BBC Scotland has given the green light for a second series of the fly-on-the-wall documentary “Island Crossings”. This new 8-episode series will once again provide viewers with unprecedented access to ferry operator Caledonian MacBrayne, a vital lifeline for Scotland’s west coast communities, as seen through the perspectives of both the crew and island residents.
Cameras are set to start rolling this month, capturing the dedicated staff, many of whom reside and work on the islands. They will be showcased as they work tirelessly to maintain ferry services in all weather conditions, while also confronting the logistical hurdles posed by an ageing fleet.
David Harron, commissioning executive for BBC Scotland, says: “Getting a glimpse behind the scenes of one of Scotland’s best-known institutions has offered audiences a unique perspective on Cal Mac and we expect series two to do the same.”
Mark Downie, creative director for IWC says: “We’re thrilled to be setting sail with Cal Mac for a second series and look forward to capturing more incredible moments with the crew and islanders alike.”
Cal Mac, facilitating over 500 sailings daily and operating 29 diverse routes linking Skye, Harris, Lewis, Mull, Islay, Arran, and numerous smaller islands to mainland Scotland and each other, provides a vital service. Annually, they transport more than five million passengers and one million vehicles, navigating some of the most turbulent seas worldwide. The ferry operator has recently been prominently featured in the news, grappling with the logistical hurdles presented by an ageing fleet that necessitates maintenance and repair, all while striving to meet the growing demand from passengers for their services.
“Islan Crossings” is a production by IWC, a Banijay company, for BBC Scotland. It was commissioned by David Harron, the Commissioning Executive, Factual for BBC Scotland. Mark Downie will serve as the executive producer for IWC. The second series is scheduled for broadcast next year.
