Secret Scotland
Comedian Susan Calman uncovers the untold tales behind some of Scotland's iconic locations.
Susan Calman takes a canal boat trip that includes a look behind the scenes at the world's only rotating boat lift. Venturing into Midlothian, she visits a royal hideaway with a dramatic history and tries her hand at falconry. She also visits the site of the world stone-stacking championship and learns the secrets of a small island with links to smuggling that is believed to have inspired Treasure Island.
Susan Calman explores the beautiful Trossachs and west of Scotland, a place filled with dramatic scenery and abundant with iconic glens, impressive castles and rare wildlife. Susan begins at the fairy-tale Castle of Inveraray, where she goes behind the scenes with His Grace, the Duke of Argyll, head of Clan Campbell, to reveal some amazing secrets that may not be for the faint hearted. At the picture-perfect Loch Katrine, the comedian gets exclusive access at a world-class feat of Scottish engineering and in Inverawe, discovers the secrets to Scotland's world-famous smoked salmon.
The comedian explores the Kingdom of Fife and the East, starting at Falkland Palace - a former retreat of Scottish royalty. Once a hunting lodge to eight Stuart monarchs, it is the final resting place of King James V. Susan also visits Wemyss Caves, home to the largest collection of Pictish carvings in the world, and is invited into a little-known cave whose location must remain secret. Later, she is surprised to find a Japanese garden hidden deep in the countryside and gets the chance to bat for the world's only beach cricket club on Elie beach.
The comedian explores the Borders region, heading to a secret woodland in Galloway Forest, where she meets some cute and ardently protected red squirrels. She then enjoys a tour of Traquair House which, at 1,000 years old, has played host to historic figures such as Bonnie Prince Charlie. Susan is in her element as the 21st Lady of Traquair reveals secret stairwells and Mary Queen of Scots' bed. To the south, in Eastriggs, Susan visits the site of the world's largest munitions factory, where thousands of female workers produced explosives during the First World War.
Susan visits Blair Castle in Perthshire to learn about the Atholl Highlanders, visits a feat of wartime underground engineering at Invergordon, meets a herd of reindeer in the Cairgorns and discovers the fate of her ancestors at Culloden.
Susan visits Glamis Castle, the childhood home of Her Majesty the Queen Mother. After visiting some grey seals, Susan is given a crash course in seal first aid. She also learns why Dundee became synonymous with marmalade.
Susan visits the Royal Botanical Gardens and works as an assistant keeper at Edinburgh Zoo. She learns about Scotland's ceramics industry, the Royal Yacht Britannia and the country's busiest railway station.
Susan ventures to the islands of Mull and Staffa. She visits Fingal's Cave, witnesses the Mull Rally, visits a biscuit factory run on sustainable energy and sees white-tailed eagles swooping for prey.
Susan visits the Isle of Bute to see what is said to be the world's first million pound home, Mount Stuart House. In Argyll, she visits the home of the ancient Scotti people, learns about cultivating oysters and goes in search of beavers.
Susan concludes the second series by heading to the breath-taking isles of Lewis and Harris, where she learns more about Harris Tweed and Stornoway Black Pudding, learns how to Step-Dance and visits Neolithic standing stones.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
In Edinburgh, Susan learns about the firing of the one o'clock gun and discovers the secret hiding place of Scotland's crown jewels.
Susan Calman heads to central Scotland, where she tries her hand at curling - in full view of an Olympian - and learns to Highland dance. At the iconic Wallace monument, Susan discovers what it's like to hold William's sword.
Susan searches for the Loch Ness Monster and has a go in a home-made submarine. She then heads to the highest point of the UK, Ben Nevis. She tracks down the secret spot where Bonny Prince Charlie launched the doomed Jacobite rebellion.
Susan heads behind the scenes at Greta Green, discovers her own clan tartan, and learns the secrets of sheep herding from a border collie.
On the Orkney Islands, Susan discovers the role the Vikings played in Orcadian history. At the iconic Italian Chapel, Susan hears a tale that moves her to tears.
| Location | |
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| Language | English |
| Release | 2019-02-08 |
| Producer | IWC Media |