The Scottish Island that Won the Lottery

There are few places as remote as the Isle of North Uist. Part of Scotland's Outer Hebrides, it is the rugged north-western edge of Britain. Almost as close to Iceland as London, North Uist's one and a half thousand islanders are famed for self-sufficiency and resourcefulness. It’s a community that’s not cash-rich, but is wealthy in traditions and language stretching back centuries. Not much changes here. That is, until last year, when these islanders lucked out, winning a three-million-pound lottery windfall. This film follows fisherman Donald, crofter Attar, postmistress Pamela, peat cutter Duncan and whisky distillery entrepreneurs Kate and Jonny as they deal with their bonanza. In a rural idyll, where you already have everything you need, what happens when the lottery comes to town? This is the tale of the island that wins the jackpot…. but doesn’t know how to spend it.

Production Companies

Channel 4 Television