CalMac launch new TV advert campaign

They, and many more of their fellow islanders, will take part in Caledonian MacBrayne’s 2015 promotional campaign CalMac and Friends, which kicks off with the first TV screening on Monday (May 11) at 8.45pm on STV during Coronation Street.

Using the music of Britpop group Supergrass, Scottish group Macanta – with members drawn from Harris, Mull, Orkney and Glasgow – add a Celtic twist to the huge hit Alright, which becomes a winding path through just some of what the islands have to offer, with the islanders themselves singing the words. Filmed on Mull, Iona and Tiree, and in Oban, it was an opportunity to involve communities and give them a voice to be heard.

The islanders come from all walks of life – the former Greenock undertaker who has returned to his native Tiree, the Mull shepherd who is already famous for his singing prowess, the Iona fisherman who proudly only sells his catch to hotels on his home island, the former Indie band member who left Glasgow for a quieter life, the Gaelic choir with its Royal National Mod medal winners… and the last hand peat-cutter on Mull.

“We have literally put this year’s campaign in the hands of the communities we serve,” said CalMac’s Head of Marketing, Peter Griffiths.

“There was no need to cajole anyone, they were really excited about it and we got a great response. The finished article is both fun and powerful. And, more importantly, completely genuine.“It’s not a slick corporate presentation, it’s all about the people who depend on CalMac’s lifeline services to sustain their lives basically saying this is who we are, come and see us.

“We are really proud to have worked with such a great, hospitable and fantastically spirited ‘cast’ during our time on the islands, and we hope that Scots across the country will hop on board with enthusiasm.”

A three minute plus short video of the whole Alright song, with more special views and island characters, can be viewed from Monday May 11 at www.calmac.co.uk/friends .