Scotland's Moving Image Archive at National Library of Scotland preserves over 100 years of Scottish filmed history reflecting 20th century social, cultural and industrial heritage. The films capture the lives of ordinary people across the generations and celebrate the achievements of Scottish based film-makers.
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Salmon Fishing in Skye
Hardy salmon fishermen on the scenic shores of Skye work their nets in pursuit of a plentiful silver paycheck in this award winning early colour educational film from 1938.
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Overview
Beautiful early colour footage of salmon fishermen at work on the stunning shores of scenic Skye, a prizewinner in the Scottish Amateur Film Festival 1941. The rugged crew mend their nets and set them in place before bringing in their catch and tightly packing it into iced boxes ready for sale. Shots of large open row boats and old fashioned methods paint a glorious picture of fishing in the 1930s, when tough men practiced a tough trade on ‘The Misty Isle’ of Skye.
Made by SEFA (Scottish Educational Film Association), who formed in 1935 in order to promote the use of educational films and other visual aids in education. SEFA collaborated closely with the Scottish Film Council to achieve these aims, with joint publications on aspects of film in teaching, children's viewing habits, and use of the resources of the Scottish Central Film Library. During the Second World War, SEFA ran mobile cinema shows in rural areas for evacuees. After the war, they worked with the Scottish Film Council to make educational films for classroom use depicting aspects of Scottish life. This film was awarded the Scottish Amateur Film Festival’s Glasgow Cup for Best Classroom Film in 1941.
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