Grand Tours of the Scottish Islands

In this episode, Paul Murton journeys across the islands of Kerrera, Seil and Eileach an Naoimh, examining their landscapes and history. He discovers how steam‑powered vessels were essential in maintaining a reliable connection between these remote islands and the Scottish mainland.

So Near, So Far is a television programme presented in an episode format. It forms part of a series that takes viewers to remote locations, offering a glimpse into the landscape and history of the places visited. The show is structured around a single presenter guiding the audience through each location’s unique characteristics. In this particular instalment, the presenter Paul Murton journeys across three of Scotland’s western isles – Kerrera, Seil and the uninhabited Eileach an Naoimh. As he moves from one island to the next, he investigates how each community has been shaped by its surroundings and the transport links that have connected them. A central focus of the episode is the historical significance of steam‑powered vessels. Murton discovers that these ships were crucial in establishing a reliable link between the islands and the mainland, enabling the movement of people, goods and ideas. Their operation marked a turning point in the islands’ accessibility. Through his on‑site observations, Murton highlights how the legacy of those steam ships still influences life on Kerrera, Seil and Eileach an Naoimh today. The episode therefore combines scenic travel with a concise look at maritime history, illustrating the enduring relationship between the islands and the mainland via these steam‑driven connections.