Community festivals, crofting life, fishing traditions and the heartbeat of Gaelic culture take centre stage in a brand‑new six‑part BBC ALBA series this spring. Suas gu Deas, launching Tuesday 19th May on BBC ALBA and BBC iPlayer, spends six weeks following the people and traditions that shape everyday life across Uist and Barra.
Filmed throughout the southern isles, the series captures the resilience, humour and community spirit that define island life. Across the episodes, viewers meet musicians, crofters, fishermen, dancers, choir members and families as they gear up for festivals, competitions and gatherings that mark the island calendar.
The first episode follows young musicians from Castlebay School as they prepare for the return of Barralive, one of Barra’s favourite music festivals. In Benbecula, metal detectorist Donald MacPhee digs into the stories of historic Nunton, while in South Uist, Morag and Neil MacPherson bring back the tradition of quadrille dancing during Ceòlas, with music from Ruairidh Gray. The cameras also head to Berneray for the annual sheepdog trials, which attract competitors from across Scotland, Ireland and Europe.
Later episodes introduce crofter Joan Macdonald, juggling the family croft, her nursing job and preparations for the North Uist Show. Lifelong crofter Donald Angie Macaskill, his sheepdog Zoe and granddaughter Faye appear throughout the series, as do fishermen Rory MacGillivray and grandson Peter on their lively fishing trips around the islands.
Viewers also follow Barra Gaelic Choir and the Uist Drama Group as they get ready for the Royal National Mòd in Lochaber. Traditions such as the fishermen’s mass and the blessing of the boats in Castlebay — led by Canon John Paul MacKinnon of An Island Parish fame — feature prominently too.
The series also stops by Anne MacLellan’s campsite and 24‑hour farm shop in Balranald, North Uist, and joins musicians, singers and storytellers at the weekly Cidsin ceilidh at Cnoc Soilleir in South Uist.
Executive Producer Alasdair Fraser says the series offers a genuine portrait of life across Uist and Barra, celebrating the strength of community, the importance of Gaelic culture and the people who keep these islands thriving.
