An important part of the Between Islands project has been the gathering of information on subjects which are either unique to each Island group or common to all. With that in mind film makers were employed to undertake interviews within our communities on a variety of topics including tradition, language, music and notable parts of our histories.
The Long Island instruments
Dr Ali Whiteford talks about the construction of the Long Island fiddle and guitar, inspired by a map of the Hebrides.
Hebridean Step Dance
Jayne Macleod from Ness on the Isle of Lewis talks about her passion for reviving the tradition of stepdance in the Hebrides.
Native Tongue
Wildlife sculptor Sam Macdonald talks about his work
Lewis writer Kevin MacNeil in conversation
Kevin Macneil in conversation with film maker Zoe Paterson Macinnes
Orkney Voices
We asked writer Alison Miller and curator Tom Muir what they considered important or iconic about their Island home.
Space, Place and Grace
A lecture by Professor Frank Rennie of UHI on the history of a village, focusing on his home village of Galson on the Isle of Lewis.
The Hattersley Loom
At one time the sight – and sound – of the Hattersley, or single width loom, was common in Lewis and Harris. However, in recent years a move to the use of double width looms has meant the Hattersley is now a rarity, and kept in use by just a small number of weavers. This film takes a look at the workings of the Hattersley, and features an interview with weaver Kenny Maclennan. As the use of our native languages is particularly important when recording these working practices on our islands, the interview is in Gaelic. (English subtitles)
John Gow, The Orkney Pirate
A talk by Tom Muir on the notorious Orkney pirate John Gow, and how his story inspired Sir Walter Scott.
A Short history of Lewis Peat
A film by Dr Ali Whiteford on the peatlands of Lewis, and the ill fated chemical works which ran on the island in the late 1800s.
Folk Tales
An important part of our histories is the oral tradition of passing music and stories on to others. In this short film Tom Muir tells of the Storm Witch, who was said had the power to sell fair winds to sailors.
Dialect
This is the second in the series created for us by Keiba Clubb and is on the subject of Shetland dialect.
Scapa Flow
Historian Tom Muir gives a general account of the events at Scapa Flow, where the German Naval fleet was scuttled at the end of the First World War. He then focuses on a lesser known part of that story, which is the murder of German sailor Kuno Eversberg after the signing of the peace treaty.
Fair Isle Knitting
Featuring an interview with Maggie Ann Nicholson, this is the first in a series of films made by Keiba Clubb. It focuses on the subject of Fair Isle knitting, and in particular Maggie Anns experience of teaching the craft in local schools.
“Change”
An interview with artist and singer Mairi Smith on the subject of change.
“Tradition”
The “guga hunt”, or bird harvesting trip made annually by the men of Ness, as detailed by an interview with veteran hunter John “Dods” Macfarlane.
“Spirit”
Isobel Ann Martin speaks on the unique tradition of Gaelic psalm singing in the Outer Hebrides.
“Community”
Professor Frank Rennie on the subject of community.