In this week’s Susan Calman’s Grand Day Out, our intrepid host ventures into familiar territory, revisiting the South Scottish Glens and the Isle of Arran, locations steeped in personal significance from her childhood. This isn’t just a scenic tour; it’s a stroll down memory lane, interspersed with visits to quirky attractions and heartwarming family moments.
Calman’s journey begins with a stop at the Crawick Multiverse, an intriguing land art installation. From there, it’s on to the imposing Drumlanrig Castle and a peek into the world’s oldest post office in Sanquhar. The Isle of Arran offers its own unique charms, including the bustling 186th Arran Farmers Show – a stark contrast to the tranquility of Brodick Castle Gardens. And who could resist a visit to a giant vending machine? This episode isn’t short on peculiar pitstops.
No trip to Arran is complete without a dram of whisky, and Calman dutifully visits a distillery in Lagg, uncovering tales of smuggling and the island’s illicit trade in “Arran Water.” But the heart of this episode lies in the personal touches. Calman shares childhood memories, providing a deeper connection to the landscapes she traverses. A family football game on her favorite beach with her niece and nephew adds a heartwarming touch to the travelogue.
Susan Calman’s Grand Day Out airs Fridays at 8:00pm on Channel 5.