BBC ALBAA Scots woman has brought Hebridean folklore to life after becoming a “real mermaid” exploring Scottish seas.
Kate Macleod, also known as The Hebridean Mermaid, has gained thousands of followers sharing her under-the-sea adventures in her custom-made tail across the Outer Hebrides.
The 28-year-old, from Uig on the Isle of Lewis, is now taking a deep dive into waters surrounding the Western Isles in a new series called Mermaid Tales – Uist and Barra.
BBC ALBAIn the three-part series, Kate and her dad, Murray, travel over 150 nautical miles on the family boat to explore the Monach Isles and Uist before heading south towards Barra and Vatersay.
Kate said her mermaid tail always takes her to “interesting environments” beneath the sea, but said viewers can expect a new perspective.
“The sea is a second home to me; it’s a precious place. Sea swimming is very peaceful,” she said.
“Under the water, it is so quiet, calm, and the colours are so bright and unlike anything you see above the surface. There is sea life and different kinds of seaweed – you see something different each time.”
On land, Kate learns more about mermaids in Scottish folklore and how the mythical sea creatures are said to be an unlucky sign to sailors.
At Lochboisdale Harbour, Kate meets PhD researcher Liam Crouse, who has a keen interest in the history of the Outer Hebrides.
She learns that over 100 years ago, herring fishermen spotted a mermaid at the mouth of Lochboisdale.
The series premieres on BBC ALBA and BBC iPlayer on Tuesday, April 8, at 9pm (in Gaelic with English subtitles).
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