Caithness writer nominated for major BBC drama award
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A DRAMA documentary, penned by Caithness writer Colin MacDonald, has been nominated for a major award. An Eye for a Killing has been short-listed in the best original drama series in the BBC Audio Awards for 2024.
The five-part series, described as "chilling and gripping", explored the story of 19th-century serial killers William Burke and William Hare, who murdered 16 people in Edinburgh in a 10-month period in 1828. It examined the myth that they were graverobbers and remembered the forgotten victims.
The series, broadcast on BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds, was narrated by BAFTA winner Jack Lowden, who starred in the television drama The Gold. The 16-strong cast, included Thurso actor Helen MacKay, Gavin Mitchell (from Still Game), Maureen Carr and Paul Young.
MacDonald, who comes from Wick but lives and works in Edinburgh, is delighted to be on the short-list. "It’s great to be nominated because it means your work has been recognised, and it might lead to more work.
Also, it is a huge compliment to everyone that contributed, from the brilliant cast including Thurso’s very own Helen MacKay and Jack Lowden to the superb sound crew and the director Bruce Young. It also raises the profile of the series again, and since it’s still available on BBC Sounds, that’s a very good thing."
The writer accessed the original trial records from 1828 and other documents to investigate how Burke and Hare – two canal labourers – came to kill so many people and sell their bodies to the anatomist Robert Knox for use in his highly lucrative lectures.
MacDonald researched three of the pair’s victims – one of whom, Mary Paterson, was just 18 when she was murdered. Helen MacKay played Mary. She gave "a cracking performance," said MacDonald who added: "Helen has been in a few of my dramas – I am blessed to have that Caithness connection."
MacKay, who has lived in Glasgow since 2009, previously worked with MacDonald in Weir of Hermiston and Callum’s Road. She felt "so lucky" to be involved in the production and to work with "some of the best actors in Scotland".
The award winners will be announced on Sunday, March 24 in a ceremony in the Radio Theatre at BBC Broadcasting House London.
Meanwhile, MacDonald is working on the Inverness Castle Project with Highland musicians, James Ross and Julie Fowlis.
The castle buildings are being refurbished as a visitor attraction, with the aim of giving people a sense of the Spirit of the Highlands, largely through stories. It is due to open in 2025.
One of the features is a tapestry of the Highlands and Islands, which has been completed by 650 community stitchers from Shetland to Argyll, including many from Caithness. Half of the 56 panels will be on permanent display in the castle. The main panels depict the area’s distinctive history, culture and geology.
MacDonald said: "Wick composer and musician James Ross has been commissioned to create a piece of music that captures something about the tapestry – its creation, its creators and their stories, as well as some of the recurring themes that have come from them. I am working with James to develop a narrative – which will lead to a public performance, and possibly a CD recording. Julie Fowlis – from North Uist in the Hebrides– will be involved as a narrator/singer. Caithness will feature large, that’s guaranteed."
