BBC ALBA HITS THE ROAD TO EXPLORE SCOTLAND
THIS WEEK’S DESTINATION – INVERNESS & THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS
Siuthad! Siubhail! : Go! Explore!
Thursday 6 October, 10pm on BBC ALBA
Popular BBC ALBA presenters Derek ‘Pluto’ Murray and Emma MacInnes hit the road to explore six of Scotland’s regions to see what they have to offer the more ‘alternative’ tourist.
Not only will Derek and Emma enjoy what each area has to offer in terms of beautiful scenery, they will engage with the community through a variety of activities, some more challenging than others.
They are also set the task of staying in the most unusual form of accommodation available including a night under the stars in a ‘glamping’ style tent to the heady heights of a tree house, the quirkier the better.
Snippets of historical facts about each area are delivered in a light-hearted manner and music plays an important role in the series, with each programme featuring a performance from a local up and coming band.
In the third programme of the series being broadcast on Thursday 6 October, Derek and Emma travel north to Inverness and the Scottish Highlands where Derek enjoys a high-speed RiB ride along Loch Ness, before he ventures to the village of Foyers to recoil the terrifying story of one Aleister Crowley, who was perhaps the most controversial and misunderstood personality to figure in the new era of modern day witchcraft.
Emma had a sweeter experience when she popped in to Story's chocolate shop in Victoria Market, Inverness, to sample some of their Belgian-Caledonian line of chocolates. Then it was off to try and spot some of the Moray Firth's most playful residents, the bottlenose dolphins, where they were honoured with the sighting of at least three of the inquisitive creatures.
After all that, it was time for a libation or two, and a visit to Inverness establishment, The Glenmoriston where they have around 250 whiskies for sale, ranging from £5 up to £150 per nip! Now with appetites growing it was on to sample Inverness’ famous cake, the Dream Ring, with Derek unable to resist ordering the supersized version.
After a long day exploring it was time to source their accommodation for the night which was a house on stilts in the picturesque village of Boat of Garten. The next morning after a peaceful night’s sleep it was up, up and away for Derek as he is given a flying lesson.
With historical facts from the Highland Clearances to The Brahan Seer ‘Coinneach Oidhir’ also know as Kenneth Mackenzie, a legendary Scottish clairvoyant who birth dates back to the early 17th century in Uig, on the island of Lewis, the programme ends with a performance from local artist Ian McLaughlin and The Outsiders.
The Inverness/Scottish Highlands programme of the new series Siuthad! Siubhail! : Go! Explore! will be broadcast on Thursday 6 October at 10pm on BBC ALBA.