New documentary tells the story of world record breaking Scottish brothers

A new documentary - now live on STV Player - tells the story of the Maclean Brothers and their self-confessed “piss poor” preparations the ocean adventure that lay ahead.

Article Source: Issued on behalf of The Maclean Brothers by Story Shop
Last Updated: 8 May 2025 11:47

Now seasoned ocean rowers with world records under their belts, the Maclean Brothers are currently on day 22 of their extraordinary 9,000-mile row across the Pacific Ocean.

But back in 2019, when they set out to cross the 3,000-mile Atlantic in a 28-foot boat, the Edinburgh trio had no rowing experience.

A new documentary - now live on STV Player - tells the story of adventure, family, positivity and their self-confessed “piss poor” preparations for the ocean adventure that lay ahead.

Out of Our Depth: Three Brothers in a Boat, the debut feature film by Glasgow-based production company Lost Clock Productions, veers between seasickness and slapstick as the brothers candidly recount their chaotic build-up - including almost forgetting to pack toilet roll until minutes before pushing off for over a month at sea.

Speaking from the middle of the Pacific, 33-year-old Ewan Maclean, the eldest brother, said: “It was all completely new to us. You know what it’s like - you have an idea and you just get carried away. We were working, studying, juggling other things.

“It was eye-opening watching the documentary and realising how much we’ve changed. Our preparations really were piss poor. In many ways, watching it was a wake up call. If we’re going to row an ocean three times as long as the Atlantic, we couldn’t go into it half-cocked.

“We’re so grateful to Lost Clock. They’ve told our story - and continue to tell our story - in the most incredible way. Before we left, we watched it with our family and friends. There was everything from roaring laughter to genuine tears.”

During their Atlantic crossing, the Maclean brothers broke three world records: they became the first trio of brothers to row any ocean, and the fastest and youngest trio to row the Atlantic.

Their maiden voyage raised over £200,000 for charities Feedback Madagascar and Children 1st.

The Rare Whisky 101 Pacific Row, which began last month, has even greater ambition. The brothers are aiming to raise £1 million for the Maclean Foundation, the clean water charity they conceived during long days at sea.

Jamie Maclean, 31, said: “I don’t think people ever experience the clarity of thought you get at sea in normal life. It changed the direction of our lives. We thought it would be a one-off adventure, but it made us re-evaluate our purpose. We realised we wanted to do something together and make a real impact.

"Everything we’re doing now is in service of providing clean water to communities living in poverty - especially in Madagascar, one of the countries most vulnerable to climate change.”

The brothers have received extensive training in content capture for their Pacific row which are being edited and released on YouTube as mini-documentaries while the brothers are at sea.

Director Graham Robertson of Lost Clock said: “The Maclean boys have occupied more of the last five years of my life than I care to reveal. But I’m glad the boys trust us to tell their story."

“It’s rare to meet a group of guys who are so willing to jump headfirst into a crazy challenge, all while wearing their hearts on their sleeves and never taking themselves too seriously. I think that makes them the ideal documentary subjects."

“This film is about much more than a row. It’s about family, perseverance, perspective - and, yes, the struggle of going to the toilet on top of a 30-foot wave.”

The documentary also features interviews with the brothers’ friends and family, including their mother, Sheila, an artist who moved to Antigua after visiting them at the Atlantic finish line. The film captures her emotional struggle as she wrestles with the reality of her three sons floating in a tiny boat in the middle of the ocean.

Youngest brother Lachlan (26) added: “It was emotional watching the documentary with Mum. It made us really think about how our choices affect others. We’ve always been close as a family, but this brought us even closer.

“It’s a strange feeling seeing your life played back to you. There were definitely embarrassing moments, but we couldn’t have imagined it would turn out the way it did.

“We’ve got a laptop with us, so we’re going to re-watch it today. It’s the one bit of TV we’re letting ourselves watch for 100+ days. That probably sounds egotistical to be watching ourselves - but honestly, it’ll be emotional and it’s a great way to see our family while we’re thousands of miles away. Importantly there’s only one episode, which means no risk of a binge-watch derailing the row.”

Richard Williams, Managing Director of Digital at STV, added: "The Maclean brothers are a truly inspirational group of Scots and their story of perseverance in the face of adversity is one that I know STV Player viewers will be totally gripped by. Giving a platform to homegrown stories like this is important to us, and every incredible twist and turn of the trio's heroic charity row is streaming now for free.”

Out of Our Depth: Three Brothers in a Boat is streaming now on STV Player.

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest Lanarkshire News

Find a festive backdrop in Glasgow and the West

From frosty gardens to cosy tearooms, National Trust for Scotland places in Glasgow and the West are offering a host of winter experiences and special events this festive season.

The Wizard Wae The Big Bawz: New adult panto brings comedy to Scotland in January

January needn't be a drag as Scotland's brand-new adult panto, The Wizard Wae The Big Bawz, hits the road, arriving just when the country needs a burst of joy!

Topgolf celebrating 25 years of fun with a week of deals and prizes

Topgolf's journey started in Watford at the turn of the millennium and has since grown into a global enterprise with more than 100 venues worldwide.

The Doddie Weir match ball delivery is voted Greatest Murrayfield Moment

Doddie Weir’s emotional match ball delivery at Murrayfield in 2017 has been voted the greatest moment in the stadium’s 100-year history, after thousands of fans took part in a nationwide poll.

Much loved classic Scottish play, The Steamie, is set to return to venues in 2026

The Steamie has been scrubbed up ahead of making a return to theatres across the country next year as part of an exciting new chapter in its long-standing story in the theatre landscape.

Medea to tour Scotland in 2026

Bard in the Botanics will be launching their 25th Anniversary year with a Scotland-wide tour of their award-winning version of Medea, by Kathy McKean (after Euripides).

Imagine Theatre prepares for an exciting season of pantomimes across Scotland

Imagine Theatre proudly presents a spectacular lineup of family pantomimes across Scotland bursting with laughter, music, sparkle, and dance starring some of Scotland's best-loved entertainers!

South Lanarkshire Council announces dates for their 2025 Christmas Lights switch on events

The countdown to Christmas is underway with lights scheduled to be switched on at events across South Lanarkshire!

Step into the magic at Dobbies Garden Centres

Dobbies Garden Centres has a fantastic line up of Santa’s Grotto and Quiet Grotto experiences, with an exciting North Pole adventure inspired theme, running from 23rd November - 24th December.

Scottish Ensemble announce projects for Spring and Summer 2026

Scottish Ensemble, a pioneering collective of musicians championing music for strings, announces its series of events for Spring/Summer 2026.

Aldi Scotland is turning up the Christmas cheer with its first ever festive Supermarket Sweep

Aldi Scotland is giving one lucky customer the chance to take part in a seasonal edition of its popular shopping challenge, all while raising vital funds for Children's Hospices Across Scotland.

Hidden treasures of Murrayfield

Murrayfield heritage lead Laura Tinch reveals hidden collection of 5,000 artefacts charting a century of Scottish rugby history.

Santa clocks in early: Scotland shift heroes among 30,000 invited to claim free festive meal

Greene King pubs is raising the spirits of Scotland's hardest workers this festive season, hosting 'The Big Christmas Shift' across 700 pubs nationwide, giving away 30,000 meals on Monday 1st December

Festive days out to make the most of the season

From wreath-making workshops through to New Year’s Eve street parties, here's a rounded up some of the best events to help make the most of the season with loved ones in a fun and creative way.

SAY Award winner announced as Kai Reesu

Kai Reesu’s ‘KOMPROMAT vol.i’ was tonight announced as winner of The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award, as the country’s national music prize Ceremony took place in Dundee’s Caird Hall.

Public vote opens for Scottish Jazz Awards 2025 as scene flourishes

A stellar lineup of nominees has been announced for the Scottish Jazz Awards 2025, showcasing the exceptional talent flourishing across Scotland's vibrant jazz scene.

Michel Roux unveils new laidback menu at Crossbasket Castle

Crossbasket Castle, one of Scotland's most enchanting five-star destinations, has unveiled a new Market Menu at its Foveran's restaurant.

Heroes call on Scottish rugby fans to vote for the greatest Murrayfield rugby moment

SCOTTISH rugby fans have been called upon to cast their vote for the greatest ever Murrayfield rugby moment as part of celebrations marking the national stadium’s centenary.

The Christmas tradition of the year is back...

Scotland's biggest Christmas drive-in returns: 11 days of Elf, Home Alone & more at Loch Lomond Shores!

Beat the Street CamGlen winners announced!

The Beat the Street challenge taking place across Cambuslang and Rutherglen has now concluded and the winners have been announced!

Pumpkin drive for pigs at the National Museum of Rural Life to reduce waste this Halloween

Visitors to the National Museum of Rural Life are being encouraged to donate their Halloween pumpkins and turnips on November 1st.

First Bus gives Remembrance free travel for all Armed Forces, veterans and cadets

First Bus is offering free travel for all veterans and UK Armed Forces personnel travelling to Remembrance Day activities of Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day.

Scotland Meats Germany

Scotland's favourite beer, Tennent's Lager, has unveiled the world's first ever Square Wurst - a Scottish classic with a German twist - to mark the launch of Tennent's Bavarian Pilsner.

Scottish Ensemble brings warmth to wintry nights with Concerts by Candlelight tour

Concert by Candlelight, Scottish Ensemble's celebrated long-running winter tour, returns for eight awe-inspiring performances in intimate settings around Scotland this December.

Crossbasket Castle unveils festive events for 2025

As the festive season approaches, five-star Scottish castle, Crossbasket Castle, has unveiled its calendar of seasonal events and experiences.

Feel the festive cheer at Dobbies Charity Christmas Shopping Night

Dobbies is encouraging customers to come along to their nearest store and to be the first to shop exclusive Black Friday offers at its late-night shopping event, in aid of Alzheimer's Research UK.

Autumn Offers at Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection

Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection have launched new offerings designed to inspire cosy autumn getaways and early festive escapes across Scotland.

The Scottish Excellence Awards are open for entries

Nominations are open for the highly anticipated Scottish Excellence Awards 2026, a celebration of Scotland's hospitality, foodservice and tourism sectors.

Dobbies Garden Centres hosts free to attend winter gardening workshop for kids

Dobbies is hosting a free-to-attend monthly gardening workshop on Sunday 2 November, for children across the country to discover how they can encourage winter birds into the garden.

Theme park set to host Miss Rachel shows

M&D's Scotland's Theme Park, in partnership with Wicked Entertainment, is to host Miss Rachel inspired shows following sell out performances earlier in the year.

Popular Listings

Airdrie Town Hall Chatelherault Country Park East Kilbride Arts Centre East Kilbride Village Theatre Lanark Memorial Hall Lanternhouse Cumbernauld Rutherglen Town Hall Strathclyde Country Park The Town House Hamilton

New documentary tells the story of world record breaking Scottish brothers

A new documentary - now live on STV Player - tells the story of the Maclean Brothers and their self-confessed “piss poor” preparations the ocean adventure that lay ahead.

Sponsored Links

Latest Lanarkshire News

Sponsored Links

Sponsored Links

Popular Events

Popular Listings