Watch Scotland come to light with new film for Scotland Year of Coasts and Waters

Light Waves is a multilingual short film by Historic Environment Scotland which showcases Scotland’s coasts and waters and its links to Gaelic and Scots culture.

Article Source: Historic Environment Scotland (HES)
Last Updated: 23 September 2021 14:14

Audiences will see history light up like never before as an immersive new film narrated in English, Gaelic and Scots is screened for the first time as part of Scotland’s Year of Coasts and Waters 2020/21.

Historic Environment Scotland (HES) will premiere Light Waves – a 10-minute film celebrating Gaelic and Scots culture, heritage and tradition and its association with coasts and waters - at 7pm on Sunday 17 October via live-stream.

This one-of-a-kind film is set against the backdrop of some of Scotland’s most iconic locations including Historic Scotland properties Blackness Castle, Iona Abbey and Urquhart Castle which are managed by HES. The film also features dramatic projections including artwork of St. Columba and animated archive imagery of Herring girls, fishermen and historic maps to showcase the heritage and traditions of Scotland’s coasts and waters.

Produced by Double Take Projections, Light Waves is accompanied by a specially commissioned soundtrack by the Scottish band Niteworks and multilingual poetic narration.

Three Scottish poets were asked to create poems in English, Gaelic and Scots in response to the provocation of the Gaelic word ‘Aiseag’ which can mean ‘sea vessel’ ‘crossing’, ‘journey’ or act of deliverance and restitution in English.

The film begins with Colin Bramwell who reflects on the importance of our past connections with coasts and waters and how they have shaped communities with his poem Caledonian Canal, narrated in English. Following this, Pàdraig Macaoidh explores Scotland’s long-standing connection to the seas, coasts and lochs through myth and folklore with his Gaelic poem Mìorbhailean (Wonders). The film then reaches a crescendo with award-winning poet Roseanne Watt who considers our past, present and future relationship with, and our responsibility in looking after, our coasts and waters with her poem narrated in Shetlandic Scots.

Aiseag is supported by EventScotland through Scotland’s Year of Coasts and Waters 20/21.

Gillian Urquhart, Events Manager at HES, said: “With dramatic and immersive displays which have been projected onto historic sites located near Scotland’s shores, and powerful soundscapes of the multilingual poetic narration and emotive music, viewers will be taken on a journey to see Scotland’s history light up like never before.

“Aiseag is a fascinating word that has many meanings that correlate to the narrative and themes explored in Light Waves which not only celebrates our love of Scotland’s coasts and waters but showcases the important link with Gaelic and Scots culture and traditions, and the impact that Scotland’s waterways have had on communities throughout the country.” 

Paul Bush OBE, Director of Events at VisitScotland, said: “We are pleased to be supporting Light Waves as part of Year of Coasts and Waters 20/21. Scotland offers the perfect stage to explore our natural environment and built heritage, and this film provides a great opportunity to celebrate the best of our Gaelic and Scots culture, heritage and our beautiful coasts and waters."

Light Waves will premiere at 7pm on Sunday 17 October on the HES Facebook and YouTube accounts and is free to watch.

For further information, visit: www.historicenvironment.scot

The trailer for Light Waves can be viewed here: www.youtube.com

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest Glasgow News

Cast Announced for Flora, a new musical coming to The Pavilion Theatre Glasgow

The full cast has been revealed for Flora which sees one of Scotland's most famous daughters, Flora MacDonald, take centre stage to tell her own tale!

Christmas in Edinburgh and Glasgow: Celebrate the festive season with Candlelight Concerts

Featuring classic Christmas carols, this live, multi-sensory musical experience will light up St Mary's Episcopal Cathedral and Merchants House and The Trades Hall for an unforgettable evening.

Innis & Gunn to open the biggest festive beer hall in Glasgow at Winter Wonderland on The Green

Glasgow is getting its largest-ever Christmas beer hall, and it’s all down to award-winning brewer Innis & Gunn.

Find a festive backdrop in Glasgow and the West

From frosty gardens to cosy tearooms, National Trust for Scotland places in Glasgow and the West are offering a host of winter experiences and special events this festive season.

Glaswegians invited to Panto Town as Glasgow 850 finishes with festive flourish

Glaswegians are being urged to embrace the unique spirit of the city's pantomimes with the launch of Get You in Panto Town!

Buchanan Galleries celebrates the season of giving with festive family fun

The magic of Christmas has arrived at Buchanan Galleries, with a heartwarming line-up of festive activities taking place throughout November and December.

Scottish Ballet creates a brand new wee version of the big ballet

Scottish Ballet's Wee Nutcracker is coming to Glasgow's Tramway this December. The beloved festive ballet, The Nutcracker, has been specially adapted for wee ones aged 5+ and their families!

The Wizard Wae The Big Bawz: New adult panto brings comedy to Scotland in January

January needn't be a drag as Scotland's brand-new adult panto, The Wizard Wae The Big Bawz, hits the road, arriving just when the country needs a burst of joy!

Matthew Kelly and George Costigan lead new production of Waiting for Godot at the Citz

Matthew Kelly and George Costigan star as Estragon and Vladimir in a new production of Waiting for Godot, co-produced with Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse and Octagon Theatre Bolton.

Hoolie in the Hydro opens doors to young Gaels for Glasgow 850

More than 1,300 Glasgow schoolchildren are being given the opportunity to access live music as part of a special tie-up between Hoolie in the Hydro and Glasgow 850.

ASN sessions to be held at Winter Wonderland Glasgow Green

Dedicated ASN sessions are to be hosted at Glasgow's Winter Wonderland at Glasgow Green to enable families in need of support to have a festive day out.

77th Glasgow (Disabled) Scouts awarded with highest honour given to volunteer led groups

The 77th Glasgow (Disabled) Scouts has been recognised with The King's Award for Voluntary Service 2025, the highest honour for volunteer-led groups in the UK.

Topgolf celebrating 25 years of fun with a week of deals and prizes

Topgolf's journey started in Watford at the turn of the millennium and has since grown into a global enterprise with more than 100 venues worldwide.

The Doddie Weir match ball delivery is voted Greatest Murrayfield Moment

Doddie Weir’s emotional match ball delivery at Murrayfield in 2017 has been voted the greatest moment in the stadium’s 100-year history, after thousands of fans took part in a nationwide poll.

Glasgow Fort unwraps festive celebrations

Christmas magic is set to return to Glasgow Fort on Thursday 20th November as the centre unveils its seasonal line-up!

Global fashion brand Stradivarius opens first Glasgow store at Silverburn

Scotland's leading retail and leisure destination, Silverburn, opens Glasgow's first-ever Stradivarius store, further elevating its fashion offering.

Boney M ft Maizie and Newton Faulkner join Fun For Life Fest lineup

Boney M featuring Maizie Williams are set to co-headline the Fun For Life Fest on Saturday 16 May 2026, with Newton Faulkner also joining the line up.

Trafalgar Entertainment becomes official sponsor of Box Office Radio

Global live entertainment company – Trafalgar Entertainment – has become the official sponsor of Box Office Radio.

New book launches in Busby by local author, Marissa McCudden

Debut author, Marissa McCudden, has launched her new book, 'There's Lots of Different Types of Clever' with illustrator, Michael Spy on Amazon.

Much loved classic Scottish play, The Steamie, is set to return to venues in 2026

The Steamie has been scrubbed up ahead of making a return to theatres across the country next year as part of an exciting new chapter in its long-standing story in the theatre landscape.

Medea to tour Scotland in 2026

Bard in the Botanics will be launching their 25th Anniversary year with a Scotland-wide tour of their award-winning version of Medea, by Kathy McKean (after Euripides).

The Ivy Buchanan Street unveils festive set menu for 2025

From traditional Turkey Ballotine to a tangy Tamarind Beetroot & Endive Salad the festive set menu brings the best of festive flavours, reimagined by The Ivy across two or three courses.

Glasgow will shine bright this Christmas with a new city centre lighting trail

Glasgow's Christmas lights are a much-loved tradition, and this year they will shine brighter than ever with a brand-new Christmas lighting trail set to illuminate the city centre from 20 November!

KOCHCHI expands to Glasgow, bringing Sri Lankan heat to the West End

The West End will welcome KOCHCHI, the award-winning Sri Lankan street food brand, as it opens its first standalone restaurant in the former The Hanoi Bike Shop on Ruthven Lane.

Imagine Theatre prepares for an exciting season of pantomimes across Scotland

Imagine Theatre proudly presents a spectacular lineup of family pantomimes across Scotland bursting with laughter, music, sparkle, and dance starring some of Scotland's best-loved entertainers!

Marti Pellow stars as Scrooge in a major new musical production coming to Glasgow in 2026

The pop prince and former frontman of Wet Wet Wet realises his life-long dream of bringing the iconic Christmas Carol character to life on a major stage!

Behind the Beans: Cast of Pavilion Panto, Jock and the Beanstalk, visit the oldest sweet shop in Glasgow

The cast of much-anticipated Pavilion panto Jock & the Beanstalk were spotted out and about at the Barras this afternoon, with a visit to Glickman's to sample their famous jelly beans!

Step into the magic at Dobbies Garden Centres

Dobbies Garden Centres has a fantastic line up of Santa’s Grotto and Quiet Grotto experiences, with an exciting North Pole adventure inspired theme, running from 23rd November - 24th December.

Tesla Cybertruck lands at Silverburn... come and see the future

Glasgow EV enthusiasts are in for a treat this week as the famous Tesla Cybertruck has arrived at Silverburn, Scotland’s leading retail and leisure destination.