New podcast series asks why young people leave north Sutherland
A new podcast series exploring why young people leave north-west Sutherland and what might encourage them to stay is being launched today.
The Highlands Reimagined series was commissioned by Strathnaver Museum in Bettyhill and features interviews with pupils from Farr High School, local entrepreneurs and remote workers.
The three 30-minute episodes were produced by Anya Media, a Newcastle-based film and radio production company that specialises in cultural projects.
The idea for Highlands Reimagined came about during filmmaker and podcast producer Will Sadler’s residency at Strathnaver Museum in 2024, when he used objects in the museum collection to examine issues relevant to Highland communities today.
In his Objects of Then, Stories of Now podcast series, Mr Sadler, who founded Anya Media, explored what it means to live in north Sutherland today.
In Highlands Reimagined, local young people use objects from the museum's collection to research Highland depopulation and economic migration.
They discuss their hopes and fears for the future with national and regional representatives, government agencies and community organisations.
Mr Sadler said: "This podcast explores the differences between the picture-postcard Highlands of my childhood holidays and the complex reality of growing up there.
“The goal isn't to dismiss an appreciation for Scotland's natural beauty, but rather to enrich it by revealing the nuances of life in one of Western Europe’s most sparsely populated areas as it faces ongoing population challenges.
“Fundamentally, I hope the show encourages us all to consider what role we play in helping to build a more resilient future for this beautiful place.”
Fiona Mackenzie, Strathnaver Museum manager, said: “We are incredibly excited about the launch of Highlands Reimagined which provides a platform for our young people to share their hopes and concerns for their future within their Highland community.”
Highlands Reimagined has been published in partnership with Wild for Scotland, an immersive podcast about travel and storytelling by travel writer Kathi Kamleitner.
Ms Kamleitner said: “The northern Highlands are often presented as a ‘wild’ and rugged landscape to be enjoyed by tourists seeking vastness and space. But it’s important not to lose sight of the people who call these landscapes their home.
“Highlands Reimagined paints a complex picture of modern life in the Highlands and centres the lived experiences that often get omitted in favour of a romanticised landscape.”
Visitors to Strathnaver Museum can browse the Highlands Reimagined digital kiosk at the museum. The kiosk features questions which link to objects in the museum collection and extracts from the podcast.
The podcast is available to listen to for free, across all the major platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Audible. Podcast Addict, Pocketcasts, YouTube Music, and iHeart radio.