Katie Morag books to be turned into TV series

FILMING of a TV series based on the popular Katie Morag books is to begin on Lewis later this year.

The tales of the feisty, redheaded Highlander are to be brought to life on the small screen in a 26-part series to be broadcast in 14-minute episodes on CBeebies this autumn.

The children’s books are the creation of author and illustrator Mairi Hedderwick, set on fictional Isle of Struy, off the west coast of Scotland.

Filming is due to start in May and last up to four months, utilising both studio facilities on the island and outdoor scenes.

The cast, including the lead role of Katie Morag McColl, has yet to be announced.

Red-headed Katie, who dresses in her trademark white jumper, kilt and wellies, lives close to the jetty on the island, above the only shop where her mother is the postmistress and her father runs the general store.

Lindy Cameron, executive producer with Cromarty-based Move on Up, said: “It was important to us to try to keep as much of this production in the Highlands as were able and we`ve been given the support to help with that.

“By shooting the entire series in such a unique and beautiful setting, and making good use of all the innate facilities and skills that Lewis has to offer us, we hope that the benefit to the island, and to all of the Hebrides, will be great.”

Mairi Buchanan from Highlands and Islands Enterprise added: ”By bringing Katie Morag to life in the Outer Hebrides, this TV series will highlight the potential of the area as a base for major productions, boosting both the local supply chain and tourism industry.

“This flagship production has the potential to showcase the scenery, landscape and culture of the Scottish islands which Mairi Hedderwick highlighted when writing the Katie Morag stories.”

The production company was awarded £9,000 by public arts body Creative Scotland to study the feasibility of the project.