Queer Culinary Star Coinneach MacLeod Brings Island Flavor to TV Debut: ‘Hebridean Baker: Nordic Islands’

Coinneach MacLeod, the internationally acclaimed author and beloved Hebridean Baker, is stepping out of his cozy Scottish island kitchen and onto the global stage with his first-ever television presenting role. This autumn, audiences will join Coinneach in "Hebridean Baker: Nordic Islands," a four-part culinary adventure airing on BBC ALBA and BBC iPlayer, with versions in both Gaelic and English .

The series promises viewers more than just recipes; it’s a heartfelt celebration of island life, resilience, and the ties that bind communities across oceans. Coinneach, who is openly gay and a proud advocate for LGBTQ+ visibility in food media, expressed his excitement for the show: “This series has been a dream come true. I’ve always believed food connects us, and on Hebridean Baker: Nordic Islands, I’ve been welcomed into kitchens, farms and cafés across the north, meeting incredible bakers, fishermen and storytellers whose passion for their island, culture and cuisine has been inspiring. It’s been a joy to explore and share those connections” .

Coinneach’s presence as a gay host is significant, especially in culinary television where LGBTQ+ representation remains limited. His authentic storytelling, paired with his signature Fair Isle sweaters and ever-present yellow wellies, brings a unique warmth to the screen and fosters a sense of belonging for queer viewers. Margaret Cameron, director of content at MG ALBA, emphasized this aspect: “Coinneach brings a unique warmth and authenticity to the screen – qualities that resonate deeply with audiences at home and abroad. Hebridean Baker: Nordic Islands is more than a foodie series; it’s a heartfelt celebration of island life and the threads that connect communities across oceans. We are proud to premiere this beautifully crafted series in Gaelic on BBC ALBA, and to see Gaelic storytelling take its rightful place on the international stage” .

For LGBTQ+ audiences, Coinneach’s visibility matters. His gentle, affirming presence offers a powerful counterpoint to mainstream narratives, demonstrating that queer people belong everywhere—including the kitchens and villages of the world’s most remote islands.

Filmed across four extraordinary Nordic islands—Lofoten (Norway), the Faroe Islands, Gotland (Sweden), and Bornholm (Denmark)—the series dives headfirst into the wild and wonderful flavors of the North . Viewers will join Coinneach as he:

- Joins an Arctic fishing boat crew, learning about sustainable seafood practices and the lives of Nordic fishermen.
- Samples fermented mutton with Faroese farmers, discovering age-old traditions that weave together family, history, and food.
- Brews Viking-style ale on Gotland, shining a light on how local ingredients and ancient recipes continue to shape community identity.
- Uncovers the secrets of Denmark’s famous pastries on the picturesque island of Bornholm, baking cakes fit for a princess in the Baltic.

Each episode centers not only the food but also the people who make it—their stories, their resilience, and the creative ways islanders maintain cultural identity in an ever-changing world. Coinneach’s gentle interviewing style encourages candid moments, allowing queer and allied viewers to see universal themes of connection, tradition, and pride.

The show’s launch marks a milestone for LGBTQ+ representation in travel and culinary television. Coinneach’s journey is also a celebration of diversity within island communities, many of which have historically been isolated but now increasingly embrace openness and inclusivity. By sharing the everyday lives and culinary traditions of Nordic islanders, the series invites all viewers—queer and non-queer alike—to appreciate the vibrant tapestry of cultures that thrive at the edges of Europe .

For LGBTQ+ audiences seeking travel inspiration, connection, and affirmation, "Hebridean Baker: Nordic Islands" offers a new kind of adventure—one that celebrates queer joy, cultural exchange, and the universal language of food.

Produced by Caledonia TV and funded by MG ALBA, the series is set to premiere this autumn, with the Gaelic-language edition airing exclusively on BBC ALBA and BBC iPlayer and an English-language version available for broader audiences . As Coinneach MacLeod brings his signature blend of warmth, hospitality, and pride to screens worldwide, queer viewers can look forward to a series that not only satisfies the palate but also celebrates the power of connection—across islands, cultures, and identities.