Reporting Scotland
More from the day’s top stories and communities across Scotland.Start: 2026-08-06-200000
end: 2026-08-06-203000
Hidden Lives
Samantha Little explores an extremely mucky pre-wedding ritual popular in the north of Scotland. Originating from an ancient custom of rubbing soot into the feet, the modern blackening is a very different affair and can be a wild and riotous occasion. The engaged couple are kidnapped and are ‘gunked’, by friends and family, who use all manner of disgusting substances, including fermented dog food, rotten eggs and even fish guts. The purpose of this revolting tradition? To bring good luck, of course! Samantha, who was blackened herself, follows two brave couples who allowed the cameras to capture every disgusting moment.Start: 2026-08-06-203000
end: 2026-08-06-210000
Beechgrove Garden
Brian Cunningham’s beginner’s guide to vegetable growing started in April, and now it’s time to reap the rewards as he starts to harvest from the veg plot at Beechgrove Garden. Calum Clunie sows for winter crops as he starts the sowing cycle again on his family-sized plo. He also refreshes the containers he started in April as a demonstration of just what you can do if space is limited and you only room for some pots. Brian and Calum tackle Beechgrove’s hedges after checking carefully for bird nest activity, and Brian advises on caring for common houseplants. There is a visit to St Andrews Botanic Garden, along with the week’s handy hints.Start: 2026-08-06-210000
end: 2026-08-06-213000
Scotland's Greatest Escape
It’s the adventure escape category, and the Oliver family are tasked with rating the very best active getaways that Scotland has to offer. They take a trip to remote Doune Knoydart, which is only accessible by boat or a two-day hike across the mountains, Loch Ken Eco Bothies in Dumfries and Galloway, which boasts its own activity centre, and Eagle Brae, an eco-log cabin village set in an 8,000-acre estate in the heart of the Highlands. But which will they decide is worthy of a place in the grand final.Start: 2026-08-06-213000
end: 2026-08-06-220000
