BBC WEEK 51 & 52 17 - 23 December 2016 24 - 30 December 2016 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 / Carol Knight Hilda McLean Jim Gough Julie Whiteside BBC Alba

THIS WEEK’S HIGHLIGHTS TELEVISION & RADIO / BBC WEEKS 51 & 52

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SATURDAY 17 DECEMBER Stevie Wonder  NEW BBC ALBA

MONDAY 19 DECEMBER Two Doors Down  LAST IN THE SERIES BBC Two Trusadh - An Aghaidh Mhor (Aviemore)  NEW BBC ALBA

TUESDAY 20 DECEMBER River City  TV HIGHLIGHT BBC One Scotland

WEDNESDAY 21 DECEMBER Scot Squad – Festive Special  NEW BBC One Scotland Am I Included?  NEW BBC One Scotland

SATURDAY 24 DECEMBER Christmas Celebration  NEW BBC One Scotland Taigh Thorcuill – Nollaig  NEW BBC ALBA Ciuin an Oidhche/Christmas Eve Service  NEW BBC ALBA

SUNDAY 25 DECEMBER Lulu’s Back in Town  NEW BBC Radio Scotland Up the Dancing  NEW BBC Radio Scotland Opening Nights  NEW BBC Radio Scotland Na Saboteurs  NEW BBC ALBA Balach nam Bagh  NEW BBC ALBA

MONDAY 26 DECEMBER A Funny Kind of World  NEW BBC Radio Scotland Personal Best’s Healthy Top Tips  NEW BBC Radio Scotland

TUESDAY 27 DECEMBER River City  TV HIGHLIGHT BBC One Scotland Spors na Bliadhna/Sports Review 2016  NEW BBC ALBA Anna Latharna: Aitealan  NEW BBC ALBA Adventure Show: Roads Less Travelled NEW BBC Two Scotland

WEDNESDAY 28 DECEMBER Burnistoun Goes To Work  NEW BBC One Scotland Alba Rioghail/The Royal Family in Scotland  NEW BBC ALBA

THURSDAY 29 DECEMBER The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo  HIGHLIGHT BBC Two 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 2016 / BBC WEEKS 51 & 52 ______

BBC SCOTLAND CELEBRATES THE FESTIVE SEASON WITH BUMPER PACKAGE OF COMEDY, DRAMA, DOCUMENTARIES & MUSIC

A selection box of programming with something for everyone during this festive season has been unwrapped by BBC Scotland.

There’ll be plenty of yuletide laughs with the likes of Scot Squad, Burnistoun and Only An Excuse? making merry during the festivities.

And a tasty cocktail of contemporary and traditional music and comedy plus a dash of entertaining nostalgia from the movies will bring in the New Year.

Meanwhile in River City, this Christmas will be one to remember – when the sound of gunfire shatters Shieldinch’s festive cheer.

Merriment quickly vanishes after the Murdochs pretend to be full of the festive spirit at Christmas dinner. As the day sours, Lenny (Frank Gallagher) finds himself the focus of hatred in Shieldinch – and becomes the target of a bloody revenge. When the sound of gunfire subsides and with Lenny lying bleeding on Montego Street, the finger of suspicion points to six suspects. River City is on BBC One Scotland on Tuesday, 20 December, and Tuesday, 27 December.

Sitcom Two Doors Down finishes its run with a double bill on Monday, 19 December, on BBC Two. It’s celebration time in the finale as Beth (Arabella Weir) is organising the perfect baby shower for mum-to-be Sophie (Sharon Rooney). But all the hilarity could have a cost - as it looks as though it may have brought on Sophie’s labour.

In Aly Bain’s America on BBC Two Scotland on Tuesday, 20 December, the Shetland fiddling maestro, celebrating his 70th year, talks to Alex Norton about his love for American folk and roots music.

Scot Squad has a cracker of an episode on Wednesday 21 December, on BBC One Scotland. Police chief Cameron Miekelson (Jack Docherty) opens his ‘Radgevent’ Calendar, PCs Singh (Manjot Sumal) and McKirdy (Grado) share a seasonal sing-song in the cop car while rural duo McIntosh (Chris Forbes) and Mackay (Ashley Smith) investigate the world’s worst winter wonderland.

On Christmas Eve on BBC One Scotland, Sally Magnusson presents a selection of songs and readings from St. Mary’s in Haddington. With its origins going back more than 700 years, St Mary’s is a fitting setting for Christmas Celebration which features carols sung by former BBC Songs of Praise Choir of the Year winners Edinburgh Academy Chamber Choir and also members of St Mary’s Choristers.

On Christmas Day, on BBC One, there’s a Mrs. Brown’s Boys special, Mammy’s Forest, which was filmed before a live audience at BBC Scotland. Something isn’t quite right in the Brown household this Christmas with Agnes (Brendan O’ Carroll) declaring she has had enough hassle with Christmas trees so she is refusing to have one.

For rugby fans, there’s a Boxing Day treat when BBC Two Scotland has Live Rugby – featuring the festive derby clash as Glasgow Warriors take on PRO 12 rivals, Edinburgh Rugby, in the capital’s Murrayfield Stadium.

Another festive tradition is the two part Adventure Show special - Roads Less Travelled on BBC Two Scotland. In this year’s journey, travelling on foot, by bike and with his beloved campervan, Cameron McNeish sets off in Dornoch at the southern tip of Sutherland and finishes in the shadow of Britain’s highest land-based lighthouse at the furthest point of North Ronaldsay in the Orkney Islands. The programmes air on Tuesday 27 and Wednesday 28 December.

For viewers who may not be relishing the thought of returning to work after the festive break, a one-off Burnistoun special on Wednesday 28 December on BBC One Scotland, will be an entertaining diversion. Written by and starring Robert Florence and Iain Connell, Burnistoun Goes to Work features Jolly Boy John, the Quality Polis and other characters old and new as they deal with the idea of employment, gainful or otherwise.

BBC One Scotland’s Hogmanay line-up features documentary Wha’s Like Us? in which Sanjeev Kohli take a wry look at how Scots are portrayed on screen. An impressive supporting cast including Kate Dickie, Clare Grogan, Gary Lewis and Denis Lawson, give their verdict on silver screen triumphs and the most toe-curling stereotypes.

Later on Hogmanay Jonathan Watson returns with the Only An Excuse? team for another look back at what the past twelve months have served up both on and off the pitch. As well as highlighting the woes of Gordon Strachan's Scotland team, Sir Alex Ferguson, Mark Warburton and new bhoy Brendan Rodgers chip in with their contributions while non-footballing headline makers like Donald Trump, Sir Rod Stewart and Nicola Sturgeon also have something to say.

Also on BBC One Scotland, Jackie Bird and special guests will be bringing in the new year from BBC Scotland's party of the year. Hogmanay Live 2016 will get the celebrations started with singer- songwriter Amy MacDonald and Hue And Cry performing at the Old Fruitmarket in Glasgow. There’ll also be rousing tunes from Rura, former live act of the year at the Scottish Traditional Music Awards and entertainment from the inimitable Phil Cunningham and Aly Bain. In Edinburgh, Carol Kirkwood gets in among the action for the capital's legendary street party and the spectacle of the fabulous fireworks that light up the city on the stroke of midnight.

On Christmas Day on BBC Radio Scotland, a new drama continues the tale of one of Glasgow’s best- loved singers. Lulu’s Back in Town, picks up the story of the early years of the pop star which was aired in a drama last year, and begins with her making her mark with her own series. Lulu (Kirsty MacLaren) faces a recording dilemma and also begins a relationship with Maurice Gibb (Alasdair Hankinson).

Also on Christmas Day, Jackie Bird takes a nostalgic look back at Scotland's vibrant disco scene of the 70s and 80s in Up the Dancing with memories from club owners, DJ's, dancers, punters, bouncers and Scotland's very own disco diva, Kelly Marie.

And later in Opening Nights, Billy Differ explores the world of First Nights at the theatre, with contributions from Mel Brooks and Angela Lansbury.

On Boxing Day, BBC Radio Scotland’s programming has an international flavour. In The Scots in Hawaii Billy Kay follows in the footsteps of Robert Louis Stevenson and tells the story of the beautiful Scottish Hawaiian Princess, Ka’iulani and in Funny Kind of World, Julia Sutherland introduces an international range of comedians, each with their own perspective on race, religion and culture.

Also, in the trip of a lifetime, Edi Stark joins Glaswegian entrepreneur Amar Latif, ‘the blind man who wants to show you the world’ on a journey to Myanmar. Sightseeing in Myanmar describes how he founded Travel Eyes in 2004, giving visually impaired people like himself the opportunity to travel independently. In Flitting to France Edi goes to two different parts of France to meet a mix of ex pat Scots, young and old, working and retired, to see if they have turned their dreams into reality.

Listeners will be invited to dance their way out of 2016 and welcome 2017 in The Hogmanay Show with Bryan Burnett who will be joined by The Cask Strength Ceilidh Band and Fiona Hunter.

BBC ALBA’s Hogmanay Show, Ceilidh na Bliadhn' Uire 2016, welcomes in the New Year at iconic Stirling Castle. Revellers can join hosts Cathy MacDonald and Tony Kearney to celebrate with the very best in traditional music in the magnificent setting of the Great Hall at the castle.

Donalda MacKinnon, Head of Programmes at BBC Scotland, said: “This is a terrific line-up of programming for our audiences to enjoy over Christmas and New Year. The range of content - from comedy to music, drama and documentaries - ensures there’ll be a great choice for viewers and listeners throughout the festivities. We know audiences come to us in big numbers for Hogmanay and we hope they’ll join us again as we say goodbye to 2016 and welcome the new year in great style.”

ENDS

Pictures for SCOT SQUAD Festive Special, RIVER CITY, CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION, BURNISTOUN GOES TO WORK, WHA’S LIKE US & HOGMANAY are available on the BBC Pictures site at www.bbcpictures.co.uk

SATURDAY 17 DECEMBER TELEVISION & RADIO HIGHLIGHTS /BBC WEEK 51 ______

Stevie Wonder  NEW Saturday 17 December BBC ALBA, 11.00 – 11.50pm

In his own lifetime, Stevie Wonder is already recognised as one of the greatest and most thrilling live artists of all time. The success of such pop classics as "Isn't She Lovely", "You Are the Sunshine of My Life" and "Superstition" has made him immortal, for fans and critics alike. Born in Michigan in 1950, he emerged early as one of the greatest soul talents in America. The "blind prodigy" already had his first contract with Motown in his back pocket by the age of 11 and would later be celebrated as one of that record label's most important artists and songwriters. This documentary looks not only at Stevie Wonder's importance in pop history but also at his political activism, from his honouring of Martin Luther King to his support of President Obama.

GM/LG

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

Two Doors Down, Ep5/6 Monday 19 December BBC Two, 10.00-10.30pm

Technophobe Christine faces a computer crisis in this latest episode of comedy series Two Doors Down. She goes online to buy a Barneyboo Buggy for Sophie’s baby but has to seek help from Eric and Beth after her screen freezes mid-purchase. With an unintentional order for multiple prams, she soon discovers just how quickly internet shopping can go wrong. Beth’s got company at home in the shape of Ian and Jaz who are staying while they wait to pick up keys for their new flat and footie fans Colin and Eric are getting excited about their trip to watch Scotland play in Latvia. Eric is persuaded to wear one of Colin’s old kilts for the trip but ends up red-faced when he reveals more to the Tartan Army than he’d ever intended.

Eric is played by Alex Norton, Beth by Arabella Weir, Cathy by Doon Mackichan, Colin by Jonathan Watson, Christine by Elaine C Smith, Sophie by Sharon Rooney, Ian by Jamie Quinn, Jaz by Harki Bhambra and guest star Sally Reid as the airport check-in assistant.

JW/LD

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Two Doors Down, Ep6/6  LAST IN THE SERIES Monday 19 December BBC Two, 10.30-11.00pm

Beth is organising the perfect baby shower for mum-to-be Sophie in this final episode of comedy series Two Doors Down. Everyone is invited and Christine has even asked Pat over the back, who she’s assuming is going to be the baby’s godmother. Sophie has other ideas. Jaz is sporting a corker of a black eye after a run-in with a packing box, much to the amusement of the neighbours. His day doesn’t improve any when he’s on the receiving end of a wind-up from Colin who’s teasing the boys about them moving in to a less than salubrious area. Cathy, meanwhile, is worried about being too close to the action if Sophie goes into labour. But even she’s moved by the emotional speeches made at the baby shower – including Sophie’s when she finally tells her mum about Beth and Eric being godparents. Christine is not amused but cheers up once she's persuaded to take part in an unconventional party game. All the hilarity could have a cost - it looks as though it may have brought on Sophie’s labour just as Cathy had feared…

Eric is played by Alex Norton, Beth by Arabella Weir, Cathy by Doon Mackichan, Colin by Jonathan Watson, Christine by Elaine C Smith, Sophie by Sharon Rooney, Ian by Jamie Quinn and Jaz by Harki Bhambra.

JW/LD ______

An Lot, Ep 2/6 Monday 19 December BBC ALBA, 8.30 – 9.00pm

It is late spring with summer on the horizon as An Lot follows Lewis man Donald (Sweeny) MacSween fulfilling his dream of giving up his day job and becoming a full-time crofter. Lambing is fully underway as he plays host to a group of teenagers who provide a willing helping hand. His winter fuel is taken care of with the help of a mechanical peat cutter and one of his sows produces her first litter of piglets on the lot.

GM/LG ______

Trusadh - An Aghaidh Mhor (Aviemore)  NEW Monday 19 December BBC ALBA, 9.00 – 10.00pm

Aviemore has had its share of ups and downs over the years, but still has a special place for many in 2016. Through anecdotes, and the tales of those who live and work there, as well as nostalgia tinged archive, this is the story of this unique mountain town. Aviemore's history though started well before the 60s though, and in fact Gaelic was commonly spoken in the Badenoch and Strathspey area. The programme also looks at how skiing took off in the 60s, and how the opening of the Aviemore Leisure Centre in 1966 was a massive boost for the area - the only one of its kind in Europe, complete with ice-rink, swimming pools, cinema and dance hall. Aviemore's boom years then followed, with celebrities like Shirley Bassey, The Hollies, Omar Shariff, The Hollies and Norman Maclean, Calum Kennedy and Alasdair Gillies visiting, and the establishment of attractions like Santa Claus Land in the 70s. While the 80s saw it struggle, the establishment of the MacDonald resort in the 90s and the Cairngorms National Park - the largest in the UK - in 2003, gave much hope for the future. From Santa Claus Land and celebrities, to slush and Shabbymore this is the story of Aviemore.

GM/LG

TUESDAY 20 DECEMBER TELEVISION & RADIO HIGHLIGHTS / BBC WEEK 51 ______

River City Tuesday 20 December BBC One Scotland HD, 8.00 – 9.00pm facebook.com/bbcrivercity twitter.com/bbcrivercity instagram.com/bbcrivercity

This week in Shieldinch…Christmas falls short of festive cheer for the Murdochs as Lenny drops a bombshell leading to shocking ramifications; Pete sets his sights on saving Caitlin and Scarlett’s Christmas; and Lorna is shocked when Andy arrives unannounced but there’s a bigger surprise to come. Lenny manipulates Amber into coming for Christmas dinner. As the Murdochs, and Belinda, settle down to eat, drink and pretend to be merry, an irate Annie bursts in, furious at Lenny’s deal to cut her and Alex out of the business. She has had enough of his threats and bullying and demands that Alex sort his father out. Unfazed by Annie’s accusations, Lenny delights in dropping a bigger bombshell – he’s tracked down his lost granddaughter. Amber’s heartbroken, she doesn’t want the daughter she gave up being brought into the Murdoch’s fold. It’s not just the Murdochs who fall foul of Lenny – DI Donald’s determined to protect Amber from her increasingly malevolent father. Later, Scarlett’s rage at Lenny’s poisonous influence on her family comes pouring out. As the day sours, Lenny finds himself the focus of everyone’s hatred as he becomes a target for a bloody revenge. Elsewhere, Pete attempts to bring some goodwill to Caitlin and Scarlett when he realises their family Christmases will be far-from-perfect. With a little help from AJ, he dishes up a day to remember. Lorna’s shocked to see Andy on her doorstep brandishing gifts for all the family, little realising Frankie’s played matchmaker. There are more surprises in store when Lorna’s husband Greig turns up as a surprise Christmas visitor.

Lenny is played by Frank Gallagher, Pete by Andy Gray, Caitlin by Gayle Telfer Stevens, Scarlett by Sally Howitt, Lorna by Alana Hood, Andy by Simon Webbe, Amber by Jenny Hulse, Belinda by Rebecca Atkinson, Annie by Dawn Steele, Alex by Jordan Young, DI Donald by Robin Laing, AJ by Sanjeev Kohli, Frankie by Louise McMenemy and Greig by Glenn Wallace.

JW ______

Leugh Mi / Book Show, Ep 2/8 Tuesday 20 December BBC ALBA, 8.30 – 9.00pm

In the third series of Leugh Mi, Anna Macleod is in conversation with two guests each week about their favourite books. Dolina MacLennan's choices reflect Scottish heritage; with a novel based on the life of Sutherland born poet Marion Angus and a collection of Gaelic Proverbs which Anna describes as a 'dangerous' book, as it proves difficult to put down once you pick it up. Helen MacInnes speaks about her love of travel and how this influences her reading choice. As well as discussing their favourite books each guest will have chosen a book for the other to read and we'll find out in the programme whether they enjoyed it - or not.

GM/LG

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

Am I Included?  NEW Wednesday 21 December BBC One Scotland, 7.30 – 8.00 pm

We have now had sixteen years of mainstream education for children with disabilities in Scotland. After decades of struggle for a more equal society, it is now presumed that a child with a disability will go to a mainstream school, where at all possible. This documentary asks whether their needs and the needs of the other children in the class are really being met. One in five children in Scotland are identified as having additional support needs. The programme examines whether mainstream means real inclusion or whether these children are being allowed to drift to the back of the class. Journalist Ian Hamilton sets off to find out by visiting The Royal National College for the Blind in Hereford where he was a student. The college's ethos is not just about academic goals but about acquiring the skills for independent living and working. He asks whether disabled children in Scottish schools are missing out on these skills and whether mainstreaming - which sounds like a great idea - could be nothing more than a social experiment if it's failing some children.

JG ______

Scot Squad  FESTIVE SPECIAL Wednesday 21 December BBC One Scotland, 10.40-11.10pm

Hilarious Christmas cop capers ensue as police blue lights flash in this Scot Squad festive special. It’s a crime-tinged Crimbo cracker shadowing the good guys banging-up the Bad Santas. Volunteer Officer Ken Beattie attends to an old acquaintance up an alley – Jamie Lee McGurk is back. And she’s got more good cheer than ever to share with her favourite hobby bobby. PCs Singh & McKirdy share a seasonal sing-song in the cop car and do their best to bag the first arrest of the new year. Police Chief Cameron Miekelson opens up his ‘Radgevent’ Calendar, shows the nation his personal season’s greetings card, attends to a Christmas crisis up North and makes it his mission to celebrate every festive celebration celebrated in Scotland. Meanwhile, Officer Karen keeps cool when Bobby gets burnt by dodgy aftershave. Rural duo McIntosh and Mackay encounter a kingdom of crud as they investigate the world’s worst winter wonderland; Queen of Communications Maggie Le Beau draws the short straw and ends up having to work Christmas Day; and city cops Fletcher and McLaren are on the case when the party animals are all over the place. Scot Squad is a Comedy Unit production for BBC One Scotland.

Starring Jack Docherty as Police Chief Cameron Miekelson, James Allenby-Kirk as Ken Beattie, Jordan Young as PC McLaren, Sally Reid as PC Fletcher, Manjot Sumal as PC Singh, Grado as PC McKirdy, M L Stone as Maggie Le Beau, Chris Forbes as PC McIntosh, Ashley Smith as PC Mackay, Karen Bartke as Officer Karen and Darren Connell as Bobby. Guest stars include Gayle Telfer Stevens and Mark Dallas.

JW

SATURDAY 24 DECEMBER TELEVISION & RADIO HIGHLIGHTS /BBC WEEK 52 ______

Christmas Celebration  NEW Saturday 24 December BBC One Scotland, 11.45pm-12.30am

Recorded at one of Scotland’s oldest and most beautiful churches, St Mary’s in Haddington, Sally Magnusson presents a selection of song and readings in this special Christmas Celebration. With its origins going back around 700 years, St Mary’s is a fitting setting for carols sung by former BBC Songs of Praise Choir of the Year winners Edinburgh Academy Chamber Choir and also members of St Mary’s Choristers. Also featuring in the programme, which has been produced by Tern TV, will be Edinburgh-born soprano Susan Hamilton. And local people will perform the readings, ranging from biblical to contemporary, in this Christmas Eve treat.

HM ______

Taigh Thorcuill – Nollaig  NEW Saturday 24 December BBC ALBA, 10.00 – 10.45pm

Torcuil MacLaomainn finally gets his very own chat show and in the first of two specials he's celebrating Christmas. His guests include Donnie 'Dotaman' MacLeod, stars of BBC ALBA's drama, Bannan, Debbie Mackay and Dòl Eoin Mackinnon and Mod Gold Medallist Joy Dunlop. There's great music from Atomic Piseag and Tidelines, party games, presents and lots of laughs as Torcuil goes in search of the perfect Gaelic Christmas. Its festive fun but in Torcuil's inimitable and unique style.

GM/LG ______

Ciuin an Oidhche/Christmas Eve Service  NEW Saturday 24 December BBC ALBA, 10.00 – 10.45pm

BBC ALBA's Christmas Eve service, Ciùin an Oidhche, comes from Invergordon Church of Scotland in Ross-shire. The seasonal celebration will feature Dingwall Gaelic choir, the Invergordon Singers, Ellen MacDonald and Ross-shire Junior Gaelic Choir. Young musicians and singers from the area will participate in the celebration and local High School pupils will tell the Christmas Story through readings from the Bible. Members of surrounding churches will join with the local church congregation in the singing of well-known Gaelic Carols. The ecumenical celebration will be led by Rev Kenneth MacLeod and Rev Duncan MacLeod. The programme will also focus on some of the different communities than enrich this area, with features on the Polish Community's annual Remembrance Service, the church's support of Invergordon's maritime community, the spirit of Christmas in the classroom, and the chaplain's role at Ross County Football Club.

GM/LG

SUNDAY 25 DECEMBER TELEVISION & RADIO HIGHLIGHTS /BBC WEEK 52 ______

Lulu’s Back in Town  NEW Sunday 25 December BBC Radio Scotland, 12noon – 1.00pm

Danny McCahon’s ongoing drama is set in 1969 with Lulu (Kirsty MacLaren) beginning to make her mark on TV with her own series. She’s also working hard in the recording studio but the hits are harder to come by. Lulu is torn between being expected to record lightweight pop songs and the more soulful music she would prefer. Her personal life is also changing as she starts a relationship with Maurice Gibb of the Bee Gees (Alasdair Hankinson). Lulu’s Back in Town is a BBC Scotland production, produced and directed by David Ian Neville.

JG ______

Up the Dancing  NEW Sunday 25 December BBC Radio Scotland,1.00-2.00pm

Jackie Bird takes a nostalgic look back at Scotland's vibrant disco scene of the 70s and 80s with memories from club owners, DJ's, dancers, punters, bouncers and Scotland's very own disco diva, Kelly Marie. From the big discos of Glasgow and Edinburgh like Ultra-Tech and Cinderella Rockerfella's to the unlikely disco hub of Flick's in Brechin, Jackie will discover what made these people dance themselves silly to the hot tunes from America and if they did indeed find love "Up The Dancing"!

JG ______

Opening Nights  NEW Sunday 25 December BBC Radio Scotland 2.00 - 2.30pm

With the pantomime season in full swing Billy Differ explores the world of First Nights at the theatre; the roaring successes, the flops, the rituals, and the glamorous after-show parties. With contributions from Oscar and Tony award-winning figures Mel Brooks and Angela Lansbury.

JG ______

Na Saboteurs  NEW Sunday 25 December BBC ALBA, 6.30 – 6.45pm

Ten year old Magaidh is unhappy that her father has invited the local teacher round for dinner. Her friend Dean meanwhile is trying to pluck up the courage to ask Magaidh to the local dance. When he eventually heads round to her house, Magaidh doesn't give him a chance to finish his question before they see the arrival of Ms Dunlop, coming round for the evening. Magaidh hatches a plot to sabotage the imminent date and enlists Dean's help. Will he get the chance to ask her before Pol, her father, catches them spoiling his evening and what does Ms Dunlop the local teacher think of it all. Burnt dinners, spoilt wine, soaking wet clothes and a very happy dog lead to an eventful evening for the two children.

GM/LG ______

Balach nam Bagh  NEW Sunday 25 December BBC ALBA, 9.00 – 10.00pm

In recent years John D Urquhart's Gaelic broadcasting profile has risen again, as presenter of BBC Radio nan Gàidheal's learners' series Beag air Bheag. He also works as a lecturer at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, Scotland's Gaelic college on the Isle of Skye, and is about to publish a collection of short stories. He continues to officiate as a minister of the Church of Scotland, having been ordained in the early 1990s. In past years, John was a popular Gaelic television and radio presenter, following his graduation from Glasgow School of Art where he excelled in woodwork and furniture making - passions he still retains. His natural intellect, charisma, and great love of the Gaelic language continue to endear John to many. But his has not been an easy journey, as this intimate documentary reveals. The programme sees John revisit some of the most significant places of his life, and reunites him with old friends and mentors. His remarkable story is told in his own words, and those of the people who know him best.

GM/LG

MONDAY 26 DECEMBER TELEVISION & RADIO HIGHLIGHTS /BBC WEEK 52 ______

Live Rugby  NEW Monday, 26 December 2016 BBC Two Scotland, 4.00 – 6.00 pm

Live PRO12 coverage from Murrayfield Stadium as Glasgow Warriors visit the capital to take on Edinburgh Rugby in a festive derby clash. The PRO12 campaign has reached its halfway point and the two Scottish clubs meet in a match that is vital both in terms of league points and for bragging rights in Scottish rugby circles. This fixture doubles as the first leg of the famous inter-city competition between the derby rivals: the 1872 Cup. Live coverage is presented by Dougie Vipond with expert analysis from Andy Nicol and commentary from Hugh Dan MacLennan. An mneTV production for BBC Scotland.

JG ______

Flitting to France: A New Alliance  NEW Monday, 26 December BBC Radio Scotland, 8.00 – 9.00 am

As far back as the Auld Alliance in the 13th century, Scots have had an affinity with France. Fast forward to the 21st century and there’s a new alliance. Edi Stark meets a captivating mix of ex pat Scots, young and old, working and retired who have moved from Scotland to live on the glitzy cote d’azur or La France profonde…the traditional rural heart of the country. In a programme brimming with humour and honesty, they describe their varying experiences.

JG ______

An Lot, Ep 3/6 Monday 26 December BBC ALBA, 8.30 – 9.00pm

It's mid summer and it is a busy time on the croft for Lewis man Donald (Sweeny) MacSween. This week there are more new arrivals as 300 chickens are delivered to replace his old stock, he takes a trip to the mainland in order to increase his sheep flock, two more of his sows are ready to give birth and he takes ownership of his first ever cattle on the lot.

GM/LG ______

A Funny Kind of World  NEW Monday 26 December BBC Radio Scotland 12.30-1.30pm

Does race ever make you feel awkward? Julia Sutherland introduces an international range of comedians, each with their own perspective on race, religion and culture in today’s society. Fresh from the stage, Julia goes globetrotting to talk to comedians across the globe as they discuss the reality behind their stories. Join Tommy Tiernan, Jamali Maddix, Ro Campbell, Sindu Vee, Brendon Burns, Tez Ilyas ,Masud Milas and Athena Kugblenu for some sharp talk and hot humour. A Dabster Production for BBC Radio Scotland.

JG ______

Personal Best’s Healthy Top Tips  NEW Monday 26 December BBC Radio Scotland 1.30-2.00pm

Forget diets and obsessive gym regimes, why not make it your New Year's resolution to follow just one of the brilliant nuggets of advice the Personal Best team have heard over the past year. We all want the year ahead to be happy and healthy and Personal Best considers what's the best place to begin. Packed with great advice and stories for how to make 2017 happier, healthier and more balanced in mind and body, in this special Personal Best Gillian Russell and the team distil a year's worth of health and fitness expertise into a handy collection of stories, thoughts and experiences for you to pick from. The perfect selection box for a healthier, happier you in the year ahead.

JG

TUESDAY 27 DECEMBER TELEVISION & RADIO HIGHLIGHTS / BBC WEEK 52 ______

River City Tuesday 27 December BBC One Scotland HD, 8.00 – 9.00pm facebook.com/bbcrivercity twitter.com/bbcrivercity instagram.com/bbcrivercity

This week in Shieldinch…the Murdochs keep vigil as Lenny battles for his life while DI Donald’s investigation leads to a shocking arrest; Pete obsesses about his Hogmanay performance, much to AJ’s concern: and Drew spots an opportunity to celebrate the New Year with girlfriend Jules. As Lenny lies bleeding on Montego Street, Annie and Scarlett rush to his side. A crowd quickly gathers and word soon spreads to Amber and Alex. DI Donald arrives on the scene and tells a shocked Scarlett she’ll need to accompany him to the station as she’s covered in Lenny’s blood. At the station, DNA swabs and fingerprints are taken with Scarlett’s clothes submitted into evidence. At the hospital, Annie updates Alex and Amber – their father is in surgery with a single gunshot wound to the back. As speculation who the shooter was grows, DI Donald begins his investigation starting with questioning a flustered Scarlett. With Lenny’s life hanging in the balance, a shadow is cast over the Murdochs’ new year as they face an uncertain future and DI Donald makes a shocking arrest. Elsewhere, Pete’s obsessed with his Pop-Up Hogmanay gig. AJ senses the pressure’s getting to Pete, he urges him to calm down but the cracks begin to surface. Desperate for some alone time with his girlfriend Jules, Drew jumps at an unexpected Hogmanay party invitation. With Caitlin going to the Pop-Up, Alasdair and Liz’s house party is the perfect alibi.

Lenny is played by Frank Gallagher, DI Donald by Robin Laing, Pete by Andy Gray, AJ by Sanjeev Kohli, Drew by Benjamin Nugent, Jules by Aishia Toussaint, Annie by Dawn Steele, Scarlett by Sally Howitt, Alex by Jordan Young, Amber by Jenny Hulse, Caitlin by Gayle Telfer Stevens, Alasdair by Michael Mackenzie and Liz by Eileen McCallum.

JW ______

Leugh Mi / Book Show, Ep 3/8 Tuesday 27 December BBC ALBA, 7.30 - 8.00pm

In the third series of Leugh Mi, Anna Macleod is in conversation with two guests each week about their favourite books. Irish writer and poet Rody Gorman shares his passion for Ulysses by James Joyce, a book he started reading at 17 years of age and completed only two years ago. Ramsay MacMahon himself discusses the works of other classic writers, such as; Bram Stoker and Oscar Wilde and their treatment of the human condition, including evil, transgression and judgement. As well as discussing their favourite books each guest will have chosen a book for the other to read and viewers will find out in the programme whether they enjoyed it - or not.

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Spors na Bliadhna/Sports Review 2016  NEW Tuesday 27 December BBC ALBA, 8.00 – 9.00pm

Calum MacDonald presents this year's Sporting highlights. A look back at the Olympic Games held in Rio, amongst the football action; Scotland's women qualify for the European Championships in 2017 and Euro 2016 held in France, shinty, rugby, tennis, and many other sporting delights from this year.

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Anna Latharna: Aitealan  NEW Tuesday 27 December BBC ALBA, 9.00 – 10.00pm

Anne Lorne Gillies is an award winning entertainer and singer but she has passions and interests that few know about. The classically trained singer is also a television presenter, an illustrator, an academic, an activist and has stood for parliament. She has produced television programmes, written stage plays, dramas and books. In 2005, she wrote the definitive volume on Gaelic music, ‘Songs of Gaelic Scotland’ and remains in constant demand as a singer and writer. In this special programme, the broadcaster John Carmichael takes Anne Lorne Gillies on a musical journey to her past and together they tell a remarkable story, interspersed with music recorded at Celtic Connections.

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Adventure Show: Roads Less Travelled, Ep 1/2  NEW Tuesday 27 December BBC Two Scotland, 6.00-7.00 pm

For this year’s Roads Less Travelled, Cameron McNeish undertakes a journey through some of the least visited parts of the country. Travelling on foot, by bike and with his beloved campervan, Cameron begins his journey in the cathedral town of Dornoch at the southern tip of Sutherland and finishes in the shadow of Britain’s highest land-based lighthouse at the furthest tip of North Ronaldsay. It’s a journey that resonates with culture and history and unearths the forces that shaped the people we are today. During the course of his 150 mile trip, Cameron discovers that while some people were forcibly evicted from their land, others voluntarily chose to seek a new life half a world away in South America. In Dornoch he gets a fascinating insight into medieval life, whilst on the Orkney islands, he imagines how these lands were peopled 4000 years ago. Cameron also celebrates what he calls our ‘world class landscape’ from the wide open spaces of the Caithness Flow Country to the dramatic seascapes of Sanday. Among the people he catches up with in episode one which covers Sutherland and Caithness are Anne Coombs, local historian in Dornoch, and Rob Gibson, who has lived in this area for most of his adult life – first as a geography teacher at Alness, then as an MSP. Cameron also meets Lord Thurso in Caithness and Paul Turner from the RSPB who talks about the ecological importance of the Flow Country.

JG

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

Burnistoun Goes To Work  NEW Wednesday 28 December BBC One Scotland, 10.50-11.20pm

Burnistoun is back and ready to graft! A brand new special episode of the hit sketch show, featuring Jolly Boy John, The Quality Polis and characters old and new as they deal with the idea of gainful, and not so gainful, employment. Burnistoun Goes To Work is for real. Jolly Boy John prepares for a job interview with the Wee Chocolate Banana Corporation and he reckons he’s got a real chance of getting hired. In the best wee city on God’s green Earth a minister gets more audience participation than he bargained for during a wedding ceremony; meanwhile, at Burnistoun’s poshest eaterie, a pair of ultra- supercilious waiters instantly know precisely what’s best for their diners. In the offices of downtown Burnistoun, it really is quite jaw-dropping what you can get away with when you’re the boss’s son and on the dancefloor a couple of old pals share a boogie and a catch-up at a the silent disco. Burnistoun fans find out exactly what kind of dedicated professional answers the phone when you call the “wasps killed” hotline; and there's a knack to working the scary bit on the Burnistoun ghost train and it’s not as easy as it sounds. 'Quality Polis' McGregor and Toshan clock on to go back to school and get their quality message out to the kids; office staff discourse the downfalls to spouting off about your boss on social media; and tips are offered on the best way to pass the Burnistoun taxi driver test. Meanwhile, the ‘up the road’ guys pass their very loud judgement on workers who choose to do their business in a coffee shop.

The 2016 RTS Scotland Award winning comedy returns, written by and starring Robert Florence and Iain Connell, Burnistoun Goes To Work is a Comedy Unit production for BBC Scotland. Also starring Louise Stewart, Gerry McLaughlin, Kirsty Strain and Paul Morris.

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Alba Rioghail/The Royal Family in Scotland  NEW Wednesday 28 December BBC ALBA, 7.55 – 9.00pm

To commemorate the Queen's 90th birthday celebrations, Catriona Murray looks back at the Royal Family's many visits to Scotland.

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Adventure Show: Roads Less Travelled, Ep 2/2 Wednesday, 28 December BBC Two Scotland, 6.00 – 7.00 pm

For this year’s Roads Less Travelled, Cameron McNeish, undertakes a journey through some of the least visited parts of the country. Travelling on foot, by bike and with his beloved campervan, Cameron begins his journey in the cathedral town of Dornoch at the southern tip of Sutherland and finishes in the shadow of Britain’s highest land-based lighthouse at the furthest tip of North Ronaldsay. In this second and concluding episode, Cameron meets two of the country’s finest traditional musicians Jennifer and Hazel Wrigley from Kirkwall and Bruce Mainland whose family has lived on Rousay for generations. Bruce shares his passion and his concerns about this island with Cameron. On North Ronaldsay, Cameron meets Gary Prescott, who is spending a whole year travelling round Britain spotting rare birds. He’s a ‘green birder’ and is on a mission to become the European and then the world record holder.

JG

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

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo  TV HIGHLIGHT Thursday 29 December BBC Two Scotland, 6.00-7.00pm

The 2016 Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is a truly international event featuring acts and performers from around the world, marking Her Majesty the Queen’s 90th Birthday with a selection of Tunes of Glory, performed in front of the majestic Edinburgh Castle. In this programme of highlights from the event, shown earlier in the year and narrated by Bill Paterson, anniversaries are to the fore. The Nepal Army Band commemorates the conquest of Everest in the coronation year, The Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines marks the centenary of the Battle of Jutland whilst The Jordanian Royal Guard, Band and Drill Team mark 100 years since the Great Arab Revolt. New Zealand also has a significant presence with The Locheil Marching Drill Team and The New Zealand Army Band. The Band and Drill Team of the King of Norway’s Guard deliver an immaculate display of music and drill maintaining their place as tattoo favourites. The home team are as strong as always with the Massed Pipes and Drums, The Tattoo Highland Dancers, The Imps Motorcycle Display Team and the Massed British Military Bands joined by The Scottish State Coach in a majestic display.

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