Production has concluded on the second series of the BBC's Scottish Gaelic crime drama An t-Eilean (The Island), with filming taking place across remote locations in the Outer Hebrides and Glasgow. The four-episode series is expected to air in late 2026 or early 2027, according to Digital Spy.
Filming Locations and Production Details
The production team revisited several isolated settings that established the programme's unique character, including the Isles of Lewis and Harris in the Outer Hebrides. Amhuinnsuidhe Castle, a Victorian property on Harris that served as the residence of the powerful Maclean family in the first series, may feature again. The settlement of Breasclete, which played a significant role in the first season, was also used for filming the latest episodes.
While the majority of filming centred on the Hebrides, scenes were also shot in Glasgow. The second series is expected to be broadcast in late 2026 or early 2027.
Critical Acclaim and Cultural Impact
An t-Eilean emerged as one of the BBC's notable triumphs after its launch in January 2025, attracting a dedicated audience and garnering considerable acclaim from critics. The series was hailed as a significant milestone for Gaelic television and received acclaim for introducing Scotland's indigenous language to a wider viewership. It was the BBC's most costly Gaelic-language drama production.
Lead actress Sorcha Groundsell, who plays Detective Sergeant Kat Crichton, spoke to The Hollywood Reporter about the importance of the show: "It is really an inspiring time and a necessary time to take ownership of our language and our culture and celebrate it for what it is, which is a source of incredible joy to so many people." She also acknowledged that performing in Gaelic presented unique difficulties, even though she had acquired the language during childhood. "A lot of us were feeling some pressure about our levels of fluency," she said. "If anything, that makes it all the more important to participate in a show like this, because, if we maintain this feeling that our Gaelic is never good enough to use, no one will ever have a chance to use Gaelic."
Where to Watch
Fans can catch up with the first series of the drama on BBC iPlayer. The series features Sorcha Groundsell as Detective Sergeant Kat Crichton, alongside an all-star cast.
