Water of Leith Otters, Salmon Fishing on the River Tweed and a Famous North East Cow

Feb 8, 2025

Guest

Helen Brown

Guest

Eileen Stewart

Guest

Alan Stephen

Helen Brown from the Water of Leith Conservation Trust shares how otters are thriving in Edinburgh’s urban rivers. Eileen Stewart, director at NatureScot, discusses the Scottish Outdoor Access Code and its celebration of 20 years of responsible outdoor use. Alan Stephen tells the whimsical tale of the Turra Coo, a beloved cow that became a symbol of community protests against taxes. Together, they highlight the intersection of nature, community, and conservation in Scotland.

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ANECDOTE

A Serene Visit to the River Tweed

Mark Stephen visited the River Tweed and observed the serene nature.
He admired the wood smoke and the picturesque surroundings, highlighting the river's beauty.

INSIGHT

Tweed's Robust Health

The River Tweed's robust health is attributed to a century of conservation efforts.
Its diverse sub-catchments and removal of barriers allow for sustainable fish runs.

ADVICE

Community Involvement in River Health

Engage local communities in river health monitoring through volunteer programs.
Train them to collect and analyze invertebrate samples for early pollution detection.

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The National Farmers Union of Scotland Conference has been underway this week, and Kevin Keane is there, joined by Professor Colin Campbell from the James Hutton Institute, to hear his advice on how farms can become more resilient in the face of climate change.

Muiravonside, Falkirk’s only country park, features several attractions, from a sculpture and poetry trail to the Avon aqueduct. Rachel catches up with the park’s ranger, Claire Martin, to hear about the history and appeal of the estate.

Otters have been making a comeback along the Water of Leith, deep in the heart of Edinburgh. Rachel meets with Helen Brown from the Water of Leith Conservation Trust to hear about the lives of these metropolitan mammals.

Sunset Song was written by Lewis Grassic Gibbon in 1932, and in 1971 was brought to TV screens across the UK by the BBC, in what is still claimed as one of the finest BBC dramas ever made. Mark learns about the history of the novel, and how the landscape of East Coast of Scotland, ahead of the re-release of the drama for the 90th Anniversary of the author’s death.

Phil heads out with the Highland VIP group in Inverness, who work to increase the mobility of visually impaired people by bringing them together with sighted volunteers to take part in walks and other outdoor activities.

And the Turra Coo, the infamous symbol of a dispute between Turriff townspeople and the government over national insurance and rising taxes, received a shout out from the newly crowned BBC Radio Scotland’s Young Traditional Musician of the Year, Ellie Beaton, at the competition’s final last Sunday. Rachel heads to Turriff to hear all about the cow and her role in the protests.

The River Tweed’s salmon fishing has begun once again, and Mark heads down to see how the fish are faring at the beginning of this year’s season.

We also hear from Anne Woodcock about how important fishing is for the local communities on the banks of the Tweed, and the positive impact it can have on your mental and physical health.