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The Island That Saved My Life

Documentary about the remote Scottish island of North Ronaldsay. The island saved Sarah Moore's life, but it is under threat, and she must do everything she can to help save it.

At the age of 23 and suffering from depression and shyness, Sarah Moore moved from her family home near Edinburgh to the beautiful but remote Scottish island of North Ronaldsay, a place with a population of fewer than 50 people.

As part of Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ One's Our Lives, this documentary follows Sarah's life on the island and the people she meets there. Like many remote communities, North Ronaldsay has its fair share of struggles - whether it's the cancellation of air services that bring vital supplies, extreme weather conditions or the need to hold down multiple jobs to make ends meet, Sarah has had to adapt to an entirely new way of living and thinking to survive.

But the island has changed Sarah into a happier person, and she sees it as the place where she was always meant to be. She has more opportunities to work, try new things and broaden her horizons. Ironically, she has a far better social life than when she lived in Edinburgh and has become an integral part of the community.

But that community is under threat, with a spiral of depopulation, little employment and nowhere for people to live. Recent years have seen an exodus, particularly of young people, from the island. If things don't change soon she may no longer be able to live on the island that she says saved her life.

This character-driven documentary looks at a unique way of life in an incredible place that may not be around for much longer. As Sarah works her six jobs, can she help save the island that saved her?

29 minutes

Music Played

  • M. Ward

    Transfiguration #1

  • Max Richter

    From 553 W Elm Street, Logan Illinois (Snow)Β 

  • M. Ward

    Poor Boy, Minor Key

  • The Gloaming

    The Sailor's Bonnet

  • M. Ward

    Duet For Guitars #3

Credits

Role Contributor
Producer Joseph Briffa
Director Joseph Briffa
Editor Joseph Briffa
Production Manager Paul McCaffery
Executive Producer Ross Wilson

Broadcasts

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