Celebrating the Highlands and Islands in Film
If a picture can tell a thousand words, then a video is worth a million. That's why this week, we at the SOTHI team are delighted to share with you a collection of new videos on YouTube which showcase the incredible passion which communities have for their local areas.
Storytelling is an integral part of every culture worldwide. Through stories, we form timeless connections to nature, the land and its people which breathe life and meaning into the past, celebrate the present and share our dreams for a brighter future. In the Highlands and Islands, this is no different, where the tradition of storytelling is interwoven into the very fabric of our culture.
Ever since the start of our project we have been incredibly fortunate to hear your stories of what the Highlands and Islands mean to you on our archive Spirit: Stories. So, at the start of 2022, we set out on a mission to create a series of digital media assets which celebrate these stories and encourage people to explore the vibrant natural and cultural heritage of our region.
We were delighted to team up with the extraordinary team at the Elgin-based Northport studio to explore more community stories in an exciting new digital format – film and multimedia. Inspired by the stories shared with us on the Spirit: Stories archive and the overarching themes of natural and cultural heritage, Northport travelled across the region to capture authentic community stories and the unique ‘spirit’ of the Highlands and Islands.
A series of 24 location snapshots and 12 mini documentaries were produced by the Northport team, all bursting with stories which showcase the deep connections between the Highlands and Islands and the people who live and work here. The footage expertly captured by Northport not only provides a window into life in the Highlands and Islands of today but also brings to life what so many people have told us that they love about their area in the words of passionate community advocates. It is hoped that these new videos will inspire more visitors to learn about our rich natural and cultural heritage, explore off-the-beaten-track locations responsibly, and give insights into incredible community-led experiences and initiatives which they can explore for themselves on their visit.
So, whether you want to pay a visit to the ‘Shores of Gigha’, discover just ‘What Lies Beneath’ at both the Scapa Flow Museum and Dunoon or learn about traditional weaving in ‘Cloth and Colour’, there is a little something for everyone to enjoy.