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Secret Scotland with Susan Calman - Episode Guide

Season 1

Edinburgh

Episode: 1x01 | Airdate: Feb 8, 2019

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In Edinburgh, Susan learns about the firing of the one o'clock gun and discovers the secret hiding place of Scotland's crown jewels.

Stirling

Episode: 1x02 | Airdate: Feb 15, 2019

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Comedian Susan Calman uncovers the untold tales behind some of Scotland's iconic locations. She heads to central Scotland, where she tries her hand at curling and learns to Highland dance.

Loch Ness

Episode: 1x03 | Airdate: Feb 22, 2019

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Comedian Susan Calman uncovers the untold tales behind some of Scotland's iconic locations. Susan heads to the Highlands, where she searches for Scotland's most secretive superstar - the Loch Ness Monster.

Borders

Episode: 1x04 | Airdate: Mar 1, 2019

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Susan heads behind the scenes at Gretna Green, discovers her own clan tartan, and learns the secrets of sheep herding from a border collie.

Orkney

Episode: 1x05 | Airdate: Mar 8, 2019

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On the Orkney Islands, Susan discovers the role the Vikings played in Orcadian history. At the Italian Chapel, Susan hears a tale that moves her to tears.

Season 2

Cairngorms

Episode: 2x01 | Airdate: Jan 3, 2020

Cairngorms

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.

North Coast 500

Episode: 2x02 | Airdate: Jan 10, 2020

North Coast 500

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.

Glasgow

Episode: 2x03 | Airdate: Jan 17, 2020

Glasgow

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.

Skye

Episode: 2x04 | Airdate: Jan 24, 2020

Skye

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

Episode: 2x05 | Airdate: Jan 31, 2020

Perthshire

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.

Ayrshire and Arran

Episode: 2x06 | Airdate: Feb 7, 2020

Ayrshire and Arran

Susan Calman 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.

Season 3

Falkirk and the Lothians

Episode: 3x01 | Airdate: Sep 18, 2020

Falkirk and the Lothians

The comedian's latest Scottish tour covers Falkirk and the Lothians. She 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.

The Trossachs and the West

Episode: 3x02 | Airdate: Sep 25, 2020

The Trossachs and the West

The presenter 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.

Fife and the East

Episode: 3x03 | Airdate: Oct 2, 2020

Fife and the East

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.

Galloway and the South

Episode: 3x04 | Airdate: Oct 9, 2020

Galloway and the South

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.

Grampian and the Central Highlands

Episode: 3x05 | Airdate: Oct 16, 2020

Grampian and the Central Highlands

The comedian explores Grampian and the Central Highlands, going behind the region's most iconic sights to see what the tourists miss - and unearth the hidden gems in her home country. She begins her journey in Perthshire at Blair Castle, which has a unique claim to fame as the home of Europe's only private army. From there, Susan travels to Invergordon, where she goes underground to explore an amazing feat of wartime engineering and the home of a world record-breaking echo. In the Cairngorms, the comedian meets a special and charming group of animals - Britain's only wild reindeer herd.

Aberdeenshire and Angus

Episode: 3x06 | Airdate: Oct 23, 2020

Aberdeenshire and Angus

The comedian explores Aberdeenshire and Angus on Scotland's north-east coast - a vast area of cliffs, beaches, rolling hills and fertile farmland. Susan begins with a visit to Glamis Castle, the childhood home of Her Majesty the Queen Mother, where she learns about the castle's role in the Second World War, tells the time on Scotland's largest sundial and is let loose with the pruning shears on a very special grape vine. Later, Susan is given a crash course in seal first aid and learns of the Aberdonian who inspired escapologist Harry Houdini.

The Central Belt

Episode: 3x07 | Airdate: Oct 30, 2020

The Central Belt

The comedian explores the area between Glasgow and Edinburgh, paying a visit to the Royal Botanical Gardens and setting to work as an assistant keeper at Edinburgh Zoo. She learns about Scotland's forgotten ceramics industry during a visit to the seaside suburb of Portobello, gets a crash course in laying tables on the Royal Yacht Britannia, and gains special access to the country's busiest railway station.

The Isles of Mull & Staffa

Episode: 3x08 | Airdate: Nov 6, 2020

The Isles of Mull & Staffa

The comedian ventures to the islands of Mull and Staffa, nestled along the west coast of Scotland and home to some of the most breathtaking sights the country has to offer. Beginning her trip in Staffa, Susan visits the cathedral-like cavern of Fingal's Cave, one of the UK's true natural wonders formed over thousands of years. Her need for speed is fulfilled when she witnesses the Mull Rally, while in Tobermory, she visits a biscuit factory run on sustainable energy. Lastly, the presenter goes in search of the largest bird of prey in the UK - the white-tailed sea eagle.

Argyll & Bute

Episode: 3x09 | Airdate: Nov 13, 2020

Argyll & Bute

The comedian ventures off the mainland to the Isle of Bute for a privileged look at what is said to be Scotland's first million-pound home - Mount Stuart House. In Argyll, Susan visits Kilmartin Glen, an ancient valley and home to the Scotti people who gave Scotland its name. She visits a Bronze Age tomb and learns how to make a copper axe in the way they were made thousands of years ago. Then, on the shores of Loch Fyne, she discovers the secrets of oyster cultivation before looking for beavers in the beautiful Knapdale Forest.

Lewis & Harris

Episode: 3x10 | Airdate: Nov 20, 2020

Lewis & Harris

The isles of Lewis and Harris form Britain's largest offshore island, with a rich history dating back thousands of years. Susan seeks out the home of the world-famous Harris Tweed, visiting a local weaver where she tries her hand at making some of the fabric. Then in Habost, she learns how to Step Dance - a centuries old practice that was almost lost from Scotland for ever. At Callanish, Susan visits some awe-inspiring Neolithic giants - 49 standing stones, predating Stonehenge and steeped in mystery. Nearby, she learns the secret to jewellery making that captures the texture of these ancient standing stones.

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