Hopes and Dreams an STV documentary
Twelve years ago a Scottish TV documentary captured the hearts and minds of the nation with a moving look at the children and staff of the Royal Blind School. The programme found out all about the children getting the vital education, skills and life lessons that they would need for a life without sight as they grew up. The children, then aged between 11 and 17, spoke freely and openly about their hopes and dreams for the future.
Earlier this year STV caught up with the children that featured in the original documentary to find out if they are fulfilling their hopes and dreams, capturing the interviews in a brand new documentary – Hopes and Dreams - that was broadcast in October. Part of the new documentary also included a visit to the school to find out how things have changed since their original broadcast 12 years ago. Whilst visiting they captured the first day of school for new pupil Mason Haddow. His brother Lee already attends the school and his mum and dad were with him on this big day as he settled into his new surroundings.
Hopes and Dreams revisited Raymond, Maddy, Vikki, Fiona, Martin and Daniel in a poignant and heartwarming one-hour documentary to find out how their lives turned out. Did their childhood hopes and dreams come true? Now in their late twenties and early thirties, the former pupils once again talked openly of their ambitions and careers in a series of honest interviews. It showed how enigmatic lad Daniel had gone on to get a start in his beloved radio industry, how little Maddy had gone on to become a talented harpist and how Fiona has found true love.
The production team travelled across Scotland, from Edinburgh to Orkney, to reconnect with these remarkable individuals and reveal their truly inspiring life stories.
Elizabeth Partyka, Deputy Head of Content at STV, said: “I’m delighted that we could revisit the children from the Royal Blind School and tell their life stories in this truly inspiring documentary. Whether viewers watched the original interviews or not, I think they will really enjoy this warm and fascinating look back at the lives of these exceptional individuals, and catch up with where they are today.”
