Revolutionizing Scots Language Learning Through Cutting-Edge Virtual Production
In a groundbreaking development for Scots language education, Abertay University’s CoSTAR Realtime Lab has enabled the creation of two innovative Scots-language films in just one day, marking a significant leap forward for digital language resources.
A New Era for Scots Language Education
The ScotsHoose Yaldi project, a collaborative initiative between the long-running ScotsHoose program and Yaldi Books, has taken a major step forward by utilizing Abertay University’s state-of-the-art virtual production facilities. This project brings together the expertise of writer and educator Matthew Fitt, an honorary graduate of Abertay, to create high-quality creative content in Scots for children, young people, teachers, and parents.
Matthew Fitt emphasized the significance of this technological advancement, stating, “Young Scots speakers deserve the best. Our project is committed to improving provision for Scots in schools, and the chance to work at CoStar is a real game changer.”
Virtual Production: Bridging Centuries and Planets
The filming day at CoSTAR Realtime Lab showcased the remarkable versatility of virtual production technology. Filmmakers from D Fie Foe created two contrasting films that demonstrated the facility’s ability to transport viewers across time and space:
- A 16th-century historical piece featuring Mary Queen of Scots and Elizabeth I of England
- A futuristic Mars colonization story set on the surface of the red planet
The first film featured acclaimed poet Liz Lochhead and River City actor Joyce Falconer voicing a corbie (crow), while young performers portrayed the historical monarchs. The second film presented a young actor in a spacesuit sharing thoughts about life in a remote colony, all spoken in Scots.
Technology Meets Tradition
Phillip Vaughan, Senior Lecturer at Abertay University, highlighted the transformative impact of the CoSTAR Realtime Lab on the project: “Accessing the technology at CoSTAR Realtime Lab has been a genuine game changer for this project, allowing us to leap from the 16th Century to the surface of Mars in a single day.”
The CoSTAR Realtime Lab, a £9 million virtual production facility, represents the largest-ever investment in creative industries R&D in the UK. As part of the UK-wide CoSTAR network, funded through UKRI’s £75.6 million Infrastructure Fund, the lab is designed to drive research, innovation, and economic growth across Scotland’s screen, games, immersive, and performance industries.
Stellar Cast and Creative Excellence
The project brought together an exceptional team of creative professionals and performers. Vaughan noted the privilege of working with “icons like Liz Lochhead and Joyce Falconer” alongside “the exceptional Samuel Lee Johnston from The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.” The involvement of young talent from Dundee Rep Theatre, including Grace Whelan and Rebecca Anderson, in significant roles added another dimension to the project.
Impact on Scots Language Learning
These new productions will join Scots Hoose Yaldi’s growing library of digital learning materials, continuing the project’s mission to support families, teachers, and young people across Scotland to connect with and celebrate the Scots language. The ability to create engaging, high-quality content quickly and efficiently opens up new possibilities for language education and cultural preservation.
The success of this project demonstrates how cutting-edge technology can be harnessed to preserve and promote traditional languages, making them more accessible and engaging for younger generations. By combining historical and futuristic storytelling with the Scots language, the project creates a bridge between Scotland’s rich linguistic heritage and its innovative future.
Looking Forward
As Scots Hoose Yaldi continues to develop its digital resources, the collaboration with Abertay University’s CoSTAR Realtime Lab sets a new standard for language learning materials. This project not only showcases Scotland’s creative industries at their finest but also provides a model for how technology can be used to preserve and promote linguistic diversity in the digital age.
The success of this initiative may inspire similar projects for other regional languages and dialects, demonstrating the potential of virtual production technology in educational and cultural preservation contexts. As the ScotsHoose Yaldi project continues to grow, it promises to play a crucial role in ensuring that the Scots language remains vibrant and relevant for future generations.
For those interested in learning more about Scots language resources or exploring Abertay University’s innovative programs, visit the university’s website or contact their admissions office for more information about their courses and research initiatives.
