Ben Fogle will return to the Scottish islands in a new four-part series that will see him visit Arran, Skye, Islay, Holy Isle and Jura, amongst others.
Scotland’s Sacred Islands with Ben Fogle will air on BBC Scotland and BBC One and will involve the presenter meeting locals to find out how faith and belief are woven into each island’s heritage and modern communities.
The series also promises spectacular photography and drone footage of the island landscapes.
Each one-hour episode will involve a different island or area, with the first taking the adventurer to Arran to visit one of the last ‘Tin Kirks’ – prefabricated corrugated iron churches shipped to the island – and meeting Fiona Laing, an islander who volunteers for the coastguard, the fire service and as a first responder.
He also learns how a strong spiritual connection has been made with the land as he speaks to a farming family whose roots go back 200 years.
There is also a lesson in making traditional Hallah bread from the island’s only practising Jews, before the episode’s focus moves to nearby Holy Isle to understand its role as a site of Christian pilgrimage and its current role as the home of a Buddhist Peace Centre.
Later episodes will see the adventurer explore the legacy of a Norse warrior saint and follow in the footsteps of author George Orwell.
Speaking of the series, Ben said: “This series has reinforced my belief in the magic of Scotland’s islands and the strength of the communities who live there. And I have been humbled to find out more about these sacred places and their deep connection with the land, the sea and the elements.”
The series is a follow up to a 2021 series in which Ben visited Shetland and the Inner and Outer Hebrides. It is produced by Tern in partnership with Open University and is a co-commission of BBC Scotland and BBC Unscripted.
Episode one of Scotland’s Sacred Islands with Ben Fogle will air on BBC Scotland on October 17 at 8pm, and on BBC One on Sunday October 22 at 10.30am.
It will also be available on BBC iPlayer.