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A popular children’s television series, “Katie Morag,” captured the hearts of many young viewers with its enchanting storytelling and beautiful Scottish landscapes. The show is set on a fictional island called Struay, which bears a striking resemblance to the real-life Isle of Lewis in Scotland. In this article, we will explore how the Isle of Lewis became the perfect location for filming Katie Morag.
The Charm and Beauty of the Isle of Lewis
The decision to choose the Isle of Lewis as the backdrop for Katie Morag was no accident. This stunning island offers a unique blend of rugged coastlines, rolling hills, and picturesque villages that perfectly encapsulate Scotland’s natural beauty. Its dramatic landscapes provide an ideal setting for a children’s show that aims to transport viewers to another world.
Located off Scotland’s northwest coast in the Outer Hebrides, or Western Isles as they are also known, this captivating island boasts breathtaking scenery at every turn. From pristine beaches to ancient standing stones like Callanish Stones and historical landmarks such as Lews Castle Museum & Art Gallery – there is no shortage of inspiration for filmmakers.
Finding Struay on Earth
In creating Katie Morag’s fictional home island called Struay, author Mairi Hedderwick drew upon her personal experiences visiting various islands in Scotland’s archipelago. The charm and sense community she found on these islands shaped her vision for Struay. Eventually settling on using elements from multiple locations rather than one specific island made it possible retain realism while still allowing creative freedom when writing stories about Struay. The author took inspiration from both Coll and Tiree Islands located west coast – near Mull and Iona respectively. The small communities on these islands, their way of life and the breathtaking landscapes became the foundation for Katie Morag’s island home.
Bringing Struay to Life
In order to bring Struay to life onscreen, producers scouted various locations across Scotland, looking for places that closely resembled Mairi Hedderwick’s vision. However, it was the Isle of Lewis that stood out with its striking resemblance to what was described in the books. The charming village of Portree on Skye Island served as a stand-in for Katie Morag’s fictional home village. With its brightly colored buildings and scenic harbor views, Portree provided the perfect backdrop for many memorable scenes in the series. Other parts of Lewis were also utilized during filming – including some iconic landmarks such as Callanish Stones mentioned earlier- lending an authentic Scottish touch to each episode. The producers made great efforts in preserving the natural beauty and authenticity of both Lewis and other locations used while capturing magic from books into television screens.
Where Was Katie Morag Filmed?
The majority of filming took place on location throughout Scotland but primarily centered around Isle Of Lewis. The magnificent beaches featured in many episodes are actually real white sand beaches found along West Coast at places like Uig Sands (Uig Bay) or Traigh Mhor – providing an idyllic setting perfectly matching descriptions from books. Additionally, locals played a significant role by opening up their homes allowing filming indoors kitchens representing characters’ homes – adding a genuine sense community spirit portrayed within stories themselves.
A Lasting Legacy
Katie Morag has not only entertained children around globe but also left a lasting legacy promoting tourism within Western Isles including Isle Of Harris where show’s production company based. Fans can now explore these beautiful landscapes first-hand through various tours and guided walks, allowing them to immerse themselves in the world of Katie Morag. The series has helped shed light on the cultural heritage and natural wonders of the Isle of Lewis, leaving an indelible mark on both locals and visitors alike.
Conclusion
The choice to film Katie Morag on the Isle of Lewis was a stroke of genius. Its stunning landscapes, charming villages, and sense of community perfectly embodied the spirit of Mairi Hedderwick’s beloved books. Through careful location scouting and collaboration with local communities, the show brought Struay to life in a way that captivated audiences across the globe.
Whether you’re a fan looking to visit the real-life locations or simply appreciate Scotland’s natural beauty from afar, there’s no denying that filming Katie Morag on the Isle of Lewis was an inspired decision.
