Mermaid Kate's making a splash in new BBC ALBA series
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A 'REAL life' mermaid is set to make a splash thanks to a new TV series.
BBC ALBA have started following the adventures of the mermaid on the Isle of Lewis as she indulges in her lifelong passion of swimming in the sea.
The four-part series Miann na Maighdinn-mara/Mermaid Tales offers the ultimate escapism as viewers join Kate Macleod (24) as she discovers hidden treasures in the beautiful turquoise seas on her own doorstep, in her homeland of Uig.
Brave Kate isn’t put off by the cold and often swims in the sea in winter, wearing her monofin - which is like one giant flipper. She also has several of her own Ariel-style tails, custom-made in Hawaii to fit over her Monofin.
Kate was raised in the Outer Hebrides by boat company owner dad Murray and mum Janet, along with brother Seumas. 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 explores the west coast of Lewis, and nearby smaller islands, by boat with her dad in this series and talks to knowledgeable locals about the fascinating history on her own doorstep.
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.
“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 commented: “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.”
Created by Stornoway based MacTV, their head of production & 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. “
The series kicks off with Kate visits the beautiful island of Little Bernera where she kayaks with seals, before swimming in crystal clear waters around the island.
Later, Kate witnesses a pod of dolphins in Loch Roag, she visits the island of Vuia Mhor where she learns about its former inhabitants, and on hearing the 200-year-old story about a boy who used to swim a great distance to see his sweetheart, Kate decides to recreate this amazing feat.
In episode three, Kate looks on as her brother Seumas tests out his speedboat. She also learns about a 19th century shipwreck and has an overnight adventure with her cousin and her dog on the island of Pabbay.
Kate conquers her fear of deep water in the fourth episode and explores swimming in some of the deepest parts of the surrounding waters, visits a deserted village with a history going back thousands of years and makes an amazing discovery at the bottom of a loch before trying out her new mermaid tail for the first time.
Miann na Maighdinn-mara/Mermaid Tales begins on BBC ALBA airs on a Tuesday at 8.30pm. All four episodes will also be available on the BBC iPlayer for 30 days.
BBC ALBA is available on the following platforms: Sky 141 (Scotland)/Sky 169 (rest of UK); Freeview/You View 7 (Scotland only); Virgin Media 120 (Scotland), Virgin Media 161 (rest of UK); Freesat 109; BBC iPlayer.
