Secret Scotland with Susan Calman: Aberdeenshire and Angus

Series 3

Review

by Gill Crawford

Wherever Susan Calman goes in this series, and however much the scenery may change, there are some things that she’ll always make sure to include. Like a visit to a stately home; this week, as she explores Aberdeenshire and Angus, she pops into Glamis Castle, the much-loved childhood home of the Queen Mother. But why’s she been given a neat pair of secateurs?

Then there’s an encounter with some of Scotland’s cherished wildlife: birds feature frequently, but this time it’s grey seals, and Calman attempts, not terribly successfully, a bit of seal first aid. There’s usually some food involved, too, and this week Paddington Bear fan Calman learns why Dundee became synonymous with marmalade. And she pops into the super-stylish new outpost of the V&A on the city’s riverfront.

Summary

The comedian explores Aberdeenshire and Angus on Scotland's north-east coast - a vast area of cliffs, beaches, rolling hills and fertile farmland. Susan begins with a visit to Glamis Castle, the childhood home of Her Majesty the Queen Mother, where she learns about the castle's role in the Second World War, tells the time on Scotland's largest sundial and is let loose with the pruning shears on a very special grape vine. Later, Susan is given a crash course in seal first aid and learns of the Aberdonian who inspired escapologist Harry Houdini.