Secret Scotland

If you're looking for a history documentary on Scotland, this is not the program you want. On the other hand, if you want a bit of scenery, some lesser-known facts about popular tourist areas, a dash of local colour, and an absolutely delightful host, you'll love Secret Scotland.

Thus far, the show has taken us to Edinburgh, Stirling, and St. Andrews (along with a few assorted small towns in the surrounding areas). Even as an American, I've been to many of the sites Mrs. Calman visits - but I love that she highlights some of the more unique and unusual aspects of the locations. It makes me want to go back, even though there are still so many UK destinations I've yet to visit a first time.

Episode 3 goes up to Loch Ness, and I'm probably most excited for that one. The endearingly-eccentric Nessie expert Adrian Shine makes an appearance, and I'm more than a little jealous of the host for getting to meet him.

If you enjoy a bit of Scottish scenery presented by a host who just radiates kindness and general pleasantness, definitely check this one out.

You'd think being a lawyer, Susan Calman would have done some of her own research before "starring" in this show. The rep from Loch Fyne Oysters claimed that the waters of Loch Fyne were 'pristine' because there was nothing going into Loch Fyne to pollute. In 1987 the first record of Paralytic Shellfish Poison in shellfish from Ardkinglass, Loch Fyne, was detected in shore mussels near what was then called the 'biggest salmon farm in the world' with a biomass of 1,600 tonnes of salmon.

Every year since, a variety of biotoxins such as Amnesic Shellfish Toxin, Paralytic Shellfish toxin, Diarrhetic Shellfish Toxin, and Fish and shellfish killing biotoxins have developed in Loch Fyne which is subject to the discharge of many thousands of tonnes of raw untreated waste from the huge salmon feedlots which are multiplying throughout the lochs, channels and bays of the Clyde estuary. Efforts to solve cultural problems by discharging chemicals to prevent parasites and harmful organisms multiply the extent and form of the pollution.

A great show about little known facts about well known Scottish places of interest. Plus the boyish charm of Susan Calman, who is a little bit like Marmite (you either love her or hate her) I love the way she presents this programme.

Unfortunately the comedian Susan, not so much, rather annoying with her remarks...

I lauged, I cried and I learned more than a few new things about Scotland. Susan Calman it wonderful.