Fogle's inspiring quest...
The BBC series Scotland’s Sacred Islands is so much more than a travel programme. It’s an adventure; a mighty quest!
Like all the best heroes in all the best stories, Ben Fogle undertakes a challenging physical journey only to discover he’s really taking an inner journey of the heart.
During his 1,000-mile trek, adventurer Fogle is closely followed across land and sea by a BBC camera crew who record his every move. In the first of four one-hour episodes, he visits the Inner Hebrides, exploring the landscape, meeting the people and investigating the spiritual aspects of this part of the world. Fogle tells us: “I follow the ancient sea roads and explore Scotland’s cradle of Christianity.”
With his trademark narrative style and boyish curiosity, Fogle questions the locals about their connections to the land. He gently probes for answers about their spirituality and tries to understand what influence these islands have had upon them. In episodes two and three, Fogle travels across the Southern Outer Hebrides and the Northern Outer Hebrides, pausing to engage with the island dwellers and take in the stunning views. He’s done his homework, too, as he shows an understanding of the kind of human spirituality which is set against the panorama of human existence and within a broader historical context.
STIRRING STUFF: Fogle's latest TV offering focuses on the remoteness and beauty of Scotland.
A seasoned broadcaster and explorer best known for his New Lives in the Wild programmes, Fogle gives the impression that he has unwittingly developed a growing awareness of something, or someone, that is ‘other’.
Clearly, he is stirred on some deep level by the natural beauty of creation. Unashamedly searching for answers to his own spirituality Fogle follows the trail for answers. Treading lightly on both the land and the hearts of those he meets, it’s no wonder folks of all faiths and none are happy to welcome him into their private remote worlds. Scotland’s Sacred Islands is so much more than a travel programme, it’s an adventure, a mighty quest. Like all the best heroes in all the best stories, Ben Fogle undertakes a challenging physical journey only to discover he’s really taking an inner journey of the heart.
The series culminates in a journey around the Shetland Isles, where, Fogle has a very open conversation with a nun living alone on the northernmost point of Britain. But as so often happens in life, just as we sense Fogle is getting closer to finding some answers, yet more questions arise. I’m left with the feeling that this is the beginning of his journey, not the end.
The documentary features high production values and stunning aerial footage of some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. The cinematography is exceptional and each episode is paced to include ‘space’ for the viewer to simply drink in the magnificent scenery. These stunning montages are greatly enhanced by a selection of quality instrumentals that create an immersive feel to the viewing experience. However, as far as I can tell, no musicians are named in the closing credits. This disappointment aside, Scotland’s Sacred Islands is a wonderful tonic for the armchair traveller and spiritual seeker alike.
Val Fraser is a respected freelance journalist and regular Sorted columnist