TV programme on TB

I received an email yesterday from former colleague Chris Holme now working with the Scottish Executive about a television programme dealing with TB:

"This is Stornoway-based MacTV’s splendid documentary which went out on BBC Alba last night and goes out again tonight at 10 pm. You can see it on iPlayer: BBCtv.alba

He goes on to say:
"This is very much in the historiographical vein of Craig-y-nos – finding patients and allowing them to tell their stories. I helped the researchers at the start of the project with contacts and background info including Craig- y- nos.

Features former Herald librarian Seonai Gordon now living in Brighton and Rhoda Macdonald, our STV colleague from the days we were all in the Scottish Media Group. Much of it is in Gaelic with subtitles but I think this enhances its appeal as film testimony rather than detracts from it."

Well, I watched the programme last night and it echoes so many of our stories particularly the social stigma and taboo surrounding the disease. If you have the time do click on the above BBCIplayer link. It is up for the next six days.

Dr Crofton, the Edinburgh based TB specialist responsible for developing the triple drug regime that led to the cure for TB was often asked to go to churches and speak about the cure because people were that frightened of being in contact with people who had been treated for TB.