TV history series to feature Arran

Grand Tours of Scotland, the BBC history travelogue that was so popular in 2010, intends to feature Arran in its series for this year. And the makers would like help from Arran people, as they intend to feature the island’s history, particularly the way tourism suddenly developed in the late nineteenth century. Nobody from that era is alive now, of course, but there may be many people with a family history that goes back to that time – and if so, Kathryn Ross, who is the Series Producer for Timeline films, making the programme for the BBC, would love to hear from you. Anyone who thinks they may have something suitable for use should contact Kathryn Ross at Timeline Films, 16 Woodside Crescent, Glasgow G3 7UT, tel 0141 255 0322, email kathrynross@timelinefilms.co.uk .
 
In particular, the Grand Tours team is very keen to feature any previously unseen archive photographs or early film that shows the island’s growing popularity as a tourist destination – ideally from the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. They will also be very interested to hear stories dating back to those days, maybe about any of the wealthy Scottish families who used to keep their yachts moored at Arran, or those who took houses for the summer season.

The series was inspired by Blacks Picturesque Guide, published in 1846 by Adam and Charles Black. In its time, it was one of the earliest and most influential travel guides to Scotland. Paul Murton, writer and presenter of the serise, says,  ‘For the Victorian tourist in Scotland, Black’s guide was a godsend – it was a real “traveller’s bible. And one that I’ve always had a kind of faith in too.’ Acting on that faith, Paul will be clutching his copy of the
Black’s guide as he follows in the footsteps of the early tourists to Scotland and traces the changes that have taken place. Now is your chance to have an input. Just contact Timeline Films, details given above.

Picture : Victorian Tourists arriving via the Paddle steamer the Ivanhoe at the Ferry Rock Corrie.