Season 4

Presenters Robert Scott and Nicci Jolly visit Knockhill race track to find out what makes the Scots such world class racing drivers. We visit the Jim Clark museum in the borders to learn more of this two times World Formula 1 Champion. Then Robert joins Professor Ted Cowan for a riotously funny visit to a Roman Road. Fiona Kennedy meets some international sidecar racers in Peterhead, while Nicci speaks to GT1 star Andrew Kirkaldy. Then we meet one of the greatest drivers of all time, three times World Champion Jackie Stewart, to hear how he got his break, and the personal battles he’s faced in his life in connection with his dyslexia. In Sir Jackie's case dyslexia wasn't diagnosed until late in life - now he does a great deal to make Scotland the foremost country in the world for research into dyslexia.

The team visit the home of seven-a-side rugby at Melrose in the Scottish Borders. While Nicci absorbs the atmosphere Robert dashes off to see some other Borders delights. Professor Ted Cowan shows him the bagpipe-playing-pig gargoyle at Melrose Abbey, where Robert the Bruce’s heart is buried. We see Abbotsford, home of Sir Walter Scott, and Fergus Wood recounts the first part of the history of famous Scots hero Rob Roy, made famous in Scott’s novel. Back at the rugby we meet Scotland and British Lions legend Scott Hastings. Then Robert and Ted set off again to investigate a Pictish fort - or is it? Finally a sprint up to the top of the Eildon Hills, then it’s time for the finals and the tournament winners.

Robert and Nicci present the programme from one of Scotland’s most recent technological achievements, and find out about the history of the Forth and Clyde Canal and Union Canal. Prof Ted Cowan explains the significance of the nearby site of the Battle of Bannockburn, and further north we sample the colour and festivity of the Aberdeen International Youth Festival. Annie Malcolm has a tour of the 18th century Pitmedden Gardens with National Trust Manager of the property, Susan Burgess. Fergus Wood recounts the next episode of the history of Rob Roy, then while Nicci takes a boat trip up in the towering wheel Robert goes in search of the Antonine Wall, built by the Romans from coast to coast to keep out the marauding Scots, and the furthest north point of the entire Roman Empire. We finish with a roll call of Scottish invention and discovery.

Robert and Nicci visit this atmospheric castle, lived in by the same family for 600 years, and the most haunted castle in Scotland. The Queen Mother was brought up here, and we visit her private rooms to sample some royal splendour. Fiona Kennedy investigates the spooky history of Scotland with Roddy Martine, author of “Supernatural Scotland”. There’s the next episode of the history of Rob Roy with Fergus Wood. Then Robert heads south to the Anatomy Department of Edinburgh University to hear the story of bodysnatchers Burke and Hare, and to meet William Burke in person - or what’s left of him! Finally, back to Glamis, and some chilling stories, and a visit to a haunted chapel.

Robert and Nicci introduce the programme from the top of Dundee Law - the hill overlooking the silvery River Tay. We look at the history of Dundee, and the world’s worst poet, William McGonagall, who found fame there. Nicci hears the latest developments in computer games design. Fiona travels up the road to Arbroath to learn about the fishy delicacy, the Smokie. Fergus Wood offers the next instalment of the history of Rob Roy. Robert meets Ged Grimes, a musician and composer who records music for computer games including The Matrix 3 - and finally Nicci visits Dundee’s science centre to try making her own music.

Nicci explores the delights of Glasgow’s shopping scene, said to be best in the whole UK after London, with everything from designer to second-hand retro. Robert Scott joins Prof Ted Cowan at the docks on the Clyde to hear how Glasgow grew to prominence on the back of tobacco, sugar - and slavery. Together they board the Sailing Vessel Glenlee, the last remaining Clyde-built sailing merchant vessel. We meet a singer-songwriter from nearby Coatbridge as he sets off on the comeback trail. Then finally it’s time to sample Glasgow’s nightlife, as Nicci visits the place described by New Yorker magazine as the best live music venue in the world - King Tut’s!

When a competition was held to design a new National Museum for Scotland in Edinburgh, the Tartan TV team was there to record the entire process. The programme follows the creation of a stunning iconic building for Scotland to celebrate its past, and looks at some of the treasures and where they came from. We also visit a temporary exhibition on polar explorer William Speirs Bruce, find out how Scotland encourages enterprise in its University postgraduates and researchers, and examine plans for the future as the Royal Museum plans to dramatically upgrade its international collections.

With the London Olympic Games due in 2012 the UK decided to create a new “Schools Games” to identify and encourage fresh talent for the future. The very first one was held in Glasgow, and we went there to spot the stars of the future. Robert takes a trip down to Kirkcudbrightshire to the birthplace of the founder of the US Navy - John Paul Jones. With Prof Ted Cowan, they visit where he lived and went to school - and also take a look at Whitehaven - the English fishing port he attacked on behalf of America. In Edinburgh Fiona finds out how weaver James Donald is combining traditional skills with fabulous contemporary designs. Then we return to the Schools Games to see how the finals are shaping up.

This week Nicci competes in this saloon car motor rally as co-driver, while Robert stands back in amazement. While Nicci tears through the tarmac and forest stages Robert goes on some quieter visits. First he joins the current Master of Forbes in his castle on Deeside for a family history feature on the family who produced Forbes magazine. There’s a fact file on the Clan System in Scotland. Fiona Kennedy attends the Aberdeen storytelling festival. Professor Ted Cowan tells Robert the story of the real King Macbeth, and Robert heads up Dunsinane Hill near Dundee to look at Macbeth’s actual fortress. And as Nicci screams off into the sunset we finish with some equally raucous pipes and drums rock music from Saor Patrol.

Fiona Kennedy heads off to Cape Breton island in Nova Scotia for the Celtic Colours festival was held. Fiona performs there, and also checks out the local Scottish connections. There’s a visit to the MacDonald House Living History Museum in Iona, Cape Breton, a dramatic performance entitled “The Margaret” and an interview with the director, and the world’s Biggest Square Dance. Finally Fiona visits the Alexander Graham Bell Museum in Baddeck, Cape Breton to find out more about one of Scotland’s greatest inventors - the man who created the telephone.

Johnnie Depp fans will know from his recent feature film that author J.M. Barrie was a Scot from the Angus village of Kirriemuir. Robert and Nicci visit his birthplace there, and discover some surprising things. For instance, the real original Wendy House still stands outside Barrie’s bedroom window - it’s the quaint little wash-house where the family and neighbours did their laundry! Also in the programme, Chef Don Carney shows Fiona how to make oatcakes. There’s a look at the works of 20th century Scottish artist Sir William Gillies. Catriona Harvey visits a factory in Dalbeattie where the famous “See You Jimmy” hats are manufactured. And Prof Ted Cowan takes Robert to the battlefield of Flodden, scene of Scotland’s greatest ever defeat. But we cheer up with a visit to Fraserburgh to meet the Line Dancing youngsters who’ve impressed the US.

In this memorable programme with exclusive access to the set we go “behind the scenes” on the shooting of the last ever episode of Monarch of the Glen, with star interviews. If you saw Tartan TV’s visit a few years ago you’ll appreciate the insights and access which Fiona Kennedy was able to share with us. This time it’s the last time - a never to be repeated glimpse into the shooting of the final episode, when Richard Briers comes back as a ghost. Join us for the wrap as he completes his last take, and find out what he really thought of the castle! All the stars are there - and all the magic come to life for the privileged viewers of Tartan TV.