BBC Hebrides programme ‘to be shown across UK’

THE BBC has confirmed the popular series Hebrides: Islands on the Edge is to be broadcast across the UK – but an MSP has called for it to be shown in time for the summer tourism season.

The programme is narrated by Ewan McGregor. Picture: BBC

The new four part series follows the wild life, scenery and other aspects of the Inner and Outer Hebrides, and is narrated by Ewan Macgregor.

Dave Thompson, SNP MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch has written to Tony Hall, the BBC Director General about screening the programme throughout the UK in a bid to promote the islands further.

He said: “I represent some of these beautiful Hebridean Islands and I am aware of how difficult life has been for hoteliers, bed and breakfast and other tourist related businesses over the last few years.

“This programme shows clearly why people across the UK and hopefully eventually across the globe should come and visit this magical area.

“I hope that the BBC will broadcast this excellent programme across the whole of the UK as early as possible, and ideally in time to have an impact on the tourist season this summer.

“Previously high profile documentaries have had a substantial positive impact on the tourist industry in the Scottish islands, and it would be a great shame if this excellent series was not shown widely.”

A BBC Scotland spokeswoman said: “We are expecting network BBC to screen the series later this year.”