Darcey Bussell’s Wild Coasts of Scotland
Duration: 4 x 60'
Play Trailer Play Screener Contact SalesThis fascinating series follows Dame Darcey Bussell as she embarks on a personal journey of discovery and adventure whilst exploring her Scottish ancestry.
Over the course of the series, Darcey visits the wild coasts of Skye, The Outer Hebrides, Islay and Bute meeting the many different people who call these islands home. Along the way, she will indulge her passion for dance as she tries out different types of Scottish dancing, and witnesses, up close, some truly stunning spectacles.
Her journey culminates in a truly emotional moment on the island of Bute when she visits, for the first time ever, the house her grandfather knew as a boy.
Episode 1:
Darcey sets off on her journey to discover more about her Scottish roots and explore the stunning islands off Scotland’s west coast. Her first stop is one of the most beautiful and well known of them all; Skye.
Darcey’s first stop is to meet a craft weaver who shows her how to operate a loom. With the weaver's help, Darcey adds to a tartan based on one worn by her great grandad. Next, she joins the young environmentalists keeping their beaches clean for wildlife and hears about the work being done to look after the island's otters.
Darcey is only too keen to learn some new moves as she learns about Skye’s ancient step dancing tradition.
Down by one of Skye’s most stunning lochs Darcey is shown how to shuck fresh scallops while being treated to an al fresco scallop lunch at the water's edge.
Next, she meets two successful sea salt makers while receiving an impromptu Bollywood dancing lesson on the shoreline.
Skye’s dark past is revealed when Darcey pays a visit to Kilchrist, a ruined village laid waste during the Highland Clearances. Darcey finishes her day with a wild swim in one of Skye’s many beautiful hidden pools. A moment which brings back memories of her grandfather.
Episode 2:
On the second leg of her journey, Darcey heads to the Uist’s in the Outer Hebrides.
She’s heads first to the tiny island of Eriskay to learn more about the rare Eriskay pony and what is being done to keep this vanishing breed alive.
Her next stop is South Uist where traditional Gaelic language and music is strong. Darcey meets a top Highland pipes player who also runs a children’s choir who sing in Gaelic, and who teach Darcey a few words of their native language.
On North Uist she meets a crofter who uses seaweed to fertilise the soil on his land, and she joins the RSPB volunteers at Loch Sandary restoring the habitat for rare birds. She does her bit too, but handling a scythe is not as easy as it looks.
Her visit ends with a spectacular crossing across the sands to the small island of Vallay, accompanying a farming family as they move their Highland cattle to their winter pasture.
Episode 3:
Darcey takes a ferry to Islay, the `whisky isle’ for the third stage of her journey where she gets to try, for the first time, her grandfather’s favourite drink.
Her adventure begins in spectacular style as she takes a boat ride to witness one of the true wonders of the natural world; Corryvreckan – the third largest whirlpool on earth. Crashing waves and racing tides makes this an experience she’ll never forget.
Back on dry land she heads for nearby Jura to meet a photographer who takes stunning award-winning pictures of Jura’s landscape and its wildlife. At Ardbeg distillery Darcey tries one of the most famous Islay whiskies. Islay whisky was her grandfather’s favourite drink, so it’s fitting that she toasts him with a wee dram.
After her wee dram it’s off to the coast to meet a forager and to see who can catch the best lobster for supper!
Darcey’s trip finishes with a visit to a troupe of young dancers is soon shown some tricky dance steps.
Episode 4:
Darcey's Bute adventure begins on the stunning west coast of the island, where she receives a crash course in sheepdog handling on the beach.
She visit’s St Blane’s Chapel with an archaeologist and learns of the island’s Christian past. At Mount Stuart House she is amazed by the architecture of one of the grandest country houses in the whole of Scotland. Not least the cut crystal `stars’ in the ceiling of the famous Marble Hall.
Darcey stays at Mount Stuart House to be put through her paces by a young man who shows her the fine art of sword dancing, something Darcey was never taught in the past. Darcey then gets to indulge her artistic side on the beach opposite the Isle of Arran to sketch its rugged skyline.
In an emotional finale to the whole series, Darcey pays a visit to the Hermitage – the house that her grandfather spent so many summers of his childhood. She’s only ever seen it in photographs and now, standing before it for the first time, the memories and emotions come flooding. It’s a special moment and the perfect end to her journey.
For Channel 4
