Actress Ruth Wilson has revealed the extreme conditions she faced while shooting a new advertisement on the remote Isle of Skye. The star, famed for roles in Luther and The Affair, took on the part of a solitary lighthouse keeper for a short film promoting the seasonal perfume brand Ffern.
Enduring the Elements for Art
In behind-the-scenes footage, Wilson, 43, described the unpredictable and often harsh weather encountered during the shoot. She experienced everything from rain and wind to sleet and brief bursts of sunshine, with the icy cold sea playing a central role in one pivotal scene. "It was everything: sleet, rain, you know," Wilson recounted, adding that she felt like "an isolated woman in the elements but someone who loves it."
The production's challenges were echoed by a crew member, who went so far as to label the weather during filming as 'Biblical' in its intensity. Despite this, the team persevered to capture the atmospheric visuals required for the project, titled 'The Lighthouse Keeper'.
A Mysterious and Atmospheric Short Film
The promotional film follows Wilson's character, named Iona, in the days leading up to the winter solstice as she watches for a change in her coastal environment. One striking scene sees Wilson wading into the sea to accept a bouquet of flowers from a mysterious hand emerging from beneath the water's surface.
The advert was directed by Nora Fingscheidt, who previously directed Saoirse Ronan in The Outrun filmed in Orkney. Fingscheidt expressed her affection for the location, stating, "I love Scotland. It's one of my favourite places in the world. I'm happy to be back."
Praise for the Scottish Landscape and Crew
In an online message, Ffern extended "huge thanks to our wonderful cast and crew, who battled the ever-changing weather of Scotland's West Coast to make this film with good humour and creative excellence." The brand's latest seasonal scent is showcased against the dramatic backdrop of Skye's coastline.
The final product has already garnered acclaim, with one marketing executive praising it as "an exquisitely shot film that could easily double as a promo for visiting Scotland's captivating West Coast." The advert not only highlights the perfume but also serves as a powerful visual tribute to the rugged beauty of the Scottish islands.
