A NEW documentary exploring street gang culture in Scotland is set to hit our screens this year.

The three-part series will delve into the themes of author and former gang member Graeme Armstrong’s critically acclaimed novel, The Young Team, and is set to investigate ‘what drives violence and mob mentality, how social media is contributing, and what can be done to stop it’.

Glasgow Times: Pictured: Young Team author Graeme ArmstrongPictured: Young Team author Graeme Armstrong (Image: newsquest)

The project is being produced by Tern TV whose series with social commentator Darren McGarvey for BBC Scotland recently won a BAFTA for Best Documentary Series.

As part of a new initiative from BBC Scotland and Screen Scotland to back emerging directors, two out of the three episodes will be directed by up-and-coming talents Jo Pagan and Alistair Ferguson who will be overseen by series producer Pete Stanton.

Glasgow Times: Pictured: Emerging Director Alistair FergusonPictured: Emerging Director Alistair Ferguson (Image: BBC)

Head of unscripted at Screen Scotland and executive producer Dani Carlaw said: “Screen Scotland takes pride in pioneering initiatives such as the Emerging Directors Initiative alongside BBC Scotland.

"We see this as a great opportunity for emerging talent based here in Scotland to build strong directing careers.”

Glasgow Times: Pictured:Pictured: Anton Danyluk with Emerging Director Libby PenmanPictured:Pictured: Anton Danyluk with Emerging Director Libby Penman (Image: BBC)

Also, to be produced this year as a result of the Emerging Director scheme will be a stand-alone documentary starring former Love Islander Anton Danyluk who will discuss the issues surrounding male body image insecurities while a further ED project will focus on TikTok star Nathan Evans as he attempts to make a name for himself as a singer-songwriter and escape ‘the one hit wonder’ tag.

Glasgow Times:

Tony Nellany, BBC Scotland channel manager and commissioning executive, said: “BBC Scotland has a strong track record in supporting and developing talent in front and behind the scenes.

“Working with Screen Scotland, we are delighted with the talent and the commissioned projects which have come through in the first year of this new initiative.

“Documentary filmmaking has always been a strength of the TV sector here in Scotland, but in the wake of the pandemic, it was possibly more difficult for aspiring directors to make connections.”