This programme tells the Story of Kitty Ann MacQueen who returned to Eilan nan Ron - Island of the Seal - after 70 years exile. The island was evacuated in December 1938 and has similarities to that of St. Kilda, when In 1930, the remaining 36 islanders requested evacuation to the mainland.

The documentary tells the story of Island Roan through Kitty's memories, mixed with the photo journalism of James Morrison - photographer from the Daily Record - whose evocative and atmospheric pictures documented the island, its people and their ways, prior to the evacuation. This is a fascinating story of a bygone era, of simpler times and communal living where everyone worked together for their survival. Kitty Ann came across as a fascinating and radiant person with a strong faith that under pinned everything she did.

Her helicopter trip to the island was made on a beautiful day when Island Roan looked at its best. It was obvious that the return was an emotional experience which invoked many memories - many of which will remain with Kitty, but the insights that she gave us were warm and happy and through it all we could see the memories of a beautiful young woman, had been carried with her through her life and made her the vital and positive person she is today.

Morrison's picture - above shows her as a young woman teaching her two brothers in the School - and the colour photo - shows all that is left in the school, with the desk irons still visible. This was an excellent programme and I highly recommended it to you. Unfortunately it is only available on Sky with no immediate prospect of BBC Alba appearing on Freeview in the near future. For those of you that have Sky, I hope you enjoy the re-run on BBC Alba Sky Channel 168, Sunday Dec 7 at 8.30pm.

Iain Morrison