We began our documentary journey at 12 months to the vote. As the 100 day mark approaches we are feeling a little exhausted. From sleeping of the bar floor of North Link Ferries to get to Shetland to waking up at 5am for a day trip to Jura and filming all the while, it’s been a true test of our bodies’ resistance.
What keeps us going are all the amazing people we’ve met along the way, and what’s interesting as we edit the film together is how it sparks debate between us on independence itself. As the polls swing back and forth, the debate becomes more urgent and more emotional.
When we started the documentary we could not have expected that the swing to the Yes would come so early on, and again a new poll suggests the No have gained back their ground. I’m sure the figures will shift once again, but who will hold the lead come September?
We’ve still got a long way to go…
Though exhausting, the journey has thrown up so many memorable moments. Re-visiting Shetland in the sun was akin to discovering a new land. Here’s a gratuitous pony pic for all those who come to my blog just to ogle Shetland ponies.
We also were gifted with a knitted map of the isles. After the miserable winter, I couldn’t fathom the multicoloured layers. However, visiting in March they were all on offer, from the yellow-sanded beaches to the violet sunset witnessed at the point on the island where you can toss a stone across the land from the Atlantic to the North Sea. Land which has been designated as an Otters Crossing.
Even the sheep seem to have grown accustomed to us.
In the next few weeks we’ll be putting together a trailer, with the actual people involved in ‘Knitting a Nation’ and not just the animals we’ve encountered. So watch this space.
Jo Gill 