BBC Radio Scotland Extra

Out of Doors

Out of Doors: 27/12/2014

27/12/2014

BBC Radio Scotland - Out of Doors, 27/12/2014

Mark Stephen traces the life of Tom Weir and cycles the John Muir Way with Euan McIlwraith

Another chance to hear Mark Stephen trace the life of writer and broadcaster Tom Weir. He and Euan McIlwraith also cycle the John Muir Way.

Today there's another chance to hear two special programmes...

"A wee, steady, strongly built man, with a woolly bunnet"
At 6.30am, Mark Stephen traces the life of writer and broadcaster Tom Weir. With his long-running TV series Weir's Way, Tom brought the Scottish landscape to life for generations of Scots. Mark talks to Tom's widow Rhona and broadcaster Cameron McNeish, and hears why some believe Tom should be treated on equal terms with the conservationist John Muir.

After 7.00am on Saturday, join Mark Stephen and Euan McIlwraith as they cycle the brand new John Muir Way. 2014 marks 100 years since the death of the Scots born conservationist who is widely recognised as the father of the American environmental movement. But in the country of his birth, he is not so well known. The trail, which runs from Helensburgh in the West to Dunbar in the East, aims to encourage more people to access the outdoors and enjoy the benefits of being closer to nature. Mark and Euan take 4 days to cross the country by bike, and in doing so immerse themselves in the writings of John Muir to gain a greater understanding of what he stood for.

BBC Radio Scotland

BBC Radio Scotland MW

Our Story

Communities around Scotland tell the stories that matter to them. With Mark Stephen.

Our Story: Series 1

Our Story: Series 1: Episode 5: The Eastern Cairngorms

Episode 5

Episode 5: The Eastern Cairngorms

Series 1

The Eastern Cairngorms

BBC Radio Scotland - Our Story, Series 1, The Eastern Cairngorms

Mark Stephen explores the relationship the people of the Cairngorms have with the area.

Mark Stephen hears the stories of the North East's distinctive past, exploring the relationship the people of the Cairngorms have with the area.

The mountains around Upper Deeside were out of bounds for the masses up until the mid twentieth century. Groups of young climbers started exploring Lochnagar, Ben a Bhuird and the Eastern Cairngorms, jumping on the 3.15 Strachans bus from Aberdeen out to Ballater and Braemar on a Saturday afternoon, and returning to the city on a Sunday evening. Because of the long walks in, a particular kind of bothy culture emerged, which continues to this day. Certain characters of the hills like gamekeeper, Bob Scott became famous for their very special sort of hospitality towards young climbers.

One pioneering group of young men in the 1950's decided to build their own Secret Howff in the foothills of Ben a Bhuird, to make accessing the crags in winter easier. The sole survivor of this group, Ashie Brebner, shares his memories of that exciting time, dodging gamekeepers and carrying roofing materials on the bus for the Howff. Mark Stephen joins climber and author, Ian.R Mitchell on a journey to the Secret Howff, which is still standing, and discovers that the whereabouts remain private knowledge. We also hear from composer and mountaineer, Matilda Brown, who has worked with children from Braemar Primary School to create music which reflects their experiences of being out and about within these mountains.

Mark Stephen hears the stories of the North East's distinctive past.

Mark Stephen hears the stories of the North East's distinctive past from those who are part of its rich history.

Sportsound

Sporting commentary, analysis and debate.

Sportsound: 27/12/2014

BBC Radio Scotland - Sportsound, 27/12/2014

All the football action from across Scotland on Open All Mics.

All the football action from across Scotland on Open All Mics. For Glasgow v Edinburgh rugby live tune to 810MW. Follow @BBCSportsound on Twitter.

Accessibility links

Programme Index

Out of Doors

27/12/2014

Genres

Brand

Our Story

Series 1

Episode 5: The Eastern Cairngorms

Genres

Brand

Series

BBC Radio Scotland Extra

About BBC Radio Scotland

About this data