Swap Lives With Scottish On TV

Sometimes swapping lives with someone on the other side of the ocean doesn't seem like such a bad idea.

Sarasota families have their chance to do just that as British casting directors are looking for a family to star in a new reality show called "Twin Towns" sending a family on a week-long expense paid trip to Dunfermline, Scotland — Sarasota's sister city.

The United Kingdom show will run for 10 episodes highlighting international cities and will be produced and aired on the UK Discovery Channel's DMAX service and in central Europe through BSkyB satellite. No word yet if the TV show could air in the U.S. or be available online.

"We are hoping that it will also be shown in the US although this at the moment cannot be confirmed," casting producer Sarah Speirs told Patch.

Casting directors with Knickerbockerglory are interested in a Sarasota family, with a high school or college student, which has never visited the United Kingdom. Families interested in being selected will need an existing valid U.S. passport. Filming will take place in both Sarasota and Dunfermline.

“We are looking for fun families from Sarasota to have an all-expenses paid trip to the U.K,” Speirs said. “Those families will get the chance to experience the life of a Dunfermline family and all that the city has to offer.” 

Families will be on a relatively tight schedule as the exchange could happen as soon as April 16, but as late as June 30.

While in Dunfermline for one week, the Sarasota family will live in the Dunfermline's family's home, work at their jobs and children will visit local schools or colleges. 

Located about 20 miles north of Edinburgh, Dunfermline is known for its royal palace, historic villages, breathtaking landscape, and art museums. It's nicknamed "Scotland's ancient capital." It also is the birthplace of philanthropist Andrew Carnegie and even has its own Carnegie Hall.

“This will be a wonderful opportunity for one lucky Sarasota family,” said Tom Halbert, Sarasota Sister Cities Association President.

So what's life like in Dunfermline? A quick scan of the headlines in Google News tells us that football — you know, soccer — reigns supreme.

Here's some Dunfermline news to catch you up if you're considering the swap:

• Dumfermline Athletic lost a recent match to Celtic 2-0, but the real loss is in the checking account as Dumferline football is facing a financial crises.

• A norovirus bug is going around causing Queen Margaret Hospital to close five wards.

• A "one-legged heart surgery patient had to drag himself to a hospital toilet - and was forgotten about for two hours" according to the Dumferline Press and the daugther of the patient is sharing the shocking story.

• There's an awesome concert coming up in the summer called T in the Park featuring Snow Patrol, Florence + The Machine, Kasabian, and Oasis' Noel Gallagher's new band High Flying Birds.

Sarasota has a strong Scottish heritage as it was found by Scots and the first mayor John Gillespie. The two cities became official sister sities in 2002 during Sarasota's centennial celebration.

“To travel to Dunfermline and immerse themselves in the rich culture it has to offer will be a very memorable experience. They’ll see firsthand the parallels between Sarasota and Dunferlime and why we’ve been sister cities for almost a decade,” Halbert said. Other U.S. cities to be featured in “Twin Towns” include Seattle, Chicago and Louisville.

To be considered for casting, e-mail Sarah Speirs at TwinTownsUS@Knickerbockerglory.tv. In the reference line, add: ATTN Sarah, Casting Producer.