About this season
Comedian Susan Calman uncovers the untold tales behind some of Scotland's iconic locations.
Episodes (6)
1. Cairngorms
Aired 3 January 2020
The comedian returns to discover the big stories and untold tales behind Scotland's beloved spots, with privileged access to some of the country's most famous locations. In a warm, light-hearted but always informative journey, she looks in-depth at the history, characters and treasures hidden in these stunning spots. In the first episode, Susan explores the wilds of the Cairngorms. Covering an area twice the size of the Lake District, the Cairngorms is Britain's largest National Park, bursting with scenery, history and heritage.
2. North Coast 500
Aired 10 January 2020
The comedian traverses the North Coast 500, a 500-mile trip around the northernmost parts of mainland Britain. Beginning in the village of Golspie, Susan travels round the coast to Dunrobin Castle. There, she sees the 189-room property's clock tower inspired by Big Ben, as well as its very own private train station. Further up the coast, Susan visits the Whaligoe steps, stunningly carved into the dramatic landscape, before getting a taste of the work of a real-life `herring girl". After stopping off at John O' Groats, the presenter heads to Dunnet Head for a spot of puffin-watching.
3. Glasgow
Aired 17 January 2020
Susan explores the city of Glasgow, and in its oldest building, Glasgow Cathedral, she discovers a seat fit for only a Queen. The comedian learns how centuries of craftsmen left their mark on the building. Donning her hard hat and climbing to the top, she is also given the opportunity to leave her own. Then it's onto the home of Scottish football to meet the only Scot ever to have won a football world cup, before taking on the pros to score a goal herself at Hampden Park.
4. Skye
Aired 24 January 2020
As her journey around her homeland continues, Susan visits the Isle of Skye, where she embarks on an exclusive tour of Dunvegan Castle, which has been home to the McLeods for over 800 years. There, she learns all about clan warfare and discovers a ceremonial horn that has been passed down through generations of clan chiefs since the 14th century. Next, the comedian takes to the seas to operate the world's only turntable ferry, before trying her hand at the accordion. Finally, Susan gains an insight into the workings of a modern-day croft and finds out how to shear a sheep.
5. Perthshire
Aired 31 January 2020
Perthshire is known as Scotland's 'big tree country' and with its lush forest it's easy to see why. Susan goes behind the scenes with Lady Mansfield at the magnificent Scone Palace, the historical crowning site of Scotland's kings. She also explores the secrets of the Hermitage in Dunkeld, a purpose-built forest playground for the aristocracy. Then it's on to the Birnam Oak, said to have inspired the writing of Macbeth. There's a chance to learn the art of glassmaking as well as meet a colony of bees who create special honey from Scotland's heather. Susan ends her journey in the city of Dundee.
6. Ayrshire and Arran
Aired 7 February 2020
The comedian continues her journey in Ayrshire, where she visits the birthplace of Robert Burns and gets to see a precious artefact normally kept in a fireproof safe. Moving on to the Isle of Arran, she learns the tricks of foraging and puts her sense of smell to the test, before heading to Culzean Castle and learning the story behind Peter Pan in Dumfries. The tour concludes by travelling in a kayak to Pladda Lighthouse.