BBC WEEKS 51 & 52 19 - 25 December 2015 & 26 December 2015 – 1 January 2016 Programme Information, Television & Radio BBC Press Office BBC Media Centre Scotland BBC iPlayer Scotland BBC Scotland twitter.com/BBCScotPR

General / Carol Knight Hilda McLean Jim Gough Julie Whiteside Laura Davidson Karen Higgins BBC Alba Dianne Ross

THIS WEEK’S HIGHLIGHTS TELEVISION & RADIO / BBC WEEK 51

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SATURDAY 19 DECEMBER Not Another Happy Ending  NEW BBC Two Scotland

MONDAY 21 DECEMBER In Search of  NEW BBC One Scotland

TUESDAY 22 DECEMBER  TV HIGHLIGHT BBC One Scotland The Scots in Russia, Ep 1/3  NEW BBC Radio Scotland

WEDNESDAY 23 DECEMBER The Big Yin, Ep 1/3  NEW BBC Radio Scotland Bothy Life - Bothan nam Beann  NEW BBC Alba

THURSDAY 24 DECEMBER – CHRISTMAS EVE Christmas Celebration  NEW BBC One Scotland Nollaig Chridheil às a' Ghearasdan  NEW BBC Alba The Christmas Kitchen  NEW BBC Radio Scotland  NEW BBC Radio Scotland

FRIDAY 25 DECEMBER – CHRISTMAS DAY Clann Pheter Roraidh  NEW BBC Alba Christmas Morning with Cathy Macdonald and Ricky Ross  NEW BBC Radio Scotland Get It On…at Christmas  NEW BBC Radio Scotland A Lulu of a Kid  NEW BBC Radio Scotland The Barrowlands  NEW BBC Radio Scotland

SATURDAY 26 DECEMBER – BOXING DAY Proms In The Park Highlights  NEW BBC Two Scotland

MONDAY 28 DECEMBER  NEW BBC Two Scotland Two Doors Down  TV HIGHLIGHT BBC Two Trusadh - Calum's Music/Ceòl Chaluim  NEW BBC Alba

TUESDAY 29 DECEMBER River City  TV HIGHLIGHT BBC One Scotland The Adventure Show: Roads Less Travelled – The West Highlands, Ep 2/2  NEW BBC Two Scotland Air an Smùid / Steaming, Ep 1/3  NEW BBC Alba

WEDNESDAY 30 DECEMBER Rona: Dileab Chlann Eardsaidh Raighnaill / Rona Lightfoot  NEW BBC Alba

THURSDAY 31 DECEMBER – Planet Hogmanay  NEW BBC One Scotland  TV HIGHLIGHT BBC One Scotland Only An Excuse?  NEW BBC One Scotland 2015  NEW BBC One Scotland Cèilidh Na Bliadhn' Ùire 2015/ Live Hogmanay Ceilidh  NEW BBC Alba The Hogmanay Show BBC Radio Scotland

FRIDAY 1 JANUARY – ’S DAY Resolutions  NEW BBC One Scotland Pìobairean Beaga Bhaile Ghobhainn/ The Wee Govan Pipers  NEW BBC Alba Cluinneam!/The Switch on  NEW BBC Alba Johnny Beattie: The Variety of Life  NEW BBC Radio Scotland

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Viewers outside Scotland can access BBC One Scotland on Sky 141 (HD) & 951, 108 (HD) & 960, 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 .co.uk/iplayer & BBC Radio Scotland on bbc.co.uk/radioscotland

SATURDAY 19 DECEMBER TELEVISION & RADIO HIGHLIGHTS / BBC WEEK 51 ______

Not Another Happy Ending  NEW Saturday 19 December 10.20-11.50pm, BBC Two Scotland

Set in , this stylish romantic comedy, led by former Doctor Who star Karen Gillan, gets its TV premiere as part of BBC Scotland’s festive programming schedule. Gillan stars as Jane Lockhart, an aspiring writer desperate to get a book deal for her first novel, a barely-fictionalised account of her -rending childhood. Hunky Frenchman Tom Duval (Stanley Weber), an Indie publisher, loves her work, and with an instant spark between the pair, romance is soon on the cards as well as a two-book deal. It’s short-lived, however. When Tom makes a snap decision about the novel without telling Jane, she’s furious and the couple vow to break contact completely once they’ve fulfilled their business contract. Soon, Jane’s book becomes a runaway success and she’s the toast of the literary world – but she has one more novel to finish before she can ditch Tom’s contract and sign up with a major-league publishing house. Only trouble is, with writer’s block setting in, her second story hits a brick wall. Cash-strapped Tom senses trouble and thinks Jane’s newfound happiness with screenwriter Willie Scott (Henry Ian Cusick) is bad for her creative focus. He reckons she produces her best work when she’s unhappy – so he sets about trying to make her as miserable as possible. Best friend Roddy (Iain De Caestecker) is called in to help Tom dismantle all the things in Jane’s life that make her happy. The worse he makes her feel though, the more he realises he’s falling for her. Will Jane be able to find a happy ending for her fictional heroine as well as herself? Directed by John McKay, the film’s cast also includes Gary Lewis, Amy Manson, Freya Mavor and Kate Dickie. British Film Company and Creative Scotland present a Synchronicity Films Production, in association with BBC Scotland.

LD

MONDAY 21 DECEMBER TELEVISION & RADIO HIGHLIGHTS /BBC WEEK 51 ______

In Search of Gregor Fisher, Ep/ 1/1  NEW BBC One Scotland Monday 21 December, 9.00-10.00pm

Gregor Fisher is a famous face in the world of TV, and film, having achieved remarkable success particularly with his portrayal of Rab C. Nesbitt, the Glaswegian street philosopher in the sitcom of the same name. But behind the high profile success, there were mysteries about the gifted actor’s childhood which remained private as his career went from strength to strength. In Search of Gregor Fisher follows the actor and journalist Melanie Reid as they piece together the complex and emotional story of his early life. Gregor had approached Melanie, a columnist with , last year to help him uncover the truth of his past and the twists and turns of the story of his childhood were published in a recent memoir. It’s a dramatic tale of tragedy, deception and emotional reunions which takes the duo to small towns across central Scotland in search of the facts about Gregor’s birth mother and father and previously hidden family ties. The documentary also chronicles the actor’s stellar career from his early days on stage through the emergence of Rab C Nesbitt to roles in big screen hits such as Love Actually and opposite Al Pacino in the Merchant of Venice. Contributors include Gregor’s relatives and friends outside of showbusiness in addition to figures from entertainment who have worked with him over the years such as Ian Pattison, Elaine C Smith and Tony Roper. In Search of Gregor Fisher is a Finestripe Productions programme for BBC Scotland.

JG TUESDAY 22 DECEMBER TELEVISION & RADIO HIGHLIGHTS / BBC WEEK 51 ______

River City  TV HIGHLIGHT Tuesday 22 December BBC One Scotland HD, 8.00 – 9.00pm facebook.com/bbcrivercity twitter.com/bbcrivercity instagram.com/bbcrivercity

This week in Shieldinch…the McAllisters’ plans for the perfect Christmas are thwarted by Martina’s dodgy dealings, putting Kelly-Marie in danger; the festivities prove fraught at the McLeans as Caitlin tries to play happy families; and Bob hatches a plan to help best mate Angus move on. Kelly-Marie and Alex’s relaxing Christmas break away from Shieldinch is ruined after Alex learns Martina has a delivery planned for Chrome which she needs him to oversee. Alex is horrified to discover it’s a drugs shipment and lies to Kelly-Marie to cover up the details. Suspicious, Kelly-Marie searches the club and is shocked to find a Christmas decoration stuffed with drugs. She enlists the help of Jimmy to get rid of it but in doing so crosses a dangerous line with Martina. Under threat, Kelly-Marie takes drastic action to protect her and her loved ones. Over at the McLean’s, Caitlin’s full of Christmas Day cheer but Jenny fears it won’t last when she discovers Drew hasn’t bought their mum a present from the kids. To make matters worse, Caitlin is forced to endure Christmas dinner with Gary, her ex-husband and Jenny’s father. However, it’s Drew who struggles most with playing happy families, highlighting what he wants most – to find out who his father is. Elsewhere, Angus’ Christmas is far-from-happy as the festive season takes its toll. Determined to help his best mate move on, Bob sets about giving Angus something to look forward to.

Martina is played by Ann Louise Ross, Kelly-Marie by Carmen Pieraccini, Caitlin by Gayle Telfer- Stevens, Bob by Stephen Purdon, Angus by Scott Fletcher, Alex by Jordan Young, Jimmy by Billy McElhaney, Jenny by Christine Steel, Drew by Benjamin Nugent and Gary by James MacKenzie.

Julie Whiteside

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The Scots in Russia Ep 1/3  NEW Tuesday 22 December BBC Radio Scotland, 1.30 – 2.00pm bbc.co.uk/radioscotland

In a new three part series, Billy Kay explores the major role played by Scottish soldiers of fortune such as Patrick Gordon and Tam Dalyell of the Binns in the reign of Peter the Great. Gordon was young Peter’s tutor, confidant and military right hand man and his diaries are a main source for Russian history in the 17th century. This is in spite of his less than complimentary description of the Russians: “…the people being morose, avaricious, deceitful, false, insolent and tyrannous when they have command, and being under command, submissive and even slavish, sloven and base… and yet overweening and valuing themselves above all other nations….” Billy gives that quotation by the walls of the Kremlin, the centre of Russian power since the days of ancient Muscovy. In Moscow, he speaks to Olga Lesley, a descendant of another influential Scottish soldier, Alexander Lesley, whose family enjoyed a close relationship with the Czars right down to the Revolution in 1917. In the 18th century, the Scots community increased as Jacobites who had been out in the 1715 Rising sought a haven where their military, medical and intellectual skills were welcomed with open arms. Some of them fought at Sherrifmuir, and there at her family home, Billy interviews historian Rebecca Wills, author of The Jacobites and Russia 1715 – 1750. Their attempt to obtain Russian support for another rising never quite succeeded but they are commemorated in a song from James Hogg’s Jacobite Relics: “Here’s a health to the mysterious Czar hope he’ll send us help from far To end the work begun by Mar.” One of the staunchest Jacobites was Peter’s personal physician, Robert Erskine, the first of a group of Scots doctors who led the Russian medical services for more than 150 years.

Episode 2 will be on BBC Radio Scotland on Tuesday 29 December, with the concluding part on Tuesday 5 January 2016. The Scots in Russia is an Odyssey Production for BBC Radio Scotland.

KH

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Dòtaman - A Fàs Tuesday 22 December BBC ALBA, 6.05 – 6.20pm

In this archive edition of Dotaman, Donnie, Cathy and John explore the fun of growing things in the garden, with music, song and lots of activity to enjoy. Look out for Cagnaidh, Crotal and join Nelson and Napoleon to tell the time at the Dotaman clock.

GMCQ/LG

WEDNESDAY 23 DECEMBER TELEVISION & RADIO HIGHLIGHTS / BBC WEEK 51 ______

The Big Yin, Ep 1/3  NEW Wednesday 23 December BBC Radio Scotland, 11.30am – 12 noon bbc.co.uk/radioscotland

Comedian Janey Godley presents a special programme on BBC Radio Scotland looking at her hero, Billy Connolly and the influence he still has today. Janey finds out why Glasgow was so important to The Big Yin and how he paved the way for other comedians and artists. Guests include Elaine C Smith, Barbara Dickson, Rab Noakes, Tony Roper and The Rt Hon The Lord Provost of Glasgow, Councillor Sadie Docherty. Episode 2 will be on Thursday 24 December at 11.30am with the concluding part on Friday 25 December at 11.30am.

KH

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The Jazz House Wednesday 23 December BBC Radio Scotland, 9.00pm – 11.00pm bbc.co.uk/radioscotland

A special Christmas Rat Pack themed edition of The Jazz House on BBC Radio Scotland celebrates the centenary of Frank Sinatra’s birth. Presented by Stephen Duffy, seventeen piece big band The Groove Merchants will be performing with Scottish vocalist and Sinatra obsessive Todd Gordon. Along with that swing singer Seonaid Aitken will be performing some classic standards along with some Christmas numbers and Scots legends Hue and Cry will be performing some of Sinatra’s hidden gems.

KH

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Bothy Life - Bothan nam Beann  NEW Wednesday 23 December BBC ALBA, 9.00 – 10.00pm

The story of the unsung heroes of Scotland's mountains. For fifty years the volunteers of the Mountain Bothy Association have been providing shelter for people travelling through the wilder parts of the country. They selflessly give up their time and dry clothes to renovate old buildings for the benefit of others. This entertaining documentary celebrates their work and the spirit of adventure and camaraderie of those who step out into the hills.

GMCQ/LG

THURSDAY 24 DECEMBER TELEVISION & RADIO HIGHLIGHTS / BBC WEEK 51 ______

Christmas Celebration  NEW Thursday 24 December – Christmas Eve BBC One Scotland, 11.45pm – 12.30am

Sally Magnusson introduces carols and readings from the Cathedral Church of St Machar in historic Old , with Barbara Dickson, Emily Smith, Robert Lovie and choirs and congregation from Aberdeen University.

DR

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Nollaig Chridheil às a' Ghearasdan  NEW Thursday 24 December - Christmas Eve BBC ALBA, 10.55pm – 12.05am

A Christmas celebration of carols and readings from the Duncansburgh Macintosh Church in Fort William led by the Rev Chris MacRae. Festive Music will be provided by the Soisgeul choir, Robert Robertson, Mary Ann Kennedy, Rachel Walker, and the Lochaber Gaelic Primary School Choir. Christmas readings will be provided by members of the Soisgeul choir and the local community. The concert will be interspersed with the story of Soisgeul charting the creation and first year of the first ever National Gaelic Gospel Choir led by Mary Ann Kennedy. The choir is formed and prepare for the BBC Songs of Praise Gospel Choir of the Year competition and head to the Solas Festival in Perthshire to bring their unique blend of Gospel and the Gaelic music tradition to the public.

GMCQ/LG

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The Christmas Kitchen  NEW Thursday 24 December – Christmas Eve BBC Radio Scotland, 1.30pm – 2.00pm bbc.co.uk/radioscotland

The Christmas Kitchen on BBC Radio Scotland will be celebrating all things food with a range of exciting seasonal ingredients, looking behind the stories of where the ingredients come from. Claire English presents this festive edition of The Kitchen Café, with guests including broadcaster and writer and Great British Bake Off star Flora Shedden.

KH

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Watchnight Service  NEW Thursday 24 December – Christmas Eve BBC Radio Scotland, 11.30pm – 12.05am bbc.co.uk/radioscotland

BBC Radio Scotland’s Watchnight Service comes from St Mary's Episcopal Cathedral in . Carols will usher in Christmas Day, along with stories about the work of Mercy Ships, which bring free medical care to some of the world’s poorest people. The Cathedral Choir will be directed by Duncan Ferguson.

KH

FRIDAY 25 DECEMBER TELEVISION & RADIO HIGHLIGHTS / BBC WEEK 51 ______

Clann Pheter Roraidh  NEW Friday 25 December BBC ALBA, 9.00 – 10.00pm

Tony Kearney is one of the best-known performers in Scotland Since boyhood, he has presented and acted in numerous TV and theatre productions, in Gaelic and in many other roles, most notably in BBC Scotland's hit soap River City. But less is perhaps known of the creative talents that extend through Tony's family, through his maternal grandparents from the Isle of Barra. Here, we meet the 'children of Peter Rory' - Tony's mother and her siblings, and learn of their upbringing in a home that revolved around the songs and music of the Hebridean tradition. The programme includes compelling archive of the song and story collecting carried out by members of the family in Barra in the mid 20th century, and offers a colourful glimpse of their continued involvement with broadcasting, theatre and music.

GMCQ/LG

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Christmas Morning with Cathy Macdonald and Ricky Ross  NEW Friday 25 December – Christmas Day BBC Radio Scotland, 7.00 – 9.00am bbc.co.uk/radioscotland

A festive celebration of home and hope will be the theme on Christmas Morning with Cathy Macdonald, Ricky Ross and their special guests. This includes the story of Haian Dukhan, a Syrian refugee, who has made a home for himself in Scotland, while his family are overseas. With his parents in Turkey, his brother in a refugee camp in Germany and his sister and her husband in a refugee camp in Sweden, Haian, along with Ian Galloway of Gorbals Parish Church and Professor Alison Phipps co-convener of GRAMNet (Glasgow Refugee, Asylum and Migration Network) will be sharing their thoughts on home and hope. Also on the programme, author Kerry Hudson and BBC Scotland Poet In Residence Rachel McCrum will be exploring creative ways of building community and Rachel will be reading a specially-written Christmas poem. Cathy and Ricky will also be joined by Strictly star Carol Kirkwood and TV presenter Gail Porter who will be sharing their own stories about Christmas away from Scotland along with festive childhood memories.

KH

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Get It On…at Christmas  NEW Friday 25 December – Christmas Day BBC Radio Scotland, 9.00 – 11.00am bbc.co.uk/radioscotland

The festive spirit will be in full flow on Christmas morning on BBC Radio Scotland with a live edition of Get It On…at Christmas. Presenter Bryan Burnett and Miss B will be taking listener requests for friends and family but with a special festive twist.

KH

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A Lulu of a Kid  NEW Friday 25 December – Christmas Day BBC Radio Scotland, 12.00 – 1.00pm bbc.co.uk/radioscotland

It's 1963 and Lulu, Glasgow's own pop sensation, is about to be discovered. This Christmas Day BBC Radio Scotland brings brand new drama A Lulu of a Kid charting the five exciting, music-fuelled years when Marie McDonald McLaughlin Lawrie went from timid wee lassie in the east end of Glasgow to the top of the American charts. Starring newcomer Kirsty MacLaren as Lulu, the drama starts while 14 year-old Marie is at school by day, but singing in clubs with bands at night. As a music, fashion and culture revolution is taking place in , the excitement is spreading across the UK. The Beatles and the Merseysound are taking London by storm. Meanwhile in Glasgow new groups are being formed on a daily basis - and Glasgow's own pop sensation is about to be discovered. As Lulu’s star emerges, she was at the centre of the pop scene in London, and was appearing on all the top TV shows. But behind the scenes teenage Marie had to do a lot of growing up fast. Finding the next hit song was never easy despite working with top composers - and behind all the fun and glamour young Marie was missing her family back in Glasgow.

Lulu is played by Kirsty MacLaren, Betty Lawrie by Sarah McCardie, Eddie Lawrie by Simon Donaldson, Marion Massey by Romana Abercromby and Tony Gordon by Kirk Bage, Billy Lawrie by Daniel Kerr and DJ played by John Kielty.

KH

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The Barrowlands  NEW Friday 25 December – Christmas Day BBC Radio Scotland, 2.00 – 3.00pm bbc.co.uk/radioscotland

The Barrowlands in Glasgow has long been known as an iconic and special venue, and this Christmas Day on BBC Radio Scotland, Vic Galloway takes listeners on a tour. He will be meeting some of the characters that have shaped its colourful history, from the ballroom dancers who found love on the dancefloor, to the rock bands who tore up the stage. The programme will also feature interviews with Biffy Clyro, Franz Ferdinand, Leftfield, Twin Atlantic, Simple Minds, Sharleen Spiteri and Mogwai.

KH

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Christmas at the Quay with Edith Bowman Friday 25 December – Christmas Day BBC Radio Scotland, 8.00pm – 10.00pm bbc.co.uk/radioscotland

Edith Bowman presents a special Christmas Day edition of The Quay Sessions on BBC Radio Scotland at BBC Scotland’s headquarters, Pacific Quay in Glasgow. Edith will be joined by Scottish rock band The Silencers, White, King Creosote and The Cairn String Quartet. The Silencers return to Glasgow to play a hit-laden set which is sure to bring some Celtic spirit to proceedings. Scottish electro-punks White, who are hotly tipped by BBC Introducing, will be showcasing their songs alongside a festive classic. Also performing will be singer-songwriter King Creosote, along with The Cairn String Quartet who will be playing a Christmas set full of favourites selected by the Quay Sessions audience.

KH

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The Music Match, Prog 15/16 Friday 25 December – Christmas Day BBC Radio Scotland, 10.00pm – 1.00am bbc.co.uk/radioscotland

Singer KT Tunstall presents this special Christmas evening edition of The Music Match playing her own selection of festive tunes and Scottish favourites. The Music Match is produced by Demus Productions for BBC Radio Scotland.

KH

SATURDAY 26 DECEMBER TELEVISION & RADIO HIGHLIGHTS / BBC WEEK 51 ______

Proms In The Park Highlights  NEW Saturday 26 December – Boxing Day BBC Two Scotland, 7.00-8.00pm

Highlights from this year's Proms in the Park concert recorded live on Glasgow Green, presented by Jamie MacDougall. Featuring the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra conducted by Stephen Bell the concert includes fantastic performances from Alexandra Burke, saxophonist Amy Dickson, BBC Radio Scotland's Young Traditional Musician of the Year Claire Hastings and singers of Big Big Sing. Enjoy an evening celebrating music of many kinds performed on a great night at Scotland's Proms in the Park 2015.

AN

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Out for Christmas Saturday 26 December – Boxing Day BBC Radio Scotland, 6.30 – 8.00am bbc.co.uk/radioscotland

A special festive edition of Out of Doors will bring some fresh air into Boxing Day on BBC Radio Scotland. In Out for Christmas, Mark Stephen will be taking BBC Scotland’s Poet in Residence, Rachel McCrum, to a very special bothy in the Cairngorms. Meanwhile, Euan McIlwraith will be going fishing with angler Ron Greer in search of pike and Fiona Stalker will be climbing her first munro, .

KH

MONDAY 28 DECEMBER TELEVISION & RADIO HIGHLIGHTS / BBC WEEK 52 ______

The Adventure Show: Roads Less Travelled – The West Highlands, Ep 1/2  NEW Monday 28 December BBC Two Scotland, 7.00-8.00pm

Cameron McNeish celebrates the best of Scotland with a spectacular new route through the West Highlands. This year he’s taking things slowly – spending the spring, summer and autumn winding his way up this coastline; heading into the mountains and delving into some fantastic hidden corners of Scotland. This is a journey with a difference – its aim is to explore our ‘roads less travelled’. So Cameron’s home is his campervan and he seeks out the lesser known parts of the country by foot, bike and packraft. He travels to three stunning, but less visited islands. Luing is a revelation. Just 20 miles south of Oban, it’s steeped in history and industrial heritage – and, as a bonus, there are stunning views over the Atlantic. The landscape of Seil is dramatic and rugged while on Lismore there’s a sense of stepping back to when our ancestors first came here. The Appin peninsula on the mainland gives an insight into the fascinating geology that underlies this landscape. Cameron walks up one of the lesser known hills in Glencoe and, in Ardnamurchan, discovers the finest of coastal walks. There’s a final island visit as he heads over to Skye and an exploration of the Sleat Peninsula before he travels through a succession of truly dramatic landscapes. There’s the sheer grandeur of the Kintail mountains; the magnificent coastline around Torridon; the beauty and mystery of Loch Maree and the isolated Melvaig Peninsula. Journey’s end is high above Ullapool. As always, Cameron is meeting a variety of guests – all steeped in the West Highlands. In the first episode they include marine geologist, Dr John Howe from the Scottish Association for Marine Science, who explains how the dramatic Appin coastline was once formed and the outstanding climber, turned photographer, Dave ‘Cubby’ Cuthbertson whose life has been dominated by the hills of Glencoe. Legendary ceilidh band player, Fergie MacDonald shares his music with Cameron in Acharacle and Cameron finds there’s no shortage of young people passionate about the West Highlands, joining kayaker, Lizzie Benwell, for a paddle around the skerries at Arisaig. The Adventure Show is a Triple Echo production for BBC Scotland.

JG

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Two Doors Down  TV HIGHLIGHT Monday 28 December BBC Two, 9.00-10.00pm

A chance to revisit Two Doors Down, the comedy set in a chaotic New Year’s party thrown by Eric and Beth Baird as they count down to the bells in traditional Scottish style with their two sons Ian and Angus, Beth’s unpredictable sister Caroline and their Latimer Crescent neighbours. Joining the Baird’s Hogmanay celebrations are aspirational friends Colin and Cathy; Norwegian neighbours Henning and Nina; Ian’s exuberant and outgoing partner Tony; and teenager Sophie, who’s been left home alone while her parents are away. As friends and family gather, Eric and Beth hope the highlight of the night will be the return of their son, Angus who’s currently serving in Iraq. A lively evening is assured as drink flows, tempers fray, and Beth’s legendary steak pie comes out of the oven. Written by Simon Carlyle (Benidorm, No Holds Bard), Two Doors Down stars Alex Norton as Eric, Arabella Weir as Beth, Ian by Kevin Guthrie, Angus by James Young, Caroline by Daniela Nardini, Colin by Jonathan Watson, Cathy by Doon MacKichan, Henning by Jefferson Hall, Nina by Zoe Harrison, Tony by Greg McHugh and Sophie by Sharon Rooney. Please note, this episode of Two Doors Down was first broadcast in 2013.

JW

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Trusadh - Calum's Music/Ceòl Chaluim  NEW Monday 28 December BBC ALBA, 9.00 – 10.00pm

Who in the Western Isles could ever forget the terrible events of January 2005, when three generations of the same family their lives in one brutal stroke as they tried to flee the hurricane that was battering the islands. Murdina and and their two children all perished, as did Murdina's father, Calum Campbell. Calum, who was 67, was well known as a piper and piping instructor and had also composed some tunes. The sheer number of them, though, did not become clear until his son Niall embarked on the difficult task of sorting through his father's effects. The pieces of paper with tunes and notes of the some of the stories that had inspired them grew, and over the years Niall realized that this was something that was very special. As 2015 approached, the family wanted to find a way of creating a positive memory for the family and the community, and so the idea to create a book of Calum's tunes was first mooted. BBC ALBA followed the family's journey as they make the book a reality and this is their story - Calum's Music.

GMCQ/LG

TUESDAY 29 DECEMBER TELEVISION & RADIO HIGHLIGHTS / BBC WEEK 52 ______

River City  TV HIGHLIGHT Tuesday 29 December BBC One Scotland HD, 8.00 – 9.00pm facebook.com/bbcrivercity twitter.com/bbcrivercity instagram.com/bbcrivercity

This week in Shieldinch…AJ’s past infidelities loom large, casting a shadow over Annie’s Hogmanay celebrations; a cash-strapped Caitlin takes drastic action to make ends meet; and Ellie gets the wrong end of the stick about Bob’s new living arrangements. Annie and AJ decide to embrace the New Year by throwing a Hogmanay party. However, Annie’s party spirits are dampened when she discovers a suggestive message on AJ’s mobile from his former mistress. Convinced AJ is still being unfaithful, Annie confronts her husband who pleads his innocence. Annie puts on a brave face and throws herself into being the perfect Hogmanay hostess, even putting up with some unwanted locals as party guests. Later that night, an emotional Annie seeks solace in Alex who, estranged from Kelly-Marie, faces his own marital uncertainty. Elsewhere, Caitlin finds herself in familiar territory when Angus starts chasing her for rent money. Knowing the family could be thrown out if she doesn’t pay up, Caitlin decides to sell Jenny’s Christmas laptop to raise the rent money. However, Jenny’s hurt turns to humiliation when Harry reveals Caitlin tried selling the computer to punters in the Tall Ship. Thanks to a misunderstanding by Patrick, Ellie assumes she’s moving in to Bob’s new flat. Realising the truth could unsettle their rekindled relationship, Bob struggles to let Ellie know Angus will be his new flatmate, not her. Fearing the trouble she might be stirring up, Kelly-Marie has doubts about her decision to bring Lenny back to tackle Martina’s threat.

AJ is played by , Annie by Dawn Steele, Caitlin by Gayle Telfer-Stevens, Ellie by Leah MacRae, Bob by Stephen Purdon, Alex by Jordan Young, Kelly-Marie by Carmen Pieraccini, Angus by Scott Fletcher, Jenny by Christine Steel, Harry by Manpreet Bachu, Patrick by Gerard Miller, Lenny by Frank Gallagher and Martina by Ann Louise Ross.

JW

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The Adventure Show: Roads Less Travelled – The West Highlands, Ep 2/2  NEW Tuesday 29 December BBC Two Scotland, 7.00-8.00pm

In the second part of this Adventure Show special Cameron McNeish continues his celebration of the best of Scotland with a spectacular new route through the West Highlands. His odyssey winds up the coastline, taking him into the mountains and allowing him to delve into some fantastic hidden corners of Scotland. On his exploration of our ‘roads less travelled’, Cameron’s home is his campervan and he seeks out the lesser known parts of the country by foot, bike and packraft. As always, Cameron’s meets a variety of guests – all steeped in the West Highlands. On the remote Melvaig Peninsula, north of Gairloch, Nevis Hulme explains why the place names of this area are so important. Lord Chris Smith of Finsbury revisits a small, remote building on the Torridon coastline that was once a youth hostel where he spent three years as a summer warden. Will Copestake shares one of his favourite childhood haunts near Ullapool and jewellery maker and Heather McDermott talks about growing up on the Sleat Peninsula on Skye. The Adventure Show is a Triple Echo production for BBC Scotland.

JG

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Air an Smùid / Steaming, Ep 1/3  NEW Tuesday 29 December BBC ALBA, 8.30 – 9.00pm

A team of puffer enthusiasts from Islay battle to save the VIC 27 - a 66 year old vessel - from the scrap heap. On her rusty bow she bears the name Vital Spark - a throwback to her glory days as star of the BBC's 1994 series The Tales of Para Handy. With no working engine, the team organise for the puffer to be taken under tow through the canal to Crinan where her restoration begins. They look on nervously as she's carefully winched up the purpose built slipway. This is the first time in almost 30 years she's been out of the water and at last the team can assess the condition of her hull. Episodes two and three follow on Wednesday and Thursday at 8.30pm.

GMCQ/LG

WEDNESDAY 30 DECEMBER TELEVISION & RADIO HIGHLIGHTS / BBC WEEK 52 ______

Rona: Dileab Chlann Eardsaidh Raighnaill / Rona Lightfoot Wednesday 30 December BBC ALBA, 9.00 – 10.00pm

Music documentary charting the life of one of Gaeldom's great characters - Rona Lightfoot. The revered singer, piper, storyteller and teacher carries a treasure trove of folklore, music and song with her. Born in South Uist, Rona grew up in a family rich in tradition. There are countless young singers and pipers who have benefited from Rona's skill as a tutor. She has taught at feisean all over Scotland and has been an instructor at Ceolas on South Uist every year since its inception in 1996. Her ready wit and storytelling skills make her a popular MC at musical events and her great love for piping remains undiminished. Rona is busier than she has ever been, relishing the opportunity to judge at piping competitions and mentor young pipers. A national treasure, Rona Lightfoot continues to be a source of songs, wisdom and humour to the Gaels all over the world.

GMCQ/LG

THURSDAY 31 DECEMBER – HOGMANAY TV & RADIO HIGHLIGHTS / BBC WEEK 52 ______

Planet Hogmanay  NEW BBC One Scotland Thursday 31 December – Hogmanay, 9.20-10.20pm

Mixing classic archive comedy, hilarious insights and weird and wonderful international traditions, Planet Hogmanay showcases how the biggest party night of the year is celebrated around the globe. Planet Hogmanay looks back at the history of Hogmanay in Scotland from first footing your neighbour with a dram to thousands of revellers descending on Edinburgh for the iconic street party. The special programme highlights the nation’s affection for festive food and fire, in the shape of a ridiculously massive steak pie to a small lump of coal. While New Yorkers gather in Times Square to watch a ball drop, South American families have a ‘square go’ to punch out their differences before the bells. Planet Hogmanay discovers that Spaniards swallow 12 grapes before the clock chimes midnight, Germans face a mustard-filled doughnut challenge while, in Denmark, it’s considered a compliment to smash crockery off your neighbours’ door. As well as celebrating Hogmanay cultures from around the world, there’s also room for classic Hogmanay-themed comedy clips. Narrated by , Planet Hogmanay features contributions from Still Game’s Sanjeev Kohli and Jane McCarry, Dawn Steele, Alex Norton, Grado, Dorothy Paul, Burnistoun’s Robert Florence and Iain Connell, Karen Bartke and Darren Connell from Scot Squad and comedian , amongst others. Planet Hogmanay is a Comedy Unit production for BBC Scotland.

JW

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Still Game  TV HIGHLIGHT Thursday 31 December – Hogmanay BBC One Scotland, 10.30-11.00pm

Relive this classic Still Game episode where Jack and Victor enter in to the spirit of the holidays when they join a choir. Christmas choirs, lollipop men and puggy machines all add to the festive fun in this Still Game Special, starring the two irrepressible pensioners, Jack and Victor, alongside all the Craiglang gang. Once Isa finds out Jack and Victor have joined the Community Choir, the word spreads like wildfire across Craiglang. Christmas love is all around when Jack and Victor dig out their Marigolds to save the day for the choir but, as ever, life is never straightforward for the loveable rogues. Winston, meanwhile, gains some of the Christmas spirit when he takes over from Charlie the Lollipop Man, and Tam develops a close, loving relationship with the puggy machine, setting his sights on winning the jackpot. This episode of Still Game was first broadcast in December 2007.

Jack is played by , Victor by , Winston by Paul Riley, Isa by Jane McCarry, Navid by Sanjeev Kohli, Boabby by Gavin Mitchell, Tam by Mark Cox and Shug by Paul Young. Dave Anderson guest stars as the Choirmaster, Maureen Carr as Edith and Iain McColl as Charlie the Lollipop Man. Still Game was produced by Effingee Productions in association with the Comedy Unit for BBC Scotland.

JW

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Only an Excuse?  NEW Thursday 31 December BBC One Scotland, 11.00 – 11.30pm

It's crunch time again for the big names in football, entertainment, news and politics as Scotland's premier satire team get stuck in. The OAE? squad led by Jonathan Watson have been sizing up the headline-grabbing stories over the past year to deliver another hoot for Hogmanay. On the football front, there is plenty for Jonathan and his supporting cast to tackle-from a heart stopping but ultimately unsuccessful Euro qualifying campaign by the national team to the trials and tribulations of some of our best known clubs, on and off the park. News and politics also provide fertile territory for the writers and performers of a comedy favourite that tickles the nation's funny bone in the build up to the bells. Only An Excuse? is a Comedy Unit production for BBC Scotland.

JG

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Hogmanay Live 2015  NEW Thursday 31 December – Hogmanay BBC One Scotland, 11.30pm – 12.30am

Join Jackie Bird live at the Old Fruitmarket in Glasgow for the party of the year as Scotland waves goodbye to 2015 and welcomes in the New Year. Hogmanay Live 2015 features fantastic entertainment, all the atmosphere from Edinburgh’s legendary street party and the spectacle of the fabulous fireworks that light up the on the stroke of midnight. There’s a great mix of new acts as well as traditional favourites lined up to get the party started wherever you are. In Edinburgh, rockers Biffy Clyro will be giving the year a big send-off with an exclusive performance – their first and only gig of 2015 – as headliners of the sold-out concert in Princes Street Gardens. In Glasgow the inimitable Phil Cunningham and Aly Bain will oversee the countdown to a year that will mark some important milestones for the musical pair. In 2016, Aly turns 70 and the duo mark 30 years since their first musical collaboration. Turbo-charged 13-piece supergroup Treacherous Orchestra will throw their unique energy into the mix from the Fruitmarket stage to keep the celebrations going and Choral Stimulation, the Scottish- based acapella group that wowed audiences on BBC Two’s Naked Choir, will be adding their voices to a rousing . Over at the Ross Bandstand in Edinburgh, meanwhile, the skirl of the pipes from Boghall and Bathgate Caledonia Pipe Band can’t fail to get your feet tapping. With music, of course, comes dancing, and in Edinburgh thousands of revellers are expected on the streets to enjoy the capital’s Hogmanay celebrations. This year those revellers will be joined by BBC Breakfast's Carol Kirkwood, fresh from her glittering appearance on , she'll be presenting from the Royal Mile where party-goers will be encouraged to join in the Old Town Ceilidh in an attempt to break the world record for the biggest Strip The Willow, last set in Edinburgh in 2000. Carol will be bringing news of the record breaking attempt and all the atmosphere of one of the biggest Hogmanay Street parties in the world. And no Hogmanay celebration would be complete without some traditional Scottish music. Ring out the old and see in the new at the ultimate New Year shindig – Hogmanay Live 2015. The show will be streamed live for a worldwide audience online at bbc.co.uk/hogmanay and will also be available via the red button for viewers across the UK. Keep in touch during the show by using #bbchogmanay.

LD

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Cèilidh Na Bliadhn' Ùire 2015/Live Hogmanay Ceilidh  NEW Thursday 31 December BBC ALBA, 11.30pm – 1.15am

Bring in the bells with Hogmanay Ceilidh 2015, hosted by Cathy MacDonald and Kirsteen MacDonald. This year Cèilidh Na Bliadhn' Ùire 2015/Live Hogmanay Ceilidh is live from The Byre at Inchyra in Perthshire and joining in the celebrations will be; Skipinnish, Mairi MacInnes, Glenfinnan Ceilidh Band, Iain 'Costello' MacIver, Vale of Atholl Pipe Band and Aberfeldy and District Gaelic Choir and we expect a mystery First Foot at the door to toast 2016. A warm welcome awaits one and all.

GMCQ/LG

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The Hogmanay Show  NEW Thursday 31 December - Hogmanay BBC Radio Scotland, 11.00pm – 12.30am bbc.co.uk/radioscotland

The New Year celebrations start on BBC Radio Scotland with The Hogmanay Show live from BBC Scotland headquarters at Pacific Quay in Glasgow. Bryan Burnett will be hosting the rooftop party with ceilidh dancing from Ceilidh Minogue and much more as people around Scotland bring in the bells.

KH

FRIDAY 1 JANUARY – NEWS YEARS DAY TV & RADIO HIGHLIGHTS / BBC WEEK 52 ______

Resolutions  NEW Friday 1 January 2016 – New Year’s Day BBC Two Scotland, 5.50-6.00pm

How can we live together in 2016 with strongly held but conflicting views? Isaac Poobalan and Emad Jodeh, from an Aberdeen Church and Mosque respectively, tell the story of how they have overcome differences.

DR

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Pìobairean Beaga Bhaile Ghobhainn/The Wee Govan Pipers  NEW Friday 1 January 2016 – New Year’s Day BBC ALBA, 8.00 – 9.00pm

They're 10 years old. They're Scottish, Chinese and Nigerian. They can reduce a grown policeman to tears. They could be the new face of piping in Govan. With a sense of humour and buckets of charm, the film traces the first 18 months of the Govan Schools Pipe Band. The band is the brainchild of local charities, on a mission to give pupils at State schools the same opportunity as those in private schools to learn Scotland's national instrument. Ex-coppers from the multi-award-winning Police Pipe Band come in as tutors to give Govan's new multi-cultural generation a chance at the musical big time. This new generation of pipers in Govan are following the footsteps of the Gaels who first brought piping to Glasgow. On their journey from picking up the pipes for the first time to playing at a national Pipe Band Competition, the children meet legendary piper Rona Lightfoot and bag-rockers the Red Hot Chili Pipers. Narrated by Ewen Henderson of Mànran.

GMCQ/LG

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Cluinneam!/The Switch on  NEW Friday 1 January 2016 – New Year’s Day BBC ALBA, 9.00 – 9.55pm

Half a million profoundly deaf people across the world have had their hearing restored thanks to cochlear implantation. And the extraordinary clips of their cochlear implant being 'switched on' have become a staple 'fix' on youtube - shared and watched by millions. Over the past 25 years the Scottish Cochlear Implant Unit at Crosshouse Hospital, Kilmarnock have implanted 1400 people. But the staff here believe that represents only a fraction of the people who need it. This film follows five patients on an extraordinary emotional journey: From the sign maker whose job depends on the implant working, to the teenage girl who went from competitive singer to profoundly deaf over the summer holidays, to the grandfather who desperately wants to be able to hear his grandkids. The stakes are high: the implant may give them their hearing back, but it could equally take what's left of it away.

GMCQ/LG

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Personal Best  NEW Friday 1 January 2016 – New Year’s Day BBC Radio Scotland, 12.00 – 12.30pm bbc.co.uk/radioscotland

This New Year’s Day, as millions of people vow to get into shape in 2016, Personal Best on BBC Radio Scotland aims to inspire you to try something new. Presenter Gillian Russell invites some well- known BBC Radio Scotland voices to get in on the act too. John Beattie tries out yoga and meditation, Barbara Wallace from Get It On is attempting the climbing wall and The Kitchen Café’s Phil Sime tries yet again to get fit as he takes the plunge at the swimming pool.

KH

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Johnny Beattie: The Variety of Life  NEW Friday 1 January 2016 – New Year’s Day BBC Radio Scotland 1.00 – 2.00pm bbc.co.uk/radioscotland

In the year that Malcolm Hamilton retired from our screens on River City, Billy Differ celebrates the great Scottish comedian and actor Johnny Beattie in Johnny Beattie: The Variety of Life. With over 60 years in show business working alongside the likes of and , Johnny is one of the last living legends of Scottish comedy. Johnny reflects on the strange and wonderful highlights of a career that took him from Govan to New York’s Waldorf Astoria, including an appearance in the Scottish charts and writing a speech for former US president Ronald Reagan. The programme includes contributions from Una McLean, Alan Cumming, Susan Calman and Johnny’s daughter, actress Maureen Beattie.

KH

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