The Outer Hebrides are stepping into the spotlight as the UK’s first high-end Gaelic drama, An t-Eilean (The Island), premiered on BBC Alba and BBC iPlayer to glowing reviews.
Set amid the striking landscapes of Lewis and Harris, this £1m-per-episode series is not just making waves in the world of television—it’s also poised to draw global attention to the Hebrides as a must-visit destination.
Recent accolades have already placed the Hebrides firmly on the map, with National Geographic naming the Outer Hebrides as one of its ‘Top 25 Best Places for 2025’, while British Vogue included the Inner Hebrides in its ‘10 Best Places to Travel’ list for the year.

Google searches for the term ‘Outer Hebrides’ have surged by 17% over the past 12 months, and the buzz surrounding An t-Eilean is likely to accelerate interest further, particularly as the series has secured international distribution deals in countries including the US, Australia, and several Nordic nations.
Television continues to inspire travel, with ‘set-jetting’—visiting locations featured on screen—emerging as a defining trend for 2025.
According to Expedia’s Unpack ’25 report, 66% of travellers admit their trip choices have been shaped by films or TV shows, while VisitScotland’s Visitor Survey revealed that one in five tourists are drawn to Scotland by stories told through screen or literature.

Hebrides Cruises, Scotland’s leading small ship wildlife cruise company, has seen a significant rise in interest following the show’s debut.
Emma Fairbairns, Shore Manager for the company, remarked:
“It’s fantastic to see the Hebrides receiving recognition not only in National Geographic and British Vogue but now with this thrilling new Gaelic drama showcasing the raw beauty of the islands.
“What makes the Hebrides so special is their untouched, otherworldly feel,” Emma added.
“Our guests frequently describe the experience as enchanting—a rare opportunity to unplug from the stresses of modern life and reconnect with nature.”
The cruise company’s bespoke offerings, like the new ‘In Search of Seafood’ itinerary exploring the Inner Hebrides, are already selling out rapidly, with their 2025 calendar 90% booked.
To meet demand, they’ve introduced a three-night mini-cruise in April and a six-night voyage visiting Mull, Iona, Staffa, and the Treshnish Isles.
Emma noted that travellers are increasingly gravitating towards slower, sustainable escapes.
“The Hebrides provide a chance to experience unspoiled landscapes, abundant wildlife, and rich heritage, all while offering a serene pause from the busyness of everyday life.”
The drama itself is a gripping mix of Gaelic and English, centring on the murder investigation of Liaison Officer Kat Crichton, who is forced to return to the haunting landscapes of Lewis and Harris a decade after leaving.
With Amhuinnsuidhe Castle on Harris as a key filming location, the series unfolds against the dramatic backdrops of the Western Isles, adding to its cinematic allure.
The first two episodes of An t-Eilean are available now on BBC iPlayer, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in this tense tale of secrets, lies, and redemption, while igniting wanderlust for the stunning Hebridean setting.
For those inspired to explore the Hebrides themselves, Hebrides Cruises offers an unforgettable way to experience this extraordinary part of Scotland.
More information is available at www.hebridescruises.co.uk