A new Gaelic radio drama series is now airing across Scotland, telling the story of young islanders stepping into adulthood with honesty and heart.
Spins, commissioned by Theatre Gu Leòr and produced with BBC Radio nan Gàidheal, is currently being broadcast and is also available to listen to on BBC Sounds.
Written by Lewis born creatives Laura MacLennan and Tormod MacLeod, the four part series follows a group of friends as they leave school and face an uncertain future.
Drawing directly on their own experiences of growing up on the island of Lewis, the writers bring an authenticity that grounds the story in real Highland and Island life.
The drama centres around a familiar rite of passage, young people taking to the road in their first cars, where friendships are tested, bonds are strengthened and life begins to open up.
Laura MacLennan said:
“Spins was born from a sense of nostalgia and a longing for simpler times, when we were first allowed the freedom a new driving licence provided, living rurally in Lewis.
“It’s rooted in Highland and Island culture, where we’ve all enjoyed either taking our pals out for spins in our first set of wheels or being a passenger in someone else’s new jalopy; a rite of passage which seemed like an obvious setting in which to establish a radio drama, where deep bonds are formed, tensions rise within the confines of a moving vehicle, romantic sparks fly, and your friends’ true musical tastes are revealed in the form of a mixtape.
“It’s the perfect place to come of age.”
The series stars four young actors from Lewis, Coinneach Smith, Mairi MacLennan, Rachel Kennedy and Sean MacLeod, and is directed by Muireann Kelly.
For Theatre Gu Leòr, the production continues a push to reach audiences across Scotland, particularly those in remote areas where access to live theatre can be limited.
Creative Director Seona McClintock said:
“Radio drama is a fantastic way to reach some of our further flung audiences who might not get to see as much live theatre.
“There is a magic to audio drama and its ability to conjure worlds with just sound, and the writers have really grasped the opportunity to develop those storytelling skills.”
BBC Radio nan Gàidheal Commissioning Editor Calum McConnell said:
“We were delighted to work alongside Theatre Gu Leòr to create these new radio dramas.
“This has allowed us to create a new radio drama brand on BBC Sounds and our hope is that we can continue to work alongside writers and creatives to add more exciting dramas to this brand in the future.”
The series builds on previous success for the partnership, including award winning Gaelic productions that have brought new voices and stories to a wider audience.
With episodes now airing and available online, Spins offers a fresh and familiar look at growing up in the Highlands and Islands, told in a voice that feels both local and universal.
