Tirisdeachs will be given a unique chance to experiment with video technology during the Fèis Thiriodh, turning their creative ideas into reality thanks to BBC Scotland’s digital media workshop – the L.A.B (Learn at BBC Scotland).

As part of the Feis’ 20th anniversary celebrations, BBC Scotland’s L.A.B travels to Tiree from Monday 12th to Thursday 15th July, giving students of preschool to adult age the chance to develop their digital media skills. The inspiration behind BBC Scotland’s L.A.B visit is to highlight Tiree’s unique musical heritage on film.

The first workshop (Monday 12 & Tuesday 13 July) will focus on young people aged 10 and upwards whilst the second workshop (Wednesday 14 & Thursday 15 July) will offer intergenerational experience for a variety of ages.

Amongst the skills on offer, Tirisdeachs will be given an introduction into moving images and how they work, basic camera techniques and storyboarding. Participants will also be taught how to use a dv (digital video) camera, given an introduction to editing skills and shown how to add music and sound effects to their movie.

The forthcoming Tiree visit is part of BBC Scotland’s Seaside Stories project run by the L.A.B (Learn at BBC Scotland) which will see the digital media workshop make movies with groups in Tiree, Dunoon and Millport. Johanna Hall, Project Leader at the L.A.B, BBC Scotland, whose family originally hail from the east end of Tiree, says:
“The L.A.B is delighted to be doing two workshops in Tiree. The whole idea behind the L.A.B is helping people improve or learn new skills working with digital media. In Tiree we will be encouraging people to develop interviewing skills, get behind the camera and, of course, have fun. We look forward to all the stories that the two groups will have to share. Having been to the island many times before in my youth I will be advising our team to pack both wellies and factor 50 sunscreen for the Tiree summer weather! “

Dr John Holliday, the island’s GP and chair of Fèis Thiriodh, adds:
“The BBC Scotland L.A.B workshops at this summer’s Tiree Fèis are an exciting development for young and old on the island. For several years our video classes in Gaelic and English have been some of the most popular at the Fèis and having this professional equipment and training will give our young people a real insight into the world of broadcasting. The wider island community will also get their chance to tell the story of life on the island – their story. It promises to be quite a week!”

Following the L.A.B visit, the Tirisdeachs video creations can be sampled at bbc.co.uk/thelab.

For further information on the L.A.B contact [email protected] or write to:
The L.A.B, BBC Scotland, 40 Pacific Quay, Glasgow G51 1DA, Tel: 0141 422 7896.