BBC ALBA to broadcast Skerryvore's landmark 20th anniversary Floors Castle concert
Recorded at the stunning Floors Castle in Kelso, Scottish Borders, BBC ALBA's Skerryvore aig Caisteal Floors captures the energy and emotion of a night that brought together over 6,000 fans from across the world, with a stellar line-up of trad music stars. Special guests included Trail West and Nathan Carter, who helped set the stage for a rousing headline performance from Skerryvore, marking two decades of unforgettable tracks. The band were also joined by guest performances from Valtos and The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Pipes and Drums.
The exclusive broadcast airs on BBC ALBA and BBC iPlayer this Saturday (7 June), with presenter Megan MacLellan sharing backstage interviews and music highlights with some of the band's best-loved songs including Scottish anthem, Take My Hand.
Formed on Tiree, Skerryvore's original line-up has grown from island roots into an internationally acclaimed act, with a unique blend of traditional folk, rock and pop. With seven studio albums and a global touring reputation, this anniversary concert represents a milestone in their remarkable journey.
Skerryvore front man, Alec Dalglish, commented: 'Celebrating our 20th anniversary in front of fans from all over the world was quite honestly up there as the best night of our lives. There's no feeling in the world like hearing more than 6,000 people singing every lyric back to you – the night will stay with me for a long, long time. Floors Castle made for such a stunning background for this celebration, there was a real sense of occasion that felt fitting to mark two decades together. It's fantastic to have the story of this milestone captured and shared on BBC ALBA – we would encourage anyone who wants to relive it all or those that weren't able to join us to tune in and experience a slice of the magic of Skerryvore XX.'
Calum McConnell, Commissioning Executive at BBC ALBA, said: 'Skerryvore are one of Scotland's biggest trad music success stories. Over two decades, they have played a string of sell out shows across the USA, Canada, Australia and Europe, reimagining traditional folk music to break into the mainstream, garnering fans around the world.
'Although we've featured Skerryvore on BBC ALBA programming at Belladrum and Hoolie in the Hydro, we've not had the chance to film one of their headline performances, so it is incredibly special to be showcasing their anniversary concert to viewers. Fans that missed out on a ticket, or those who simply want to relive the magic all over again, can tune into BBC ALBA or BBC iPlayer this Saturday, with added behind the scenes stories.'
Catch all the highlights from Skerryvore aig Caisteal Floors on BBC ALBA and BBC iPlayer on Saturday 7 June at 9pm (in Gaelic with English subtitles). Watch live or on demand: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m002ddsv
1 . Contributed
BBC ALBA Skerryvore aig Caisteal Floors Photo: Submitted Photo Sales
2 . Contributed
BBC ALBA Skerryvore aig Caisteal Floors Photo: Submitted Photo Sales
3 . Contributed
BBC ALBA Skerryvore aig Caisteal Floors presenter Megan MacLellan Photo: Submitted Photo Sales
4 . Contributed
BBC ALBA Skerryvore aig Caisteal Floors Photo: Submitted Photo Sales
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Record
an hour ago
- Daily Record
'Visionary' sci-fi film to be axed from streaming in just a few days
Fans have one last chance to watch the 'extraordinary' cult classic A cult classic hailed as "visionary" and "extraordinary" is on the brink of departing from BBC iPlayer in mere days. This is therefore the last opportunity for aficionados of sci-fi and fantasy to either revisit or uncover for the first time one of the most audacious fusions of genres from the 1980s. The 1986 film Highlander, under the direction of Russell Mulcahy, has earned its stripes as a seminal piece that melds the aesthetics of sword-and-sorcery with contemporary urban action. Starring Christopher Lambert, the film follows Connor MacLeod, a Scottish Highlander from the 1500s who, after surviving a seemingly lethal wound in battle, comes to realise his immortality. Under the guidance of the enigmatic Juan Sánchez-Villalobos Ramírez, portrayed by Sean Connery, MacLeod is schooled in the ways of the immortals, destined to duel to the death through the ages, with the sole survivor claiming "The Prize" - an enigmatic boon tied to absolute power and enlightenment. Spanning the medieval highlands of Scotland to the bustling streets of 1980s New York, Highlander weaves its narrative through a tapestry of flashbacks and clashing swords, delving into themes of love, bereavement, and the existential burden of eternal life amidst the mortality of others. The film's unique visual flair owes much to Russel Mulcahy's dynamic, music video-inspired directorial approach, reflecting his background crafting promos for iconic 1980s acts like Duran Duran and Elton John. Yet, it is the soundtrack by Queen that truly propels Highlander to greater heights, reports the Express. The band contributed a host of tunes to the film. These included 'Princes of the Universe' and the evocative 'Who Wants to Live Forever', both tracks cementing their place as anthems for Highlander enthusiasts and Queen's enduring influence. Over the years, Highlander has ascended to cult status. With a score of 69% on Rotten Tomatoes, fans have taken to the platform to share their adoration. One critic wrote: "Highlander is a visionary action/sci-fi film which deftly explores themes of eternal life, the temptation of power, and true love." Another lauded its distinctiveness and audacity: "It's THE fantasy movie. No movie has ever done sword and sorcery in a modern day setting like Highlander. Not even close. I'm going to go ahead and call a spade a spade: this is the greatest action movie of all-time. "Queen's score, Clancy Brown, Christopher Lambert, Sean Connery, Roxanne Hart, Beatie Edney... Russell Mulcahy's revolutionary, music video-style directing; this is as good as movies get." Another person wrote: "Certainly better than anything else that's came out in the past decade." Some viewers also link its sustained allure to the fanbase of Queen: "An extraordinary cult classic movie that will endure for so many many generations. Not only with the cinema fans but also Queen fans." Despite its initial struggle at the US box office, Highlander has spawned a plethora of sequels, a television series, and graphic novels. There's been chatter about a reboot for some time, with John Wick's Chad Stahelski being recently attached to direct. Highlander (1986) is currently available on BBC iPlayer, but it will be taken off the platform on 9 June.
Daily Record
an hour ago
- Daily Record
Period drama fans have just days to watch 'emotional' film before it's axed
The British biographical drama film stars Felicity Jones, Kristin Scott Thomas, and Tom Hollander A highly praised period drama directed by and featuring Ralph Fiennes is ready to depart from BBC iPlayer soon. The biographic film, The Invisible Woman (2013), is set in the Victorian era and centres around an important cultural figure. Adapted from a 1990 novel bearing the same title, it unfolds the tale of Charles Dickens's clandestine affair with Nelly Ternan, played out over 13 years with a budding young actress. Haunted by memories, an older Nelly, now a teacher and a wife, grapples with her concealed past involving the illustrious author, as flashbacks unravel their complex connection. The movie delves into Charles Dickens's mental landscape, the societal dilemmas presented by their relationship, and Nelly's trials following their separation. It provides insight into the difficulties faced by someone entangled with a renowned personality through the lens of Nelly, as the drama investigates themes of love, individuality, and the ramifications of keeping secrets, reports the Express. Regarding his dual role as actor and director for the piece, Fiennes confessed his initial unfamiliarity with Charles Dickens' body of work to Vulture, stating: "I was ignorant. "I had only read Little Dorrit. I knew his obvious ones - Nicholas Nickleby, Oliver Twist, Great Expectations - through adaptations. And Christmas Carol. I didn't know much about the man." Nevertheless, Fiennes's portrayal earned widespread acclaim, with many reviews commending his and Felicity Jones's acting prowess. The film has garnered a positive consensus on Rotten Tomatoes, where it boasts a rating of 76%, reflecting the viewers' commendations. Critics have praised the film, with one saying: "This is everything a period drama almost never is: underplayed, witty, poignant and, above all, real". Another reviewer simply put: "Beautiful to watch. Acting perfect. Based on truth". Other viewers have also shared their thoughts, with one commenting: "This is a slow and emotional watch, ideal for fans of period drama. I found it quite engrossing and intriguing to get to know Charles' love interest at the time its set." The cast's performances have also been commended, with one viewer noting: "The cast do well giving good performances and the dialogue was quite thoughtful at times, although at other times it's more a case of what isn't said, than what is. "And indeed I enjoyed the dialogue-free scenes as they had an almost dream-like quality to them and allowed the viewer to contemplate what the characters on screen may be thinking." Upon its release in 2013, The Invisible Woman was not only well-received by critics but also achieved box office success, grossing £2,380,130.78 worldwide. The Invisible Woman (2013) will no longer be available on BBC iPlayer after June 7.
Daily Record
an hour ago
- Daily Record
Period drama war film will 'rip your heart out' but you only have days to watch it
The period drama now available to stream on BBC iPlayer - but won't be for much longer A film hailed as "very British", offering a unique perspective on the second world war, is set to depart from BBC iPlayer in just a few days. Set against the backdrop of the 1940 London Blitz, a screenwriter named Catrin and an impromptu cast and crew unite to create a film aimed at lifting national spirits and encouraging America to enter the war. Their Finest (2016) follows the journey of young woman, Catrin Cole (Gemma Arterton), who is recruited by the Ministry of Information to pen scripts for propaganda films. Working alongside another screenwriter and an actor, they endeavour to produce a movie that will elevate national morale and persuade America to join the war - all while navigating the tumultuous environment of the London Blitz and the aftermath of the Dunkirk evacuation. Catrin and her team encounter numerous obstacles along the way, including the relentless bombings. She subsequently collaborates with fellow screenwriter Buckley (Sam Claflin) and quirky actor Ambrose Hilliard (Bill Nighy), discovering her voice, exploring the potency of storytelling, and dealing with the intricacies of war. Although fictional, the film draws inspiration from the real-life efforts of the British film industry to bolster the war effort. On the film reviewing platform Rotten Tomatoes - where the film boasts a sparkling 91% fresh score - fans commend this touch of reality as one of the film's most compelling aspects. "Nearly faultless. Great cast, perfectly directed. A perfect combination of the richest subject in history (WW2), great script, a warm romance, tragedy and poignancy," one viewer penned. Their Finest skilfully intertwines narratives of love, self-discovery, loss and sorrow while focusing on the characters' mission. "A delight from start to finish, except for the part where the film rips your heart out," another critic expressed, with another adding: "A very English movie and incredibly well done." The further shared: "Tremendous cast and performances supporting an excellent story and script. Both heart wrenching and uplifting. Add to your watch list." The star-studded cast includes Arterton, Claflin and Nighy, as well as Jeremy Irons, Jack Huston, Helen McCrory, Eddie Marsan and Jake Lacy. Their Finest is currently available to stream on BBC iPlayer, but will be leaving the platform on June 7.
