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Rokker's avatar

Having worked as part of a film crew for many years, I can assure you that it's virtually impossible to film a reality series without a significant amount of interference from the production team. While they try to make it look as authentic as possible, a fair proportion has to be orchestrated to make the sequences work and flow correctly. That fact is something that always influences the way I appraise shows such as this, as I sit on my own personal "judgmental couch".

Having said that, though, the challenges and difficulties faced by the contestants are no less formidable, given the climate of Scotland. I imagine that the one reassuring thought for each of them is that, despite the title, they are not really alone - they are pretty much constantly monitored. I spend many hours hiking the forest trails naked and alone in my own local area and am always safety conscious - always checking in with the girls at the DoC visitor center to tell them where I'm heading and what time I expect to be back. That's just common sense!

I, too, was surprised by the production's lack of awareness on U.K. law regarding public nudity. There is no Scottish law against being naked, or partially naked, in a place where you can be seen. There is just the common law offence of offending public decency - a strand of the breach of the peace - but it's a very high test. A member of the public would have to prove they had been put in a state of alarm or distress by your nudity. Just like here in New Zealand, it is now becoming increasingly difficult for someone who claims to be offended by the sight of a naked person to secure a successful prosecution, unless the naked person was committing an indecent act.

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Peter Stokes's avatar

The only “legal” impediment to nudity in Britain (Scotland has liberalised in recent years but I’m not so sure about Northern Ireland) is in the court of public opinion. Nudity is legal, but not always socially acceptable.

As you say, the presence of a film crew would oil most troubled waters, and in the main one can walk the countryside naked and be greeted with only a smile, but a trek into town .... Few people know the law around public nudity, assuming it must be illegal because, you know, they’re NAKED! and while many won’t react there will always be some. And you can still be arrested because the police don’t always know the law - to be fair, they rarely come into contact with naturists so that obscure legal corner isn’t up there with drugs, thieves and motorists.

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