BBC WEEKS 52 & 1, 23 December 2017 – 5 January 2018 Programme Information, Television & Radio BBC Scotland Press Office BBC Media Centre (Scotland) BBC iPlayer (Scotland) BBC Scotland BBC Scotland on Facebook @BBCScotland on Twitter
General 0141 422 6381 Hilda McLean 0141 422 6377 Jim Gough 0141 422 6376 Julie Whiteside 0141 422 6378 BBC Alba – Isabelle Salter 07967 763650
THIS WEEK’S HIGHLIGHTS TV & RADIO / BBC WEEKS 52 & 1
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SUNDAY 24 DECEMBER – CHRISTMAS EVE Christmas Classics NEW BBC Radio Scotland Christmas Celebration NEW BBC One Scotland
MONDAY 25 DECEMBER – CHRISTMAS DAY Four on the Cuillin NEW BBC ALBA I Will Tell You This! My Life With Rab C Nesbitt NEW BBC Radio Scotland Alistair MacLean – Master Storyteller NEW BBC Radio Scotland The Fountainbridge Spy NEW BBC Radio Scotland Picking Up The Pieces – The Average BBC Radio Scotland White Band Story NEW Christmas at the Movies BBC Radio Scotland Stan Laurel’s Glasgow NEW BBC Radio Scotland
TUESDAY 26 DECEMBER – BOXING DAY Two Doors Down NEW BBC Two The Mystical Mutt NEW BBC Radio Scotland Truinnsearan ar Sinnsrean NEW BBC ALBA
SATURDAY 30 DECEMBER Proms in the Park NEW BBC Two Scotland
SUNDAY 31 DECEMBER – HOGMANAY Scotland’s Big Night Out NEW BBC One Scotland Only An Excuse? NEW BBC One Scotland Hogmanay Live 2017 TV HIGHLIGHT BBC One Scotland The Proclaimers:This Is The Story TV HIGHLIGHT BBC One Scotland Frances: A Stri ri MS NEW BBC ALBA Ceilidh na Bliadhn' Uire TV HIGHLIGHT BBC ALBA The Hogmanay Show RADIO HIGHLIGHT BBC Radio Scotland
MONDAY 1 JANUARY – NEW YEAR’S DAY Kerry is Kirsty: A'Chomraich TV HIGHLIGHT BBC ALBA Sùlaisgeir: an t-Sealg (Sùlaisgeir: The Hunt) NEW BBC ALBA Rocky Ros Muc NEW BBC ALBA Harry Potter’s Edinburgh NEW BBC Radio Scotland Sheena Easton in Conversation NEW BBC Radio Scotland
TUESDAY 2 JANUARY Rab Noakes’ Power of Music NEW BBC Radio Scotland
WEDNESDAY 3 JANUARY The Story of Scotdisc NEW BBC One Scotland The Associates NEW BBC Radio Scotland ______
Viewers outside Scotland can access BBC One Scotland on Sky 141 (HD) & 951, Freesat 108 (HD) & 960, Virgin Media 108 (HD) & 862. BBC Two Scotland can be viewed on Sky 142 (HD) & 970, Freesat 970. BBC ALBA is on Sky 143, Freesat 110, Virgin Media 188, Freeview 8 (Scotland only). BBC Radio Scotland can be accessed on Sky 0116, Freesat 712, Freeview 719 (Scotland only). BBC One Scotland, BBC Two Scotland and BBC ALBA are also available on the BBC iPlayer bbc.co.uk/iplayer & BBC Radio Scotland on bbc.co.uk/radioscotland
EDITORIAL 2017 & 2018/ BBC WEEKS 52 & 1 ______
BBC Scotland unwraps its selection box of festive treats for audiences
A package of programming full of comedy, drama, documentaries and music will bring festive cheer to BBC Scotland audiences this yuletide. The broadcaster today (Wednesday 6 December) released its Christmas and Hogmanay TV and radio schedules that are packed with a choice of goodies to suit all tastes. On Christmas Eve, Sally Magnusson sets the festive tone with Christmas Celebration on BBC One Scotland, featuring carols and reflections from Crichton Memorial Church, Dumfries. The laughs are in abundance down Latimer Crescent when Beth (Arabella Weir) finds her plan for a quiet Christmas dinner go awry in Two Doors Down. This festive special on Boxing Day on BBC Two Scotland comes ahead of a new six part series which will start in early 2018. Cameron McNeish explores hidden gems of rural Scotland with a new two-part Roads Less Travelled series on BBC Two Scotland on Wednesday 27 and Thursday 28 December when he journeys through the Heart of Scotland, beginning at Ben Rinnes and finishing in the wild Cromdale hills. The Hogmanay line-up on BBC One Scotland includes Scotland’s Big Night Out in which stand-up comedian and presenter Iain Stirling explores the history of Saturday nights out across the country since the 1950s. And the tough-tackling Only An Excuse? team, with Jonathan Watson leading the line, is back for its traditional fixture, casting a satirical look at the last 12 months on and off the pitch. Jackie Bird waves goodbye to the old year on Hogmanay Live 2017 from the Old Fruitmarket in Glasgow where her guests include KT Tunstall. In Edinburgh, Roddy Hart will be joining thousands of revellers and the programme will also feature Rag’n’Bone Man who is headlining the capital’s Concert in the Gardens. In River City on BBC One Scotland on 2 January Lenny (Frank Gallagher) is shocked when a plot comes to light. Meanwhile he steps in to save the day for Lydia (Jacqueline Leonard) after her Hogmanay entertainment pulls out, giving her an unforgettable start to the New Year with a special cameo appearance from singer songwriter Eddi Reader. Among the Christmas Day highlights on BBC Radio Scotland is one-off drama, The Fountainbridge Spy. Writer David Ashton imagines how a young Sean Connery might have been tried and tested to show he was the man for the 007 role. Emun Elliot, who was in the recent BBC One drama, Trust Me, takes the lead as Sean. In I Will Tell You This! My Life with Rab C Nesbitt, writer Ian Pattison goes back to Rab’s spiritual heartland in Govan to rediscover the inspiration behind his iconic comedy creation. Greg Hemphill profiles one of Scotland’s most famous and successful writers in Alistair MacLean – Master Storyteller and in Picking up the Pieces – The Average White Band Story, the group’s long- time associate and former manager of Simple Minds, Bruce Findlay, charts how they became Scotland’s most successful soul music export. In Stan Laurel’s Glasgow, actor Alex Norton goes on a tour of 1900s Glasgow as seen through the eyes of the comic legend who would leave the city an unknown and return as a global star. On Boxing Day, Julia Sutherland presents The Mystical Mutt, the story of how new authors Lyn McNicol and Laura Jackson decided to go it alone and created a successful children’s book series. Bryan Burnett will see in the bells in style on The Hogmanay Show which features live music from the Cask Strength Ceilidh Band with Fiona Hunter. The New Year’s Day schedule includes Harry Potter’s Edinburgh in which presenter Sean Biggerstaff - AKA Quidditch captain, Oliver Wood – travels through the capital exploring why people feel the need to experience a bit of magic in the real world. Billy Differ sits down with a pop legend for Sheena Easton in Conversation and hears about how she spends her time between West End appearances, family life and how her singing ambitions began. BBC Alba’s Ceilidh na Bliadhn' Uire (Hogmanay Ceilidh) this year comes from the Misty Isle. Artists and musicians joining presenters Cathy Macdonald and Niall Iain Macdonald for a lively musical session in the run up to the bells and into the wee small hours include Art Cormack, Mànran and The Glenfinnan Ceilidh Band. Donalda MacKinnon, Director, BBC Scotland, said: ‘There’s something for everyone in this fantastic selection of programming. Our audiences traditionally come to us in big numbers for the festivities and we hope they’ll enjoy our Christmas and Hogmanay offerings as much this year. There’s a great mix of comedy, drama, documentaries and music to keep the festive season fizzing.’ JG
SUNDAY 24 DECEMBER–CHRISTMAS EVE TV & RADIO HIGHLIGHTS / BBC WEEK 52 ______
Christmas Classics NEW Sunday 24 December – Christmas Eve BBC Radio Scotland, 10.00 – 11.30pm
Gather family and friends and join the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra for a concert packed with seasonal songs and orchestral favourites that’s guaranteed to warm the parts other concerts can’t reach. There’s wintry music by famous composers such as Prokofiev and Korngold, all wrapped up with orchestral versions of carols and popular Christmas songs. Tenor and BBC Radio Scotland presenter Jamie MacDougall is the host, spreading good cheer with London West End performer Anita Louise Combe and conductor Stephen Bell.
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Christmas Celebration NEW Sunday 24 December – Christmas Eve BBC One Scotland, 11.45pm-12.35am
Sally Magnusson presents Christmas Celebration which features music and readings, from Crichton Memorial Church, Dumfries. Traditional Christmas carols, from Once in Royal David’s City to O Come All Ye Faithful are sung by a congregation gathered from all over Dumfries and Galloway accompanied by Alba Brass. As well as the stories of the birth of Jesus from the Bible, there are modern reflections on what Christmas means today. The congregation is joined by the Junior Choir of the Royal Conservatoire, Scotland, and by singer Emily Smith who is a native of Dumfriesshire.
HM
MONDAY 25 DECEMBER–CHRISTMAS DAY TV & RADIO HIGHLIGHTS/BBC WEEK 52 ______
Four on the Cuillin NEW Monday 25 December – Christmas Day BBC ALBA, 8.30 – 9.00pm
The first of three programmes, as four school leavers from Glasgow tackle the hardest mountain climb in the UK: the Cuillin Ridge on the Isle of Skye. Rosie, Zach, Mairead and Siobhan all went to school together, and are heading to university. But before they do, there's time for one last adventure. Together they take an epic journey that will test them to the limit. The gang will be supervised by world class safety guides. But they will have to face down vertigo, fatigue, hunger and the cold.
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Alistair MacLean – Master Storyteller NEW Monday 25 December – Christmas Day BBC Radio Scotland, 7.30 - 8.00am
Greg Hemphill profiles the author and screenwriter Alistair MacLean who was famous for blockbusters like Where Eagles Dare, The Guns of Navarone and HMS Ulysses. With contributions from his book editor Ian Chapman, his niece Shona MacLean, and friend and former motor racing world champion Jackie Stewart, Greg tells the story of a Scottish writing legend as he wrote hit novel after hit novel whilst battling his demons.
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The Fountainbridge Spy NEW Monday 25 December – Christmas Day BBC Radio Scotland, 12.00 - 12.45pm
In the early 1960s a young Scottish actor was in the frame for the lead in a new spy film. Not everyone thought he would be the right choice. Others believed that with a little help he would more than fit the bill. The writer David Ashton imagines how a young Sean Connery might have been tried and tested to show he was the perfect man for the job. Emun Elliott, who was in the recent BBC One drama, Trust Me, plays the young Sean in this one-off drama.
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I Will Tell You This! My Life With Rab C Nesbitt NEW Monday 25 December – Christmas Day BBC Radio Scotland, 12.45 - 1.30pm
Written and presented by Ian Pattison, I Will Tell You This! My Life With Rab C Nesbitt is one man’s epic journey to the savage heart of the Glasgow dream via the inner circle subway line from Govan. Born and raised in the area, Ian managed to break free of the cycle of dead end jobs and a bleak economic future by writing about Govan and its people, through the eyes of his creation Rab C Nesbitt. It gave Ian a rope ladder to escape into the wider, brighter world. Ten series, six specials, and two stage shows later, Ian goes back to Rab C's spiritual heartland in Govan to rediscover the inspiration behind one of Scotland’s most iconic comedy creations, and tells for the very first time about the real characters that inspired Nesbitt. There are interviews with producer Colin Gilbert on how Rab evolved from a radio sketch character to one of the most successful Scottish sitcoms of all time, and also with Gregor Fisher on those heady early days performing Nesbitt on Naked Video. The documentary discovers the characters in Ian’s life and the observations that fuelled his creativity and helped shape Rab C’s comedy persona. There’ll also be some extracts of classic Nesbitt monologues that will illuminate areas of Rab’s thinking and shape Ian’s story. The documentary finds out how Ian got on when he took a trip to talk to the people of Govan about their view on Rab C and the representation of their town, and to visit local writing talent at The Sunny Govan Community Media Group.
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Stan Laurel’s Glasgow NEW Monday 25 December – Christmas Day BBC Radio Scotland, 1.00 – 2.00pm
Alex Norton goes on a tour of 1900s Glasgow as seen through the eyes of comic legend Stan Laurel. A city he loved, Glasgow played a pivotal role in his rise to stardom. He would leave an unknown and return one of the most loved stars on the planet.
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Picking Up The Pieces – The Average White Band Story NEW Monday 25 December – Christmas Day BBC Radio Scotland, 4.00 – 5.00pm
Long-time associate of The Average White Band and former manager of Simple Minds, Bruce Findlay tells the story of Scotland’s most successful soul music export, reaching No. 1 in America with their instrumental classic ‘Pick Up The Pieces’. The documentary charts their roots in Scotland and their move to London to form the band that would take them to America where their white soul band gained respect from the black audiences with a string of successful albums. Their drummer Robbie Macintosh tragically died and the band explain how they went about regrouping with replacement drummer Steve Ferrone before splitting in 1983, only to reform six years later with a new line-up which continues to perform today.
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Christmas at the Movies NEW Monday 25 December – Christmas Day BBC Radio Scotland, 5.00 – 6.55pm
The BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra perform some of the greatest and most famous film music ever written, featuring themes from the Golden Age of Hollywood, through classics by John Williams, right up to some of the best soundtracks of recent years. As ever, Jamie MacDougall is in the director’s chair, so expect a classic song or two as well - it’s a musical matinee of movie magic for all ages.
JG
TUESDAY 26 DECEMBER – BOXING DAY TV & RADIO HIGHLIGHTS / BBC WEEK 52 ______
Two Doors Down NEW Tuesday 26 December – Boxing Day BBC Two Scotland, 10.30-11.00pm
It’s Christmas Day. Beth and Eric Baird dream of having a peaceful time but they are constantly thwarted by the antics of their demanding neighbours. They planned on opening presents briefly with their son Ian and his brand new boyfriend, Gordon, before enjoying a quiet dinner for two. Neighbour Christine is babysitting granddaughter Madison and can’t wait for Mummy Sophie to arrive back from Eurodisney. Other neighbours Cathy and Colin are anticipating a glamorous skiing holiday in the French Alps. But when Cathy learns that Air Traffic Control has gone on strike – no flights in or out of France for two days – she doesn’t take it well. Neither does Christine, since Sophie is now stranded on the other side of the channel and Christine is left holding the baby. In true Christmas spirit, Beth invites them over to dinner. Eric worries the turkey crown is too small for five. Beth is upbeat – they’ll make do even when Ian reveals their dinner date has fallen through and asks if he and Gordon can stay. Now it's dinner for seven. Eric decides to help make wee Madison’s Christmas by looking out the old Santa costume and Beth brightly delivers the dinner – albeit tiny portions for everyone. A festive treat, this Christmas special of Two Doors Down comes ahead of a new six-part series which will start in early 2018.
Beth is played by Arabella Weir, Eric by Alex Norton, Ian by Jamie Quinn, Gordon by Kieran Hodgson, Christine by Elaine C Smith, Cathy by Doon Mackichan and Colin by Jonathan Watson.
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Truinnsearan ar Sinnsrean NEW Tuesday 26 December – Boxing Day BBC ALBA, 9.00 – 10.00pm
From ceann-cropaig to limpet stoves, ‘The Scots Kitchen’ by F. Marian McNeill is a recipe book like no other. In this programme, the Islay-born cook Heather Dewar explores the pages of her favourite cookery book.
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The Mystical Mutt NEW Tuesday 26 December – Boxing Day BBC Radio Scotland, 12.30 – 1.00pm
With his higgledy-piggledy tower of toast and his magic that doesn't always work, Badger the Mystical Mutt is the star of the hugely successful series of children's books by new authors Lyn McNicol and Laura Jackson. They have risked it all to follow their passion for writing, deciding to turn down the traditional publishing routes and go it alone. By combining genuine humour and a subtle social message throughout the fun packed books, they've found an enthralled audience close to home, personal satisfaction in their success so far and a world of opportunities waiting to take Badger to an even bigger stage. Presented by Julia Sutherland.
JG
SATURDAY 30 DECEMBER TV & RADIO HIGHLIGHTS / BBC WEEK 1 ______
Proms in the Park TV HIGHLIGHT Saturday 30 December BBC Two Scotland, 7.00-8.00pm
Filmed live from Glasgow Green in September, the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra celebrates the Last Night of the Proms with world class musical entertainment. Conducted by Stephen Bell, the BBC SSO is joined by a host of musical talent, including Scottish folk singer and Capercaillie lead vocalist Karen Matheson, award winning jazz singer and BBC Radio 2 presenter Clare Teal, Irish soprano Ailish Tynan as well as comedian and West End musical star Jason Manford. Actor Tom Urie ticks off a bucket list ambition to sing with an orchestra as he tackles the momentous ‘Nessun Dorma’. The evening is presented by tenor and BBC Radio Scotland presenter Jamie MacDougall.
EW
SUNDAY 31 DECEMBER - HOGMANAY TV & RADIO HIGHLIGHTS / BBC WEEK 1 ______
Scotland’s Big Night Out NEW Sunday 31 December – Hogmanay BBC One Scotland, 10.00-11.00pm
On the biggest night out of the year, stand-up comedian and presenter Iain Stirling explores the history of Saturday nights out across Scotland since the 1950s. Back in the 1950s boys and girls were dancing in ritzy dance halls all over Scotland including Robbie’s in Dundee and Edinburgh’s legendary Fountainbridge Palais. Iain meets people who danced and met their perfect match. As the decade progressed, rock ’n’ roll music swept in from America, with slow dancing giving way to jiving and shattering the rules of the dance hall. To discover what it was like to be young in the 1960s Iain heads to the Twist capital of Scotland, Dundee, meeting the man who brought the Beatles to Bridge of Allan. He hears about the teenage hysteria experienced by Scotland’s Beatstalkers and Glasgow’s cool mod scene. By the 1970s, a Scotland’s Big Night Out moved into people’s living rooms. Hostesses laid on drinks and nibbles for a glamorous evening complete with cheese and pineapple hedgehog. Getting into the 80s spirit, Iain dons his kneepads and tries his hand at Roller Disco at the Barrowland Ballroom, before visiting Brechin, home to the hottest nightclub in the country at the time, Flicks. He hears the real story of the rave scene that swept Scotland in the nineties and finds out how indie music took over Scotland’s Big Night Out. With a rich mixture of a bit of fun on the dance floor, archive footage and interviews with those who were there, Scotland’s Big Night Out celebrates some of Scotland’s most enjoyable nights out.
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Only An Excuse? Sunday, 31 December - Hogmanay BBC One Scotland, 11.00 – 11. 30pm
Jonathan Watson and the team get stuck into 2017 with a comic take on another tumultuous 12 months on and off the pitch. They’ll be putting the spotlight on contemporary Scottish life, looking at the latest shenanigans in politics as well as sport. Mixing sketches, spoofs, quickies, one-liners and take-offs OAE? will add some seasonal cheer following the latest let-down from the national team. There’ll be reviews of Kenny Dalglish’s new film, Graeme Souness’ new book plus tips on how to have the perfect, cheap Christmas and a new face for the New Year.
JG
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Hogmanay Live 2017 TV HIGHLIGHT Sunday 31 December – Hogmanay BBC One Scotland, 11.30pm – 12.30am
It’s the ultimate New Year party and everyone’s invited. Jackie Bird waves goodbye to 2017, live from the Old Fruitmarket in Glasgow, with special guests, and some great music to get your Hogmanay shindig started in style. There's a special homecoming appearance from award-winning singer/songwriter KT Tunstall who'll bring in 2018 with a rousing performance on stage in Glasgow. Traditional favourites will take centre stage too, with Phil Cunningham and Ally Bain leading proceedings and contemporary traditional music outfit The Scott Wood Band throwing their unique energy into the mix. It wouldn't be Hogmanay, of course, without the skirl of the pipes and this year that comes courtesy of the 2017 World Pipe Band Championship winners, Inveraray & District Pipe Band. In Edinburgh, Roddy Hart will be joining the thousands of revellers expected on the streets to enjoy the capital’s Hogmanay celebrations. Soak in all the atmosphere of the legendary street party and gather family and friends together to watch the spectacular fireworks that light up the skies on the stroke of midnight. Edinburgh's Concert in the Gardens is headlined this year by the inimitable Rag'n'Bone Man, but if you can't make it to the event yourself, don't worry – his performance from Edinburgh will be on Hogmanay Live so you can get in the spirit from the comfort of your living room. Watch live on BBC One Scotland, UK-wide via the Red Button and get involved on social media with #bbchogmanay.
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The Proclaimers: This Is The Story TV HIGHLIGHT Sunday 31 December - Hogmanay BBC One Scotland, 12.30-1.30am
Another chance to watch documentary, The Proclaimers: This Is The Story, presented by superfan David Tennent, who affectionately reflects on the 30 year career story of Auchtermuchty’s most famous identical twins – Craig and Charlie Reid. Marking the 30th anniversary of the release of their debut album, ‘This Is The Story’, the documentary highlights the impact the brothers had on the music industry. Featuring songs such as ‘Letter From America’ and ‘Throw The R Away’, the album propelled The Proclaimers and the Scottish accent into the charts. David Tennant speaks to Craig and Charlie about their spectacular, if unexpected, success story and how they went from playing miners clubs and gigging across Scotland to become one of the nation’s most iconic bands. During the 80s, Scottish bands like Simple Minds, Big Country and Hipsway sang with a transatlantic twang but not The Proclaimers. For Charlie, it was never an option to hide their accent: “It was a determination to do it our own way . Not ‘sod the consequences’ but accept the consequences.” Their unwillingness to conform made them stand out from the rest of the pop crowd. As comedian Matt Lucas recalls: “They looked middle of the road…but actually, you know, they were real rebels because everyone else was doing electronic music. That’s rebellion in a sweater - a chunky one - Arran sweater.” Contributions come from Dexy’s Midnight Runners frontman Kevin Rowland, The Housemartin’s Paul Heaton, Matt Lucas, Muriel Gray, BBC DJ Simon Mayo, KT Tunstall, Edwyn Collins, Justin Currie and the KLF’s Bill Drummond, while First Minister Nicola Sturgeon reveals the part The Proclaimers had in motivating her political career. This programme first broadcast on BBC Two Scotland in June this year.
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Frances: A Stri ri MS NEW Sunday 31 December – Hogmanay BBC ALBA, 9.00 – 10.00pm
For over 20 years Frances O’Connell has suffered from multiple sclerosis – a condition that’s gradually eroded her quality of life. In early 2016, Frances dared to dream that a cure might be within her reach, when a pioneering new treatment for MS hit the headlines. Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, previously used in the treatment of blood cancers, was showing promising results when trialled on MS patients. Frances travelled across the Atlantic to Clinica Ruiz in Puebla, Mexico to a clinic offering HSCT. Frances’ video diaries, recorded throughout her treatment, reveal the physical toll of the treatment – as well as the strength and resilience she shows throughout.
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Ceilidh na Bliadhn' Uire TV HIGHLIGHT Sunday 31 December – Hogmanay BBC ALBA, 11.30pm – 1.30am
This year the Hogmanay Ceilidh is live from the Misty Isle. With Cathy Macdonald and Niall Iain Macdonald offering a hearty welcome and throwing the doors open for the New Year celebrations in the heart of a highland community at An Crùbh in Sleat, Skye. An evening of music and entertainment in the company of multi-talented characters awaits you. Artists and musicians joining Cathy and Niall Iain for a lively musical session in the run up to the bells and into the wee small hours, are; Art Cormack, Mànran, The Glenfinnan Ceilidh Band, Sian - Ellen MacDonald, Eilidh Cormack & Ceitlin Smith, Ruairidh Cormack, Brìghde Campbell and Murdigan. And, after midnight, look out for a squad of local heroes making a special first foot appearance. Come along and ceilidh with Ceilidh na Bliadhn' Uire to bid a fond farewell to the old year and to greet the New Year in fine Highland style with Gaelic song and good cheer.
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The Hogmanay Show RADIO HIGHLIGHT Sunday 31 December – Hogmanay BBC Radio Scotland, 11.00pm – 1.00am
Join in the Hogmanay celebrations with Bryan Burnett this New Year. See in the bells in style with Bryan and enjoy the party tunes provided along with live music from the Cask Strength Ceilidh Band with Fiona Hunter.
JG
MONDAY 1 JANUARY – NEW YEAR’S DAY TV & RADIO HIGHLIGHTS / BBC WEEK 1 ______
Kerry is Kirsty: A'Chomraich TV HIGHLIGHT Monday 1 January – New Year’s Day BBC ALBA, 8.30 – 9.00pm
Cycling sisters Kerry and Kirsty MacPhee from South Uist take to social media to find out the nation's favourite cycle routes. In this episode they are in Applecross in Wester Ross accompanied by wild swimming sensation Calum MacLean who has chosen a route there because of his family ties to the area and his fond memories of coming on holiday there. Calum is avoiding the world renowned Bealach na Bà though in favour of a lesser known off road route. Starting at Kenmore on Loch Torridon, they mountain bike through Applecross glen to reach the west coast of the peninsula before finishing the cycle route off with a cooling dip in Applecross River.
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Sùlaisgeir: an t-Sealg (Sùlaisgeir: The Hunt) NEW Monday 1 January – New Year’s Day BBC ALBA, 9.00 – 10.00pm
For centuries, men from Ness in the Isle of Lewis in the Western Isles of Scotland have sailed to the tiny island of Sùlaisgeir, 40 miles North of Lewis each Summer to collect their harvest of seabirds. Ness is the Isle of Lewis' most Northerly rural community, and this event forms an integral part of the community's and the island's culture, as well as being a traditional source of food to many islanders. Dods MacFarlane has followed in the footsteps of his forefathers for over forty years. However, this year he will lead the annual guga hunt for the last time. Sùlaisgeir: an t-Sealg follows Dods's last expedition to Sùlaisgeir as he steps aside to allow a new generation of Ness men to continue the tradition.
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Rocky Ros Muc NEW Monday 1 January – New Year’s Day BBC ALBA, 10.00 – 11.30pm
Rocky Ros Muc is the story of Sean Mannion's life and boxing career. From Ros Muc in Co Galway to the criminal underworld of South Boston, a story of spirit inside the ring and troubles outside it.
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Harry Potter’s Edinburgh NEW Monday 1 January – New Year’s Day BBC Radio Scotland, 8.00 – 8.30am
Presenter Sean Biggerstaff - AKA Quidditch captain, Oliver Wood - will be exploring why, when a character becomes as popular as Harry Potter, people feel the need to experience a bit of the magic in the real world. Many Potter fans now make the pilgrimage to Edinburgh and the city has a thriving wizarding underworld – from Quidditch played weekly in the city’s parks to tours, quizzes and even wand- making and potion classes. This documentary takes the Potter tour, visiting Greyfriars kirkyard where there are some familiar names on the headstones, and joins the thousands of Potter pilgrims, touching JK Rowling’s handprints the city’s High Street. There are contributions from Potter super-fans, including Emily – a trainee vet from Yorkshire who chose Edinburgh University because of the Potter connection and who always carries a copy of The Philosopher’s Stone in her pocket in case she bumps into her favourite author. And ‘Dean of Harry Potter Scholars’, John Granger, and author Beatrice Groves, shed some light on the psychology behind this magical phenomenon.
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Sheena Easton in Conversation NEW Monday 1 January – New Year’s Day BBC Radio Scotland, 6.30 - 7.00pm
Grammy award-winning singer Sheena Easton has sold over 20 million records, appeared on Broadway and is in the Las Vegas hall of fame. Sheena Easton in Conversation explores what the latest challenge is in Sheena’s life these days. Billy Differ sits down with the pop legend and hears how she spends her time between appearances in London’s West End, family life and how her singing ambitions began in Bellshill.
JG
TUESDAY 2 JANUARY TV & RADIO HIGHLIGHTS / BBC WEEK 1 ______
River City Tuesday 2 January BBC One Scotland HD, 8.00 – 9.00pm facebook.com/bbcrivercity twitter.com/bbcrivercity instagram.com/bbcrivercity
This week in Shieldinch…Caitlin and Ellie are forced to make a life-changing decision for their mother, Maggie; Rick puts Alex in an impossible position, while Lenny tries to give Lydia an unforgettable Hogmanay; and affairs of the heart loom large for Dougie and Scarlett. Worry consumes Caitlin and Ellie as they try to find their mother Maggie who has been missing since Christmas. Suspicious Suzie knows where Maggie is, Caitlin follows her and is shocked to find Maggie unconscious in her bedsit. A gravely ill Maggie is rushed to hospital where her daughters are given the heart-breaking news – she has weeks to live unless they find a donor. Maggie calmly asks Caitlin and Ellie to accept the inevitable and say their goodbyes. Unwilling to give up, Caitlin urges her mother to see is John is a suitable donor but Maggie is enraged at the idea. As Maggie state worsens, Caitlin takes it upon herself to secretly approach John, going against her mother’s wishes. Elsewhere, Rick piles on the pressure telling Alex he must kill Lenny. Feeling cornered, Alex confesses all to a shocked Lenny including the fact that Rick is Alex’s cousin and a Kennedy hell-bent on revenge. Over at the Tall Ship, Lenny steps in to save the day when Lydia’s Hogmanay entertainment pulls out, giving her an unforgettable start to the New Year. Stevie tells a reluctant Dougie today is the day he must propose to Scarlett. Worried it’s too soon, Dougie urges caution but Stevie won’t be swayed.
Caitlin is played by Gayle Telfer Stevens, Ellie by Leah MacRae, Maggie by Kathryn Howden, Rick by Alex Ferns, Alex by Jordan Young, Lenny by Frank Gallagher, Lydia by Jacqueline Leonard, Dougie by Stewart Porter, Scarlett by Sally Howitt, Suzie by Juliet Cadzow, John by Frank Gilhooley, Stevie by Iain Robertson and Eddi Reader as herself.
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Rab Noakes’ Power of Music NEW Tuesday 2 January BBC Radio Scotland, 5.00 – 6.00pm
After being diagnosed with tonsillar cancer a couple of years ago, Rab Noakes found himself drawn to playing his guitar and writing songs during his recovery. He wrote and recorded 'The Treatment Tapes' EP based on his experience of being ill. He believes that immersing himself in music aided his return to good health. Rab speaks to other people who have undergone cancer treatment and looks at how music helped them get through it. Beth Nielsen Chapman tells the remarkable personal story of losing her husband to cancer then having breast cancer herself, and how she reflected this in her music. Bob Harris describes how he was drawn to particular songs during his recovery from prostate cancer. And Rod Clements found himself listening to old blues songs he hadn't heard for years during his treatment. Rab also explores traditional public expressions of grief and suffering through Gaelic psalm singing with folklorist Margaret Bennett who lost her own son - the composer and musician Martyn Bennett - to cancer.
JG
WEDNESDAY 3 JANUARY TV & RADIO HIGHLIGHTS / BBC WEEK 1 ______
The Story of Scotdisc NEW Wednesday 3 January BBC One Scotland, 9.00-10.00pm
Scotdisc Records is one of Scotland’s most successful labels, embracing the tartan Scottish music tradition and selling millions of records and videos over its 40 year history. One-off documentary, The Story of Scotdisc, tells the tale of the label that has been delivering a Scottish soundtrack to our lives entertaining the world with tartan tunes and Highland hootenannies. This is Scotdisc’s story but it also tells the tale of traditional Scottish folk and country music since the 1970s. It’s the story of Dougie Stevenson and Bill Garden who have recorded many iconic artists like Sydney Devine, Lena Martell, Stuart Anderson Jr, Tommy Scott, The Alexander Brothers, Eve Graham and The Pipes and Drums of the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards. Syndey Devine is wonder of the Scottish music world with a career spanning six decades, selling an estimated 15 million records. Sydney’s popularity and Scotdisc’s success have gone hand in hand and, according to Sydney, the secret to their success is simple. He says: “In the forty odd years I’ve been associated with Dougie and Bill I think we’ve maybe had one argument…I don’t think I even have a contract with them. That’s how good it is.” The Kilsyth based label targeted the tourist market and has created an incredible catalogue with a style of music that has been unaffected by musical trends.
JW ______
The Associates NEW Wednesday 3 January BBC Radio Scotland, 4.00 - 5.00pm
Bryan Burnett presents the story of one of Scotland's most inventive groups: The Associates, led by charismatic vocalist Billy MacKenzie. The documentary includes interviews with Paul Haig (Josef K), Ian Rankin, Muriel Gray and Billy McKenzie's close collaborator in the Associates , Alan Rankine. ______
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