Arbroath to star in TV show

Arbroath is to feature in a dedicated episode of a new TV series about Scottish towns.

‘My Kind of Town’ is presented Ian Hamilton with his guide dog Major.

The new series, in which he and Major talk to a wide range of people in a Scottish town to get a feel for life there, started on the BBC Scotland channel on October 27.

Ian said: “I want to get away from any well-worn narrative and get under the skin of these places. What are the community and generational dynamics? Where are the old timers and who are the new kids on the block?”

The third episode is due to go out on the BBC Scotland channel next Wednesday, November 10 at 8pm and they will be seen visiting Arbroath.

The town once relied on the fishing industry, now it is leisure boats that visit the beautiful little harbour, and Ian and Major have the chance to make pizza, bottle some rum and ride the dodgems.

Along the way Ian chats with tour guide Blythe Stockdale at Arbroath Abbey and Cameron Smith about the amazing local caves, as well as poet Lesley Harrison, who grew up in Dundee but has made Arbroath her home.

And no visit to Arbroath would be complete without a foray to the harbour, where Ian talks about the creation of the famous smokies with Alex Spink.

Their packed visit to the town also highlights the town’s sports achievements with a visit to Gayfield Park, the home of Arbroath FC, and a trip to the local cricket club.

Ian added: “Arbroath punches above its weight in terms of Scottish history and folklore. Its beautiful location and the spirit of its townsfolk still attracts people from across the world to both visit and live here.”