‘Truluck’ the story of Moray dolphin and whale watcher
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An inspirational film about a Moray man’s life as whale and dolphin watcher is being shown on a big screen next week.
‘Truluck’ tells the story of Steve Truluck and showcases his infectious enthusiasm.
The idea for the documentary came after a chance encounter Steve had on the shoreline at Burghead shortly after lockdown.
Two months later the filmmakers Matt Cannon and Jake Smallwood got in touch.
Steve recalls: “I was completely taken aback at first. I mean, who wouldn’t be by the idea of someone making a documentary about your life?
“They stated they’d never made a film before, but I went online and could see that they were both really good photographers, which is why I decided to show a bit of faith.”
The making of ‘Truluck’ saw Steve shadowed for six weeks as he ranged far and wide on the lookout for whales and dolphins.
Bad weather and bad luck initially plagued their efforts, but it’s not giving the game away too much to state that the 20-minute long documentary has a fitting climax.
Steve believes the film’s underlying message is that people should always chase their dreams.
Until just over a decade ago, the 49-year-old was an engineer, living an unfulfilling existence in a London suburb.
All that quickly changed for the better when he was transferred through work to Scotland.
He came to Hopeman which was where he first encountered dolphins in the wild.
Steve recalls: “It was magical. They’re such obviously intelligent creatures with such a sense of fun. I was immediately smitten.
“And then I saw killer whales and they were just incredible as well. There are three main groups in Scotland and you come to know them all as individuals.”
When the time came for him to return to the city commute, he decided instead to give up his career and stay in Moray.
Steve set up a business locally – Moray Coast Window Cleaning – and, ever since, has dedicated as much of his time as possible to whale and dolphin watching.
For several weeks last winter he was stationed in Norway, while next month he will be one of the experts on a cruise that’s touring the British Isles.
Steve is also a regular at the annual Orca Watch events at John O’Groats.
Talking about the film, he says: “I bawled my eyes out when I first saw it. Matt and Jake have done an absolutely amazing job.
“The three of us have now become really good friends.”
Steve is well known for posting sightings on the Facebook page Caithness & Moray Firth Cetacean Sightings.
Earlier this year, in response to one message he uploaded, scores of people rushed to the shoreline from miles around to witness a group of killer whales, known as the 65s, as they swam past Burghead.
Steve, who now lives in Covesea, says: “Nothing can replace the excitement of seeing your first ever group dolphins or killer whales.
“However, I still get an enormous thrill from passing on the knowledge I’ve gained and from the happiness on other people’s faces.”
‘Truluck’ is being screened from 7.30pm at the Empire Theatre at Eden Court, Inverness, on Wednesday, April 17.
It is being shown alongside other nature-related documentaries as part of The Ocean Film Festival, which is touring currently on the UK leg of its world tour.
Tickets can be booked in advance HERE
