Scotland Outdoors

Mark Stephen speaks to Josh Donaldson from Arbroath who became a Tick Tock sensation after posting videos of him clearing up litter from his local forests, beaches and streets. As well as coming across the usual litter such as plastic bottles, cans and crisp packets, he’s even found a grenade. Now with a following of 1.5 million fans as far as the USA and Vietnam, Josh is motivating thousands to do the same.

Mark is back with Heritage Engagement Manager Ingrid Shearer on the banks of the River Clyde to discuss one of Scotland’s first access rights success stories, the case of Harvie’s Dyke. Also on the Clyde, Helen Needham takes a wander with author Louise Welsh and architect Jude Barber, who are asking for recognition of the legal personhood status of the river. Helen and Mark are joined by Chris Romer-Lee who co-founded Swimmable Cities to discuss how we can swim in our urban waterways once more and the benefits of cleaning up our rivers for both people and nature. It’s the 25th edition of the Strathaven Hot Air Balloon Festival this weekend and Mark heads along to find out what it takes to bring 25 hot air balloons together for a show and how they are recovered after they float away with the wind. Festival Secretary Les Hoggan confides that the secret lies in whisky. In an excerpt of the midweek podcast, Helen catches up with Robert Macfarlane at the Edinburgh Festival to talk about the ‘aliveness’ of rivers. How can nature influence more responsible AI systems? Mark finds out when he visits the exhibition Tipping Point: Artists Responses to AI in Edinburgh with Gavin Leuzzi, Lead, Fellowships at Edinburgh University’s Bridging Responsible AI Divides. Ghillie and Manager Iain MacMaster has worked at Finavon Castle Water Estate for 10 years and he knows the land inside out. He takes Mark for a walk of the South Esk River and explains the changes in weather patterns he has been experiencing. Helen learns about the legacy of Scottish geologist Hugh Miller who grew up in Cromarty. She joins Bob Davidson and Sidney Johnston of the Friends of Hugh Miller Society to go fossil hunting on the beach at Cromarty.

Helen Needham discusses the 'aliveness' of rivers with writer Robert Macfarlane

Mark is in Aberdeenshire with RSPB’s Hywel Maggs to try to catch a glimpse of the Common crane and to find out why numbers of the birds are increasing in North East Scotland. Naturalist and Educator Dan Puplett reads the Scottish landscape to track wildlife. Jenny Graham meets him Rafford, near Forres to search for evidence of local species. ‘Clouds’, a new book by Dr Edward Graham explores cloud formations, the science behind them and even the famous artists who have painted them. Mark meets author Eddy to take a look at the formations floating in the sky above Glasgow Green. Crafted entirely from upcycled materials, a new statue by Helen Denerley is bringing the story of one of Scotland’s most notorious historical figures back to life. Phil Sime joins Shirley Neild in Kingussie to chat about the history of Alexander Stewart marked by the structure. On a recent trip to Norway, Jenny Graham hopped on her bike in the Fosen district to adventure through Fjord territory. The Balmoral Estate is home to a series of Royal commemorative cairns, including a structure that’s more reminiscent of ancient Egypt than Scotland. Mark explores with Heraldist Gordon Casely. Red grouse numbers continue to be low in Scotland. Mark and Jenny are joined by Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust Director for Scotland Dr Nick Hesford to talk about their latest research on the grouse population. Every summer the Woodland Trust announces its shortlist for UK Tree of the Year. The National Contest aims to highlight how vital trees are. Mark meets instrument maker Steve Burnett at Napier’s Craiglockhart Campus in Edinburgh to discover the history behind a sycamore with connections to famous war poet Wilfred Owen.

Mark Stephen meets Eddy Graham, a lecturer/researcher in atmospheric science.