BBC WEEK 51 & 52, 17 - 30 December 2011 Programme Information, Television & Radio BBC Scotland Press Office bbc.co.uk/mediacentre bbc.co.uk/iplayer
THIS WEEK’S HIGHLIGHTS TELEVISION & RADIO / BBC WEEK 51 & 52
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SUNDAY 18 DECEMBER Young James Herriot, Prog 1/3 NEW BBC One Scotland
MONDAY 19 DECEMBER Young James Herriot, Prog 2/3 NEW BBC One Scotland
TUESDAY 20 DECEMBER Young James Herriot, Prog 3/3 NEW BBC One Scotland
WEDNESDAY 21 DECEMBER Rowing the Arctic NEW BBC One Scotland
THURSDAY 22 DECEMBER Rowing the Arctic; Mark’s Story NEW BBC Radio Scotland
SATURDAY 24 DECEMBER – CHRISTMAS EVE Christmas Celebration 2011 NEW BBC One Scotland Stark Talk Christmas Special with Patrick Doyle, Prog 1/1 NEW BBC Radio Scotland
SUNDAY 25 DECEMBER – CHRISTMAS DAY Christmas Morning with…Cathy Macdonald & Ricky Ross, Prog 1/1 NEW BBC Radio Scotland Get It On….At Christmas with Bryan Burnett BBC Radio Scotland My Life in Five Songs, Prog 1/8 NEW BBC Radio Scotland Superscot – The Return!, Prog 1/2 NEW BBC Radio Scotland Gilbert on Gilbert, Prog 1/1 NEW BBC Radio Scotland The Quest of Donal Q, Prog 1/1 NEW BBC Radio Scotland Christmas Classics, Prog 1/1 NEW BBC Radio Scotland Edith Bowman’s Album Show – Best of the Guests, Prog 1/1 NEW BBC Radio Scotland
MONDAY 26 DECEMBER – BOXING DAY Christmas at the Stand, Prog 1/1 NEW BBC Radio Scotland Life is Sweeties, Prog 1/1 NEW BBC Radio Scotland
TUESDAY 27 DECEMBER Adventure Show Special: Scotland – Coast to Coast NEW BBC Two Scotland
WEDNESDAY 28 DECEMBER From Manhattan to Morningside: The Story of Lach, Prog 1/1 NEW BBC Radio Scotland
FRIDAY 30 DECEMBER Wojtek: The Bear That Went To War Prog 1/1 NEW BBC Two Scotland
EDITORIAL ______
Dynamic duo behind club for athletes with disabilities named as BBC Scotland Sports Unsung Hero 2011 winners
The founders, coaches and organisers of a 21 year old club for athletes with disabilities in Glasgow have jointly won the BBC Scotland Sports Unsung Hero award for 2011.
Janice Eaglesham, 53, and Ian Mirfin, 52, have helped more than a hundred and fifty athletes achieve their potential at the Red Star Athletics Club at Crownpoint in Dennistoun, Glasgow, since it opened its doors in 1990.
The Cambuslang couple now progress to the Unsung Hero final as the winners for Scotland. BBC Sports Unsung Hero is one of the categories at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year, which will be held at MediaCityUK in Salford on 22 December.
This year's programme will be screened live on BBC One and BBC One HD from 8pm, and broadcast on BBC Radio 5 live.
Janice, who recently retired as a sports development officer with Glasgow City Council, said: “We get as much out of running the club as the athletes do by taking part. It’s a pleasure - we have been very fortunate to have worked with so many exceptional people.”
Ian, a staff development officer with South Lanarkshire Council, added: “We have gained far more in return than we have ever invested. It’s humbling to work with these athletes and to watch them progress and achieve their goals.”
Veteran athletics coach Tommy Boyle, who has worked with many top Scottish athletes such as Tom McKean and Yvonne Murray, presented the BBC Scotland Sports Unsung Hero 2011 trophy to Janice and Ian at the club.
Tommy said: “It’s fantastic for Janice and Ian. They have inspired so many athletes to be the best they can in sport and in life.”
The club began with just one athlete, Sam Howie, who has a visual impairment. Sam, an IT resource worker from Wishaw, provided a testimony in the nomination for Janice and Ian, thanking them for the countless times they have picked him up for training sessions and for providing full support for all the national and local competitions he has run in.
Janice and Ian were nominated by Jamie Cuthbertson, who was blinded in an explosives accident while serving with the Royal Engineers.
He said: “When I moved home to Glasgow, I wanted to find some way of going back to my interest in running, but no mainstream clubs had the knowledge or understanding to help.
“By chance a friend suggested contacting Janice at Red Star Athletics Club. It was the best move I could have made as they helped me find a training partner and appropriate competition and fully supported my return to competitive running.”
Jamie, from Bearsden, who runs a consultancy to train blind people on computers, added: “The list of athletic achievements gained by the Red Star athletes includes many medal winners and record holders at national, international, world, Para Olympic and Special Olympic level.
“The whole approach within the club is ‘athlete first, disability second’ and this is entirely due to the approach taken by Janice and Ian since the club was set up.”
Ewan Angus, Head of Sport, BBC Scotland says: “Janice and Ian are worthy winners of this accolade. Their record in helping athletes at the Red Star club reach their targets over many years is first class.” Last year’s overall winner was Lance Haggith, of, Bedford. Lance, aged 51, who impressed the judges with his dedication to basketball coaching, making him the overall winner from the 15 regional winners across the UK.
Now in its ninth year, the BBC Sports Unsung Hero Award recognises and rewards outstanding contribution by individuals at the grassroots level of local sport, who give up their time on a voluntary basis so that sport can be played and enjoyed by people throughout the UK.
Jim Gough Press and Publicity Manager BBC Scotland
SUNDAY 18 DECEMBER TELEVISION & RADIO HIGHLIGHTS / BBC WEEK 51 ______Young James Herriot, Ep 1/3 NEW Sunday 18 December BBC One, 9.00 – 10.00pm
The adventures of James Herriot in his early years as a student vet at Glasgow Veterinary College. Inspired by the character and early works of James Herriot. It’s 1930’s Glasgow and James Herriot, an idealistic young man, arrives to study at the city’s Vet College. He would go on to become Britain’s best-known and best-loved vet but Herriot’s beginnings in the profession were not auspicious. This is the story of the making of the man, a story of a young man with hope in his heart, not much money in his pocket, and the desire to do good. His first day in Glasgow is miserable. He falls foul of his professors, he antagonises local tradesmen, and he is left homeless after his would-be landlady does a runner with his rent. His luckless introduction to veterinary medicine provides some amusement for two older students. Whirly Tyson is one of only two women at the Vet College, while Rob McAloon is a playboy and perennial student. They see something in Herriot that others don’t and take him under their wing. He moves in with them and Whirly’s glamorous aunt whose intentions towards Young James may not be as honourable as he would like. James meanwhile acquires his first patient; an ailing dray horse that he spots being mistreated by a local haulier. James insists the horse needs rest, the man needs the horse to work or he won’t be able to support his small son. With the boy facing the prospect of the poor house young Herriot has to make some crucial decisions. James Herriot is played by Iain de Caestecker, Whirly Tyson by Amy Manson and Rob McAloon by Ben Lloyd-Hughes.
Wendy Kidd
MONDAY 19 DECEMBER TELEVISION & RADIO HIGHLIGHTS / BBC WEEK 51 ______
Vets: Gach Creutair Beò, Prog 8/8 LAST IN SERIES Monday 19 December BBC ALBA, 8.30 – 9.00pm
Amazing work with chimpanzees at Blair Drummond Safari Park when vet Colin Scott calls in the specialists from Edinburgh Zoo to help out and Iain MacLean in Wick tends to a working collie dog and finds more than he expected.
Lorna Gardner ______
Young James Herriot, Ep 2/3 Monday 19 December BBC One, 9.00 – 10.00pm
On his first field trip James finds himself in the middle of what he believes is a potentially deadly cattle epidemic that threatens a local farm. The farmer and his future son-in-law are split over what to do until James intervenes. When his youth and inexperience get the better of him he makes a diagnosis that could spell slaughter for the cattle and ruin for the farm. But is he sure he has made the right decision? The smooth-talking McAloon meanwhile has a close encounter with a pampered sheep and quickly spots an opportunity to line his pockets at the expense of their anxious owners. While James and McAloon are out in the field Whirly Tyson has been tricked into staying at the Vet College. This leads to another run-in with the sexist Professor Gunnell, but this time Whirly will have her revenge. James Herriot is played by Iain de Caestecker, Rob McAloon by Ben Lloyd-Hughes, Whirly Tyson by Amy Manson and Profesor Gunnell by Gary Lewis.
Wendy Kidd
TUESDAY 20 DECEMBER TELEVISION & RADIO HIGHLIGHTS / BBC WEEK 51 ______
River City Tuesday 20 December BBC One Scotland, 8.00 – 9.00pm bbc.co.uk/rivercity
This week in Shieldinch…Gabriel and Leyla grow closer; Stella has a special present for Bob; and Deek goes overboard on his goodwill. It’s Christmas Day in Shieldinch and Michael is heading off to work giving Gabriel the job of being man of the house. Gabriel is clearly in turmoil over something but soon gets involved in playing with Conor and Adeeb – and helping Leyla with the dinner. He even invites Stevie in for a drink after catching him and Nicole having a sneaky kiss. It’s all very happy families – but when Michael comes back Gabriel’s mood changes – and Michael makes the mistake of sending Leyla to make amends. Meanwhile, Stella appears to have left her Christmas cheer elsewhere and Deek ribs her about not even getting Bob a present. Stella is furious that Bob has been gossiping, not realising that Stella has something very special planned for later. Deek is helping Murray out at the community centre by preparing a meal for local residents. Robbie, Iona, Hayley and Charlie are all surprised at his sudden good will – until Annie points out his ulterior motive in getting a job from Murray. It’s all going rather well for Deek until Murray tells him he has used all the food for one group and there’s a second sitting on the way.
Michael is played by Andy Clark, Gabriel by Garry Sweeney, Conor by Rian John Gordon, Adeeb by Taryam Boyd, Leyla by Maryam Hamidi, Stevie by Paul James Corrigan, Nicole by Holly Jack, Stella by Keira Lucchesi, Deek by Gordon McCorkell, Bob by Stephen Purdon, Murray by Brian Cowan, Robbie by Gary Lamont, Iona by Claire Knight, Hayley by Pamela Byrne, Charlie by Ryan Smith and Annie by Reanne Farley.
Please note, viewers outside Scotland can access this programme on Sky Channel 971, Freesat Channel 960, Virgin Media Channel 862 or the BBC's iPlayer service - bbc.co.uk/iplayer
Karen Higgins
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Young James Herriot, Ep 3/3 Tuesday 20 December BBC One, 9.00 – 10.00pm
James struggles to balance politics and his career when he meets Jenny’s parents, Lord and Lady Muirhead. As if being totally captivated by their daughter isn’t enough, he is also instantly smitten by their dog Freda, a beautiful Gordon setter. There are introductions all round as Mrs Munro’s charismatic friend and sometime lover Oskar, a Jewish artist, arrives for a visit; Whilst James is instantly drawn to Oskar’s warmth and party spirit, Jenny recoils from the meeting and leaves abruptly, much to James’s confusion. All becomes clearer when the Muirheads invite Gunnell and Ritchie to a special gathering and their Fascist sympathies are revealed, leaving Professor Richie concerned for James’s future. Matters come to a head when Freda falls ill and the Muirhead’s politics interfere with her treatment. Whirly meanwhile faces her tribunal hearing after her revenge on Gunnell and James inadvertently makes life very difficult for her with some unguarded comments. He is facing problems of his own with final exams looming and with the drama surrounding the Muirheads there’s a real chance that his first year at vet school could be his last.
James Herriot is played by Iain de Caestecker, Jenny by Joanna Vanderham, Lord Muirhead by David Bark-Jones, Lady Muirhead by Susannah Harker, Mrs Munroe by Natasha Little, Oskar by Adam Levy, Professor Ritchie by Tony Curran and Profesor Gunnell by Gary Lewis.
Wendy Kidd
WEDNESDAY 21 DECEMBER TELEVISION & RADIO HIGHLIGHTS / BBC WEEK 51 ______
Rowing the Arctic, Prog 1/1 NEW – Part of BBC Scotland’s Explorers season Wednesday, 21 December BBC One Scotland, 7.30-8.30pm
In 1996, polar veteran Jock Wishart reached the North Magnetic Pole on foot, walking across the frozen sea of an arctic winter. This summer, he gathered a team to attempt to reach that same point again - but this time, in a rowing boat. Scots adventurer Mark Beaumont (The Man who Cycled the Americas) joined the team to film the expedition. Rowing the Arctic, part of BBC Scotland's Explorers Season, documents their extraordinary journey as they take on the unforgiving and untested hazards of the Arctic summer, from fast-flowing sea ice that could crush their boat, to roaming polar bears. Nobody has ever rowed so far into the Canadian High Arctic - a first in the world of exploration and adventure, only made possible by the dramatic retreat of Arctic sea ice in recent decades. Says Mark: “We were heading into one of the world’s most hostile environments… “Taking on challenges for which there is no rule book.” This programme is accompanied by a BBC Radio Scotland programme, Rowing the Arctic, on December 22.
Hilda McLean
THURSDAY 22 DECEMBER TELEVISION & RADIO HIGHLIGHTS / BBC WEEK 51 ______
Rowing The Arctic: Mark’s Story Prog 1/1 NEW Thursday 22 December BBC Radio Scotland 11.50am-12.20pm bbc.co.uk/radioscotland
In 1996, polar veteran Jock Wishart reached the North Magnetic Pole on foot, walking across the frozen sea of an Arctic winter. This summer, Scots adventurer Mark Beaumont (The Man who cycled the Americas) joined the team to document the experience for the BBC’s Explorers season as Jock and the team attempt to reach that same point again - but this time, in a rowing boat. Rowing the Arctic; Mark’s Story, is Mark’s personal journey through the Arctic; listeners can follow his extraordinary journey as he adapts to life in a team aboard a tiny boat in the unforgiving and untested hazards of the Arctic summer, from fast-flowing sea ice that could crush their boat, to roaming polar bears. Nobody has ever rowed so far into the Canadian High Arctic - a first in the world of exploration and adventure, only made possible by the dramatic retreat of arctic sea ice in recent decades. This programme accompanies a BBC One Scotland programme on December 21.
Hilda McLean
SATURDAY 24 DECEMBER TELEVISION & RADIO HIGHLIGHTS / BBC WEEK 52 ______
Christmas Celebration 2011 Prog 1/1 NEW Saturday 24 December BBC One Scotland 11.45pm-12.30am
Some of Scotland’s top musical children come together for a festive celebration at Paisley Abbey. Sally Magnusson presents a festive tapestry of readings, carols, songs and music celebrations, with performances from some of Scotland’s top youth groups. Says Sally: “We are celebrating the joy and message of Christmas with the freshness, enthusiasm and talent of some of Scotland’s finest young performers.” Contributors to the programme, which is made by Hunter Productions, include the young people of the Paisley Abbey Choir, members of the Scottish Youth Theatre, the Dunblane Cathedral Youth Handbell Ensemble, Carnoustie and District Youth Brass Band, and Inverclyde Junior Choir.
Hilda McLean
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SPL Dundee United v Hibernian Saturday 24 December BBC ALBA, 5.30 – 7.30pm
The latest full-match coverage from the SPL as Dundee United host Hibernian at Tannadice Park, Dundee.
Lorna Gardner ______
Nollaig A Steornabhagh / Christmas Service NEW Saturday 24 December BBC ALBA, 11.00pm – 12.05am
Join us this Christmas Eve for a very special ecumenical service from Martin's Memorial Church, Stornoway. Rev James MacIver (Free Church), Rev Angus Morrison (Church of Scotland) and Father Roddy Johnston (Catholic Church) share readings and prayers with us. Acclaimed soloists Mary Smith, Isobel Ann Martin and Donnie Murdo Macleod sing Christmas hymns, and the pupils of Laxdale Primary School, the Nicolson Institute, Back Gaelic Choir, and the Stornoway Congregation join together to sing an assortment of Christmas classics, as piper James Mackenzie welcomes in Christmas Day.
Lorna Gardner
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Stark Talk Christmas Special with Patrick Doyle, Prog 1/1 NEW Saturday 24 December BBC Radio Scotland, 6pm – 7pm bbc.co.uk/radioscotland
Edi Stark talks to twice Oscar-nominated Patrick Doyle, the composer behind dozens of filmscores including Gosford Park, Thor, Sense and Sensibility, Bridget Jones' Diary, Calendar Girls and Henry V. He talks to Edi about growing up in South Lanarkshire as one of 13 children, starting his acting career in John Byrne's The Slab Boys and how Kenneth Branagh changed his life. He also talks about having had leukaemia.
Suzanne Vickers
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Watchnight Service, Prog 1/1 NEW Saturday 24 December BBC Radio Scotland, 11.30pm – 12.05am bbc.co.uk/radioscotland
Carols, readings and reflection as Christmas morning approaches. From Longforgan Parish Church, with the Revd Dr Alison Jack and the Minister of the Carse of Gowrie Churches, the Revd Dr Marjory MacLean.
Suzanne Vickers
SUNDAY 25 DECEMBER TELEVISION & RADIO HIGHLIGHTS / BBC WEEK 52 ______
Christmas Morning with…Cathy Macdonald and Ricky Ross, Prog 1/1 NEW Sunday 25 December BBC Radio Scotland, 7am – 9am bbc.co.uk/radioscotland Great music and sparkling conversation with Cathy Macdonald and Ricky Ross.
Suzanne Vickers
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Get It On…At Christmas, Prog 1/1 Sunday 25 December, 10am – 12pm bbc.co.uk/radioscotland
Bryan Burnett with two hours of essential music as chosen by you.
Suzanne Vickers ______
SUNDAY 25 DECEMBER TELEVISION & RADIO HIGHLIGHTS / BBC WEEK 52 ______
Leon Sa Gheamhradh / Leon in Wintertime Sunday 25 December BBC ALBA, 5.05 – 5.35pm
Wintertime has hit Balthasarville and along with it a horrible ogre has come to kidnap Princess Molly and eat her with his pea stew. It is up to Leon, a young bear who has run away from home and has ended up a the mercy of a mischievous storyteller, to save her.
Along with his new friends, a grumpy hedgehog and an accident prone elephant, the brave bear embarks on a quest to find the poor princess.
Lorna Gardner
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Mallachd an fhir-rabaide / Wallace & Gromit in The Curse of the Were Rabbit Sunday 25 December BBC ALBA, 5.35 – 7.00pm
The village is being overrun by rabbits and Wallace has a plan - all he has to do is alter their minds so that they will leave the vegetable allotments alone. However, his plan goes awry when his experiment fails, leaving himself a bit worse for 'were.' The rabbit problem escalates when the villagers discover a monstrous 'were-rabbit' destroying everything in its sights. Everyone - including Lady T, who Wallace is quite fond of - wants the daring duo to solve the problem….but there is no sign of Wallace! Will Gromit be able to solve the conundrum before the creature - who may be more familiar than they think - gets shot?
Lorna Gardner
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Is Mise Michelle McManus NEW Sunday 25 December BBC ALBA, 9.00 – 10.00pm
Singer and presenter Michelle McManus travels to the Western Isles of Scotland on a journey of musical discovery.
Lorna Gardner
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My Life in Five Songs, Prog 1/8 NEW Sunday 25 December, 12 noon – 12.30pm bbc.co.uk/radioscotland
With a seasonal twist Phil Cunningham invites fellow musicians to pick a favourite song that evokes a special Christmas memory. The Proclaimers, Beth Nielsen Chapman, Maggie Reilly and Kate Rusby are amongst the musicians taking part and for the first time Phil gets to pick a favourite track of his own.
Suzanne Vickers
______Superscot – The Return!, Prog 1/2 NEW Sunday 25 December, 12.30pm – 1pm bbc.co.uk/radioscotland
Classic quiz Superscot returns after a 20-year hiatus with presenter Jane Franchi back in the hotseat. She'll be putting an all-star cast through their paces, including Amy MacDonald, Blythe Duff and Craig Hill, all hoping to be 'Superscot'. The second special will transmit on New Year’s Eve.
Suzanne Vickers
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Gilbert on Gilbert, Prog 1/1 NEW Sunday 25 December, 1pm – 2pm bbc.co.uk/radioscotland
Between them - father and son - Jimmy and Colin Gilbert have delivered some of our best loved and most durable comedy shows spanning over five decades. From The Two Ronnies to Rab C Nesbitt, Last of the Summer Wine to Naked Video, they have left an indelible mark on the Scottish and British comedy scene. Both have served as Head of Comedy at the BBC in London and Glasgow respectively and had similar careers at very different times in the British comedy scene. Now on the back of an incredible 10th series of Rab C Nesbitt, they both talk for the first time about their fascinating comedy careers that have their roots firmly in Scotland.
Suzanne Vickers
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The Quest of Donal Q, Prog 1/1 NEW Sunday 25 December, 2pm – 3pm bbc.co.uk/radioscotland Based on the template of Don Quixote, The Quest of Donal Q, is the story of two rival brothers who journey through Scotland in search of a childhood sweetheart. The drama is specially written for and starring Brian Cox and Billy Connolly. Donal (Billy Connolly) and Sandy (Brian Cox) have been separated as kids in an orphanage. Donal is adopted by a rich couple and taken off to grow up in sunny California, Sandy was never chosen and left to live all his life in not quite so sunny Dundee. It is ten years since the brothers last met and at that time they had a fierce falling out. Now Donal is back - turning up out of the blue at Sandy's tobacconist shop, Paterson's Inferno, to demand that his brother drop everything and travel on an urgent mission. The Quest is to find a girl they were both in love with at the Orphanage; Jeanette, red haired, fair skinned and beautiful. An ideal princess. Donal claims she has written to say that she's in dire straits and needs a knight in shining armour to come to her rescue. And so begins a journey - a journey that will make or break both brothers as conflict breaks out between past, present and future. Billy Connolly plays Donal, Brian Cox plays Sandy, John Kielty plays Hamish/Mr Quigley, Sandy McDade plays Jeanette/Leonora, Forbes Masson plays Fergus/Mungo, Lindy Whiteford plays Mother/Maybelle, Helen MacKay plays Mary, Tracy Wiles plays Margo/Mrs Quigley, Carl Prekopp plays Gilchrist, David Ashton plays Prester John/Ernie,Victoria Inez Hardy plays Candy. The Quest of Donal Q is written by David Ashton.
Suzanne Vickers ______
Christmas Classics, Prog 1/1 NEW Sunday 25 December, 3pm – 4.30pm bbc.co.uk/radioscotland Jamie MacDougall pulls a cracker - and inside he finds the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra. Join him for Christmas Day music for all the family. Suzanne Vickers
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Edith Bowman’s Album Show – Best of the Guests, Prog 1/1 NEW Sunday 25 December, 5.10pm – 7pm bbc.co.uk/radioscotland
Highlights of the best interviews and features from the series this year. Heaven 17 celebrate the 30th anniversary of Penthouse & Pavement. Holly Johnson describes the recording of Frankie Goes To Hollywood's second album Liverpool. Duane Eddy talks about his first new album in 25 years. Blondie, The Proclaimers and Glasvegas all reveal their favourite albums. Record producer Gary Langan describes working with Malcolm McLaren and forming the Art Of Noise. There is also acoustic sessions from Foster The People and Miles Kane who perform tracks from their debut albums.
Suzanne Vickers
MONDAY 26 DECEMBER TELEVISION & RADIO HIGHLIGHTS / BBC WEEK 52 ______
Pro 12 Live Rugby - Edinburgh v Glasgow Monday 26 December BBC ALBA, 5.30 – 7.25pm
The first leg of the 1872 Cup as rivals Edinburgh and Glasgow face each other in the PRO12 rugby at Murrayfield Stadium.
Lorna Gardner
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Turas Tony LAST IN SERIES, Ep 4/4 Monday 26 December BBC ALBA, 9.00 – 10.00pm
Actor Tony Kearney from BBC's 'River City' swaps the comfort of a television studio for four varied and challenging professions. Episode 4, the Winter Special, sees Tony take a tumble as he joins the Cairngorm Mountain Rescue Team.
Lorna Gardner
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Christmas at the Stand, Prog 1/1 NEW Monday 26 December, 10am – 10.30am bbc.co.uk/radioscotland
Banish the memory of those terrible cracker jokes while Hardeep Singh Kohli presents a selection box bursting full of great gags, one liners and stories from some of the world's greatest comedians recorded over the last 12 months for BBC Radio Scotland. Featuring Greg McHugh as Gary Tank Commander, Des Clarke, Jo Caulfield, Brendon Burns, Phil Nichol and many more brilliant joke-smiths delivering comedy highlights of the stand up comedy year.
Suzanne Vickers
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Life is Sweeties, Prog 1/1 NEW Monday 26 December, 12.30pm – 1pm bbc.co.uk/radioscotland
Christine Gillan is a sales rep with a difference. For 35 years she has been selling sweeties to the corner shops and cafes of Glasgow, Lanarkshire and Dunbartonshire. Hers is the world of the Polly Pan Drop, the Chocolate Russian Caramel, the Soor Ploom and the Rich butter Perfection Toffee. She does all her calls in person and has always shunned electronic ordering systems and this is her last week in the job before she retires. Life is Sweeties shares her bittersweet farewell to this world of sugar and delight, and in between hears about her daughter, journalist Audrey Gillan's, fascination with this world of sweeties as she was growing up, with her mum at the centre of it.
Suzanne Vickers
TUESDAY 27 DECEMBER TELEVISION & RADIO HIGHLIGHTS / BBC WEEK 52 ______
River City Tuesday 27 December BBC One Scotland, 8.00 – 9.00pm bbc.co.uk/rivercity
This week in Shieldinch…Christina sets off to find Bob; Eileen shuts down the Oyster; and Gabriel tries to make Leyla jealous. It’s Hogmanay in Shieldinch and Christina would love nothing more than for Big Bob to come home. She is devastated when the letters she sent him are returned unopened and even more so when Molly tells her Bob has decided to move to Dublin in the New Year and won’t be coming back. Christina decides she has to see him face-to-face and is certain she can change his mind. She asks Nicole to help her, and the two head off with Stevie and his van to find Bob. However, the reaction Christina receives from Bob leaves her heartbroken. Meanwhile, Stevie and Nicole use the opportunity away from their family to get closer. Eileen visits the deli and finds Iona with a mouse problem. Iona is concerned but Eileen tells her she will get her colleague from environmental health to come and have a look. Luckily the infestation hasn’t started at the deli so Iona is off the hook – but the problem lies further down the street at the Oyster. When Eileen tells Gina she will have to close for at least two weeks, Gina is furious with Eileen for getting the council involved, so it looks like it won’t be the start of a Happy New Year for the sisters. Gabriel is keen to talk to Leyla and find out how she feels about their kiss. However, Leyla is being cold and trying to avoid being left alone with her brother-in-law. When Gabriel and Iona are left to organise an engagement party for Stella and Bob, Stella remarks on what a good team they make. This puts ideas in Iona’s head and Gabriel realises he can use her to see how Leyla reacts.
Christina is played by Caitlin Gillespie, Big Bob by Tom Urie, Molly by Una McLean, Nicole by Holly Jack, Stevie by Paul James Corrigan, Eileen by Deirdre Davis, Iona by Claire Knight, Gina by Libby McArthur, Gabriel by Garry Sweeney, Leyla by Maryam Hamidi, Stella by Keira Lucchesi and Bob by Stephen Purdon.
Please note, viewers outside Scotland can access this programme on Sky Channel 971, Freesat Channel 960, Virgin Media Channel 862 or the BBC's iPlayer service - bbc.co.uk/iplayer
Karen Higgins ______
Adventure Show Special: Scotland – Coast to Coast NEW Tuesday, 27 December BBC Two Scotland, 7.00 – 8.00 pm
From Aberdeen’s beach to the west coast and the wild lands of Knoydart, Cameron McNeish heads through the glens and over the mountains and, in doing so, shows that Scotland has some of the most majestic landscapes in the world. The route is full of variety – with an ascent of both the most easterly and most westerly Munros; a diversion down memory lane with a visit to the youth hostel he was once in charge of; a crossing of two of Scotland’s highest mountain passes and a treasure hunt for Newtonmore’s wild cats.
Jim Gough
WEDNESDAY 28 DECEMBER TELEVISION & RADIO HIGHLIGHTS / BBC WEEK 52 ______
King Kenny, Prog 1/1 NEW Wednesday 28 December BBC ALBA, 8.55 – 9.55pm
The career of Kenny Dalglish at the end of a momentous year that saw him return to Liverpool FC as manager.
Lorna Gardner
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From Manhattan to Morningside: The Story of Lach, Prog 1/1 NEW Wednesday 28 December BBC Radio Scotland, 2pm – 2.30pm Website address
Lach is described by the New York Times as a Manhattan Institution - he is a songwriter, a poet, a raconteur and ran the longest running open mic night in the history of the Lower East Side and has chosen to move his family to Scotland’s capital city. He discovered Beck, Jeff Buckley, Regina Spektor, the Moldy Peaches and many more over the years. He is a Simon Cowell for the counter culture. With contributions from Suzanne Vega, Dean Friedman, Michelle Shocked and host of others we find out exactly who Lach is and just how bumpy the ride has been from the Lower East Side of New York to the New Town in Edinburgh.
Suzanne Vickers
THURSDAY 29 DECEMBER TELEVISION & RADIO HIGHLIGHTS / BBC WEEK 52 ______
Trip to the Top, Prog 2/5 Thursday 29 December BBC Radio Scotland, 2pm – 2.30pm bbc.co.uk/radioscotland Clare English Speaks to Tulloch Homes' Chief Executive David Sutherland about his Trip to the Top, exploring what sacrifices he had to make along the way to succeed. Suzanne Vickers
FRIDAY 30 DECEMBER TELEVISION & RADIO HIGHLIGHTS / BBC WEEK 52 ______
Wojtek - The Bear That Went to War, Prog 1/1 NEW Friday 30 December BBC Two Scotland, 7.00 – 8.00pm
Wojtek - The Bear That Went to War, a one-hour documentary for BBC Two Scotland, tells the story of a magnificent 500lb bear who fought in World War Two alongside a band of Polish soldiers, sharing their experiences and eventually their fate. When Wojtek was found by a young Polish girl, she quickly formed a close bond with him and he became more human than bear. However, it wasn’t long before she had to give him up and so it was decided they would gift him to a General in the Polish regiment. This was the start of Wojtek’s army career which took him to the Middle East, Egypt and Italy. His human qualities made him very much part of the team and he became a mascot and symbol for the Polish soldiers. When the war ended Wojtek found himself in Berwickshire, Scotland alongside his comrades where they spent time at the Winfield Camp. When the men were ordered back to Poland, a decision had to be made on what would happen to Wojtek. Death seemed too difficult an option for his friends and so they sought help from Edinburgh Zoo. It was there that Wojtek would live the remainder of his life, no longer a free bear, and torn away from his Polish comrades. However, visitors to the zoo came in their droves to see the famous Wojtek and he stayed there until his death in 1962, aged 21. The documentary is narrated by Brian Blessed and has contributors from the Polish 2nd Command, along with Aileen Orr, Founder of the Wojtek Memorial Fund. As well as authentic photographs of Wojtek, the documentary reconstructs the bear’s interaction with colleagues and surroundings – and also draws reference from the 1970 children’s book ‘Soldier Bear’.
Wojtek – The Bear That Went to War is an Animal Monday and Braidmade Films Production for BBC Scotland.
Karen Higgins
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Sweet Dreams – Sgeulachd Patsy Cline NEW Friday 30 December BBC ALBA, 8.55 – 10.00pm
The life story of country singing sensation Patsy Cline (1932 - 1963), through a theatre production featuring some of her best loved songs.
Lorna Gardner
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