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.
Sponsored Links
Latest Edinburgh News
Casting Announced for Top Hat Musical
The Chichester Festival Theatre Production of Irving Berlin’s Top Hat has announced the cast for the 2025 UK tour which opens at the Edinburgh Playhouse from 30th September 2025.
READ MORE
Fresh new line up for one of the biggest FREE food and drink festivals in Scotland
Vikings, a pie eating competition, new celebrated chef and dog & duck shows set to bring new energy to Loch Lomond Food and Drink Festival this September.
READ MORE
September at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh
From Masterclasses to Artist in Residence, discover Virgin Hotels Edinburgh's events taking place in September!
READ MORE
Quasquicentennial celebrations for Glenogle Baths
Edinburgh Leisure’s Glenogle Swim Centre marks a major milestone this September, its quasquicentennial anniversary with a celebration event attended by the Lord Provost.
READ MORE
From pouring pints to the red carpet: The Scottish Bar and Pub Awards 2025 crowns its hospitality stars!
The winners of the 2025 Scottish Bar & Pub Awards were unveiled on the 26th of August at a glittering, Oscars-themed ceremony held at the Doubletree by Hilton, Glasgow.
READ MORE
National Galleries of Scotland reveals original plans for swimming baths under the building
Marking 175 years since Prince Albert laid the foundation stone of the National on 30 August 1850, the National Galleries of Scotland has shared its fascinating original building plans.
READ MORE
Cineworld announces first ever Big Screen Weekend
Cineworld's Big Screen Weekend is here! Turning the last weekend of summer into the UK's biggest celebration of cinema, with all films, all formats – for just £4, including booking fee.
READ MORE
Edinburghs Hogmanay announces 2025 headliner
Organisers of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay have announced indie-rock outfit Wet Leg as 2025’s Concert in the Gardens headliners.
READ MORE
Two Edinburgh based artists chosen for first residency at the Palace of Holyroodhouse
Royal Collection Trust is today announcing an artist residency for the upcoming major exhibition Drawing the Italian Renaissance at The King’s Gallery.
READ MORE
Best Croissant Competition returns for 2025
The Edinburgh Butter Company has announced the return of its ‘Scotland’s Best Croissant’ competition on Monday 13th October.
READ MORE
Conifox Adventure Park Ultimate Halloween Festival returns
Conifox Adventure Park has announced the return of Edinburgh’s Ultimate Halloween Festival with the UK’s first-ever Laser Show over a Pumpkin Patch.
READ MORE
One Week To Go: Lammermuir Festival 2025
The Lammermuir Festival opens on Thursday 4th September in the beautiful, historic county of East Lothian, offering wonderful music played by some of the world’s finest musicians!
READ MORE
Myths and Legends come alive under the Royal Mile in Edinburgh
This September, step beneath the Royal Mile and into a world where history and folklore entwine, as The Real Mary King’s Close unveils its brand-new “Myths and Legends Tour”.
READ MORE
Free wedding cake competition launched in Edinburgh
Ben & Jerry's will be selecting a lucky couple tying the knot this September to receive the ultimate Brookies & Cream Sundae tower for their wedding.
READ MORE
COSMO Edinburgh Wins Buffet Restaurant of the Year at the Food Awards Scotland 2025
COSMO Edinburgh has been crowned ‘Buffet Restaurant of the Year’ at the prestigious Food Awards Scotland 2025!
READ MORE
Edinburgh Bar Awards Announces 2025 Longlist with 150 Nominees
The one-month countdown is officially on for one of the biggest nights in Scotland’s hospitality calendar - the Edinburgh Bar Awards 2025, as the longlist of nominees is revealed.
READ MORE
Historic Environment Scotland launches Talking About Heritage
People across Scotland invited to take part in national conversation about heritage.
READ MORE
Livingston Designer Outlet announces exciting new food hall deli and tasting bar
Livingston Designer Outlet, Scotland’s largest designer outlet, is thrilled to announce that bold new culinary destination, Hamilton & Brown, will be arriving at the centre this autumn.
READ MORE
Morningside community venue raises hundreds of pounds for Edinburgh pet charity
McLarens on the Corner has raised £600 for the Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home, as part of its latest fundraising event.
READ MORE
Edinburgh International Festival sees Fullest Theatres and Concert Halls in more than a Decade
The 2025 Edinburgh International Festival concluded yesterday after an extraordinary three-week celebration of opera, dance, music and theatre in Scotland’s capital.
READ MORE
Edinburgh International Book Festival celebrates success in new home
Edinburgh International Book Festival has wrapped up a landmark year, celebrating a two-week long ‘Repair’ themed programme of events for all ages and interests in it's new home.
READ MORE
Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF) 2025 draws to a close
Edinburgh International Film Festival 2025 draws to a close and continues to scale up, building creative in-roads with filmmakers and industry.
READ MORE
Tickets now on sale for The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo closes the drawbridge on its 75th anniversary Show, as tickets for next year go on sale.
READ MORE
OAPs get on the oars to back Scots bros rowing the Pacific
RESIDENTS living in an Edinburgh care home are throwing their weight behind three Scottish brothers as they close in on a world record-breaking row across the Pacific Ocean.
READ MORE
Week 3 winners of the 2025 Besties announced
The Skinny and Fest, Capital Theatres and Premier Scotland are delighted to announce the winners of The Besties awards week three!
READ MORE
Kevin Quantum Stages Community Show Following Fringe Success
Edinburgh-based international magician Kevin Quantum is offering cut-price tickets for a special performance in Granton of his hit Fringe show.
READ MORE
Free Cake Giveaway as Cake Box opens new Edinburgh Store
CAKE lovers in Edinburgh can enjoy a free slice this Saturday 23rd August, as Cake Box opens its new store on St John's Road, Corstorphine.
READ MORE
Madeleine Brettingham wins prestigious comedy newcomer competition
Madeleine Brettingham has been announced as winner of the 38th edition of So You Think You’re Funny? - the UK’s most prestigious comedy newcomer competition.
READ MORE
Bluey Casting Announced
Live stage show Bluey’s Big Play, featuring Bluey, Bingo, Mum, and Dad and a talented company of actors and puppeteers, has announced its cast for the Olivier Award-nominated production.
READ MORE
Book Now for Lammermuir Festival 2025
The Lammermuir Festival offers audiences a richly immersive experience whether they be new to classical music or life-long fans.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links