Award-winning Iolaire play is released on DVD

The Iolaire monument commemorating the tragedy - the play was first performed to mark the centenary.

The play was first performed in Sgoil An Rubha in November 2018 prior to the 100th anniversary of the Iolaire tragedy on 1 January 1919.

It was thought a fitting way to remember the devastation that the sinking of the Iolaire had unleashed on the Point community as only 11 out 50 Rudhach sailors on board the Iolaire survived this cruel event.

In February 2019, in response to public demand, the pupils of Sgoil An Rubha performed the Iolaire play twice at An Lanntair Gallery.

The production was filmed by Roddy Maclean, from PointMedia, who said: “It was a pleasure and a privilege to have been invited to film the play with the talented pupils of Sgoil An Rubha. The Iolaire tragedy left a dark shadow over our community for decades and it was appropriate that the event was commemorated in such a sensitive and professional way.”

The play was written by Cllr Alasdair Macleod and produced and directed by Marissa Macdonald who was a key player for many years with the National Gaelic Arts Agency, Proiseact Nan Ealan.

Marissa commented: “I was overwhelmed by the way these young people embraced this challenge to tell the story of how the Iolaire accident devastated Sgire An Rubha. I was very proud of the way this production was received by our community and the huge input made by young and old to its success. Our local paper the Rudhach are also to be congratulated for their role in facilitating the project.”

Acting Head Teacher at Sgoil An Rubha, Gordon MacRae, also offered his thanks to all who were involved in the play from pupils to staff and parents to community volunteers.

Gordon said: “ This is a fine example of how a school can engage positively with its community for the benefit of all. All profits from the sale of the DVD will go towards our school fund which in turn will assist us with educational projects from which our pupils pupils will benefit in many ways.”

The DVD, which costs £10, will be available from Buth An Rubha.

Thanks are also due to the sponsors of the project, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar Education Department, MG Alba, RMK Insurance, Bord na Gaidhlig, the three Sgire An Rubha Cllrs and the Crown Estate Fund.