The Fort William storytellers

Shela told a story about places where her family lived and died. Watch her audio slideshow, Travelling past

Shela Ryan comes from Roy Bridge, but feels a connection with many other spots around Highland, thanks to her family's heritage.

She's never been a traveller herself – for her audio slideshow she toured her ancestors' roadside and lochside homes with an aunt who knew them well. The story (watch it online here) is both tragic and heart-warming.

Shela's involvement with the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme and Ocean Youth Trust gives her plenty of ways to carry on using the equipment and pass on what she's learnt to other local people. She certainly felt that the story she photographed and recorded herself was worth the effort:

"The time I spent at the workshops for BBC Highland Lives was interesting and enjoyable. It was an opportunity to learn a new skill as well as a chance to reflect in a very 'personal' way on a part of my heritage I am keen to record and to share with my friends and family."

Also from Fort William and Mallaig

Jane Henderson studied the notorious 19th century Highland clearances for her PhD. Her slideshow draws parallels between the land ownership concerns of local people today and in the 1880s. "With the help of the team, who patiently consulted and helped me at all times, I am very pleased with the end product." Watch Echoes from the past.

Frank Stride & Mark McLean set out to make a film celebrating gala day at the Fisherman's Mission in Mallaig. The poor weather of summer 2007 forced them to change their plans but they were still able to highlight what could be lost from towns like theirs, if current fishing industry trends continue. Watch Fishing days are gone?

Jill des Fresnes could have turned her Highland Lives story into a horror film but Hallowe'en in Mallaig is a party like nowhere else, with fun for all ages. Being behind the camera exempted Jill from fancy-dress obligations, at least she says so. Watch A very different night out.

Monica de Vries took hundreds of photos and spent a lot of time recording sound effects for her audio slideshow, about her move from Amsterdam to Mallaig. She's already making use of the Highland Lives experience through her work at a training centre. Watch Home to home.

Jim Michie became the subject of an audio slideshow after his wife attended a Highland Lives workshop. Take a trip with him on Loch Shiel to see why he's so happy in his work. Watch Drawn to water.

Kirstin MacKay felt like a fish out of water when she lived the urban life in tropical Australia. So she split up, sold up, packed up – and headed for somewhere she'd find kindred spirits: a Scottish fishing village. Watch Mallaig: woman on the verge.

Other Highland Lives locations

Click around the map (upper right) or read about the Highland Lifers who took part in: Alness | Brora | Grantown | Inverness | Thurso