled in English, the vivid characterisation, comic energy
and compelling story lines will attract viewers of all ages.
A
distinctive feature of the drama is the dramatic Hebridean backdrop.
Popularised by the phenomenon of Castaway 2000, the Island of Harris
is an extraordinarily elemental and beautiful setting for the drama.
Donalda
MacKinnon, Head of Gaelic, BBC Scotland, said: "It
is testament to the quality of this production that, after a successful
showing on BBC Scotland, Gruth Is Uachdar is being shown to a wider
audience on BBC Four.
"I
am delighted that we can bring this story of remote lives to a UK-wide
audience. Gruth is Uachdar may be set in a small island on the fringe
of Europe but it is universal in its themes. The films resonate
with joy and poignancy. These are stories from the heart."
Produced
by Seumas Mactaggart and directed by Bill MacLeod, the executive
producer is Donalda MacKinnon. Gruth is Uachdar is a BBC Scotland
production.
Notes
to Editors
www.bbc.co.uk/gruthisuachdar
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