0:00:10 > 0:00:122014 is an extraordinary year for Scotland.
0:00:12 > 0:00:16So much is happening across the length and breadth of the country.
0:00:16 > 0:00:18And it's not all about politics and sport.
0:00:18 > 0:00:20We're here with a brand-new series.
0:00:20 > 0:00:23A journey to discover the events worth celebrating.
0:00:23 > 0:00:24And the stories behind them.
0:00:26 > 0:00:29Everything from theatre to comedy.
0:00:29 > 0:00:31Great music AND festivals!
0:00:33 > 0:00:34Activities we can all get involved in.
0:00:37 > 0:00:39Birdie.
0:00:40 > 0:00:44We're exploring what's happening inside our buildings.
0:00:44 > 0:00:46And what's going on in your street.
0:00:47 > 0:00:49We'll tell you about the quirky...
0:00:51 > 0:00:52..and the exciting.
0:00:55 > 0:00:58We'll delve into Scotland's tastiest food and drink.
0:01:00 > 0:01:02And meet the people creating these
0:01:02 > 0:01:04incredible experiences for all of us.
0:01:04 > 0:01:06So plan your summer with us.
0:01:06 > 0:01:08Join us as we head On The Road 2014.
0:01:08 > 0:01:10CAR HORN BEEPS AND ENGINE REVS
0:01:15 > 0:01:19On our route tonight...I'm in Edinburgh to conjure up some fun
0:01:19 > 0:01:21at the International Magic Festival.
0:01:21 > 0:01:26- Is it quite safe?- Safe? Yeah, perfectly.
0:01:26 > 0:01:30Martel's in Orkney, uncovering the incredible story behind the
0:01:30 > 0:01:32island's stunning Italian Chapel.
0:01:33 > 0:01:35That's...exceptionally moving.
0:01:35 > 0:01:38And find out why on earth I'm scoffing ice cream,
0:01:38 > 0:01:41all in the name of the Commonwealth Games.
0:01:41 > 0:01:44- There you go, sir. - What great service!
0:01:47 > 0:01:50But first, we volunteered DJ Ally McCrae to sign up for
0:01:50 > 0:01:53a big event this coming weekend.
0:01:58 > 0:02:01This week is the 700 year anniversary of the
0:02:01 > 0:02:04Battle of Bannockburn, one of the most significant events
0:02:04 > 0:02:05in Scottish History.
0:02:07 > 0:02:09The great battle will be commemorated
0:02:09 > 0:02:13this weekend in Bannockburn near Stirling with a two-day event -
0:02:13 > 0:02:15Bannockburn Live.
0:02:15 > 0:02:18There'll be traditional and contemporary music,
0:02:18 > 0:02:21food and drink stalls, historical workshops
0:02:21 > 0:02:26and most importantly, dramatic re-enactments of the battle itself.
0:02:27 > 0:02:30Ally went along to get a preview of the preparations
0:02:30 > 0:02:31and a taste of the action.
0:02:33 > 0:02:35Everybody loves the idea of being the hero,
0:02:35 > 0:02:37but as exciting as that sounds,
0:02:37 > 0:02:40it's another thing altogether to actually put on
0:02:40 > 0:02:43an authentic battle from seven centuries ago.
0:02:43 > 0:02:45It takes a lot of passion,
0:02:45 > 0:02:49serious knowledge, and I'm kind of hoping, some really cool weapons!
0:02:52 > 0:02:55Putting the blood and guts into the battle performances will be
0:02:55 > 0:03:00100 members of Clanranald, a living history and re-enactment group.
0:03:00 > 0:03:02They've done TV, they've done movies,
0:03:02 > 0:03:05now they'll be joined by hundreds of other historical re-enactors
0:03:05 > 0:03:10from across Europe and America to create a spectacular live event.
0:03:10 > 0:03:13Clanranald are passionate about history and have
0:03:13 > 0:03:15been bringing the past to life for 19 years.
0:03:15 > 0:03:17They've even built their own medieval village
0:03:17 > 0:03:21called Duncarron a few miles away from the battlefield.
0:03:21 > 0:03:24How many people have we got working on the site today?
0:03:24 > 0:03:27- Probably about 70.- About 70? Amazing.- 70 volunteers.
0:03:27 > 0:03:31We've got joiners, bank clerks, plumbers, financiers -
0:03:31 > 0:03:33people from all walks of life.
0:03:33 > 0:03:37Anyone can join a group, although the beards are a must.
0:03:37 > 0:03:40It helps to have a beard, it gets you work. My beard's...
0:03:40 > 0:03:43- It's fantastic! - ..been on a few jobs.
0:03:43 > 0:03:44We've worked on films like
0:03:44 > 0:03:48Gladiator, Robin Hood, King Arthur...
0:03:48 > 0:03:51People like Ridley Scott and Russell Crowe and folk
0:03:51 > 0:03:54give us a shout, and I could be in the back garden cutting the grass
0:03:54 > 0:03:56and I get a phone call.
0:03:56 > 0:03:59"Charlie, I need 40, 50 of your guys, and you of course."
0:03:59 > 0:04:01- Uh-huh.- And off we go.
0:04:01 > 0:04:04The group have weekly combat training sessions, and they've been
0:04:04 > 0:04:06practising hard for over a year
0:04:06 > 0:04:08for their performance at Bannockburn Live.
0:04:08 > 0:04:11THEY CHANT
0:04:11 > 0:04:14So you're going to have a new recruit in the ranks today.
0:04:14 > 0:04:16- I hear, aye.- Where do we start?
0:04:16 > 0:04:19Well, first we need to get you into the proper kit.
0:04:19 > 0:04:20You mean the skinny jeans aren't OK?
0:04:20 > 0:04:22Nah, you'll no last five minutes in those.
0:04:23 > 0:04:27'Right, time to get some kit off and some clobber on.'
0:04:27 > 0:04:29See, I've got the physique for it!
0:04:29 > 0:04:31'Starting with the woollen under garments, then the
0:04:31 > 0:04:34'padded gambeson jacket.'
0:04:34 > 0:04:38- These were filled with either straw or goose down...- Straw?
0:04:38 > 0:04:40It would soak up some of the impact.
0:04:40 > 0:04:43- Imagine it would soak up some of the blood as well.- Yes.
0:04:43 > 0:04:47'Next, the chain mail, which weighs in at 2st.'
0:04:47 > 0:04:49You could do yourself a serious injury putting this on.
0:04:49 > 0:04:53'Then, the all-important weapons - a handy dagger and a sword.'
0:04:53 > 0:04:55That's got a good bit of weight in it.
0:04:55 > 0:04:58That's a hand and a half, basically, it's not quite a two-hander.
0:04:58 > 0:05:01'But the Scots also had another secret weapon,
0:05:01 > 0:05:04'and it swung the battle for them.'
0:05:04 > 0:05:06- The schiltron...- Wow.
0:05:06 > 0:05:12- ..is a large body of men all moving together in one unit.- Right.
0:05:12 > 0:05:15- With...- With those.- Wow.
0:05:15 > 0:05:19Basically a massive hedge of sharp-tipped spears.
0:05:20 > 0:05:24The schiltron formation created an impenetrable wall of spears
0:05:24 > 0:05:26that on the day defeated the English cavalry.
0:05:27 > 0:05:29It was one of the clever tactics used by
0:05:29 > 0:05:33Robert the Bruce to win - despite being totally outnumbered
0:05:33 > 0:05:35three-to-one by King Edward's army.
0:05:36 > 0:05:38700 years later, and Clanranald are
0:05:38 > 0:05:41bringing the battle to life once more -
0:05:41 > 0:05:43although not all 48 hours of it.
0:05:43 > 0:05:46This time, with a series of 30-minute performances
0:05:46 > 0:05:47across the weekend.
0:05:47 > 0:05:49These guys are so authentic
0:05:49 > 0:05:52even helping out with the rehearsals looks risky.
0:05:52 > 0:05:55Right, what I want to know is how you recreate such an epic
0:05:55 > 0:05:58and bloody battle, and one in which a lot of people
0:05:58 > 0:06:00met some right grizzly ends.
0:06:00 > 0:06:02The answer? Clever choreography and tricks of the trade
0:06:02 > 0:06:05that avoid real bloodshed.
0:06:05 > 0:06:07So I'd say to you, "Come at an overhead," which is
0:06:07 > 0:06:11basically coming over at my head like this, and I would block.
0:06:11 > 0:06:14- So you react now...- Ugh!- Boom! See?
0:06:14 > 0:06:16- I've got you here. - ALLY LAUGHS
0:06:16 > 0:06:19And I push your own weapon into you.
0:06:19 > 0:06:21Or if I wanted it to look like I was doing it,
0:06:21 > 0:06:24- I would put it here and go...bang. - Agh!
0:06:24 > 0:06:26- Aye.- OK? Something as simple as that.
0:06:26 > 0:06:29I don't think I'm going to be able to get back up here.
0:06:29 > 0:06:32'Perhaps I'll be safer at the back of the schiltron.
0:06:32 > 0:06:34'At least I'm the right height for that.'
0:06:34 > 0:06:36In many ways, I feel like my whole life
0:06:36 > 0:06:39has been leading up to this moment. Bring it on!
0:06:39 > 0:06:41- Schiltron arm!- ALL: Huh!
0:06:41 > 0:06:45- Schiltron! - ALL ROAR
0:06:45 > 0:06:48The schiltron will be just one element of a display
0:06:48 > 0:06:51recreating the battle that will be taking place at
0:06:51 > 0:06:56Bannockburn Live, this Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th June
0:06:56 > 0:07:00I think I love this! A life in battle for me.
0:07:00 > 0:07:02That's it, I'm away. Tell my mum I love her!
0:07:03 > 0:07:07There are three battle performances on both days of Bannockburn Live,
0:07:07 > 0:07:10or if you fancy having a go at wielding a sword yourself,
0:07:10 > 0:07:13then there are lots of re-enactment groups across Scotland.
0:07:13 > 0:07:15For more information, check our website...
0:07:24 > 0:07:28This month, the streets of Edinburgh will be filled with mystery...
0:07:28 > 0:07:30deception...
0:07:30 > 0:07:32and intrigue.
0:07:32 > 0:07:34MUSIC: "A Kind Of A Magic" by Queen
0:07:37 > 0:07:39Because the International Magic Festival is coming to
0:07:39 > 0:07:41Edinburgh for the fifth year running...
0:07:44 > 0:07:47..attracting 40 top magicians from all over the globe -
0:07:47 > 0:07:49everywhere from America to South Korea.
0:07:50 > 0:07:52They may be pros, but I bet they don't know
0:07:52 > 0:07:54my phone-in-the-balloon trick.
0:07:58 > 0:08:01Ahhh - it's in! And that's magic.
0:08:04 > 0:08:05We all like a bit of magic,
0:08:05 > 0:08:07even if it's from a complete novice like me,
0:08:07 > 0:08:10AND I got a new phone into the bargain.
0:08:10 > 0:08:13MUSIC: "Magic" by Pilot
0:08:13 > 0:08:16At this year's festival, you'll see the best of the best acts
0:08:16 > 0:08:20amazing audiences with their new and inventive shows.
0:08:20 > 0:08:23Magic has come a long way since the day of TV variety acts.
0:08:23 > 0:08:26It's no longer about knife-throwing or cutting
0:08:26 > 0:08:28your glamorous assistant in half.
0:08:30 > 0:08:33Nowadays, it's big-name illusionists
0:08:33 > 0:08:36like David Blaine and street tricksters that wow the crowds.
0:08:36 > 0:08:38FAMILY: Oh-ho!
0:08:39 > 0:08:42The city is the perfect place to host the festival,
0:08:42 > 0:08:45as it's no stranger to grand illusionists.
0:08:45 > 0:08:47Edinburgh is actually the final resting place of
0:08:47 > 0:08:50a true magic legend - The Great Lafayette.
0:08:52 > 0:08:54The illusions of this Victorian master were
0:08:54 > 0:08:58so popular you had to book ten years in advance to see him.
0:09:00 > 0:09:03Sadly, in 1911, whilst performing in Edinburgh, Lafayette was
0:09:03 > 0:09:05tragically killed in a fire,
0:09:05 > 0:09:07when one of his own tricks went badly wrong.
0:09:08 > 0:09:12His funeral was a testament to his talent and huge following,
0:09:12 > 0:09:16with 250,000 people turning up for the procession.
0:09:16 > 0:09:18His stunning illusions may have died
0:09:18 > 0:09:19with him,
0:09:19 > 0:09:20but the legacy lives on.
0:09:21 > 0:09:25Next week's festival will see thousands turn out once again,
0:09:25 > 0:09:29to enjoy today's great magicians, at ten venues across the city.
0:09:29 > 0:09:32Perhaps one of the most appropriate is here -
0:09:32 > 0:09:35the Camera Obscura and World of Illusions.
0:09:35 > 0:09:37The perfect place to meet Kevin McMahon, the magician who
0:09:37 > 0:09:41conjured up the idea of bringing magic to Edinburgh.
0:09:41 > 0:09:45Kevin? Kevin? Kevin?
0:09:46 > 0:09:49'When I finally tracked him down, I asked him
0:09:49 > 0:09:51'why he set up the magic festival.'
0:09:51 > 0:09:53The festival came because we thought,
0:09:53 > 0:09:55"Nothing else out there exists,"
0:09:55 > 0:09:58so we've developed it, and over the last five years we're really
0:09:58 > 0:10:00lucky to have worked with a lot of different people.
0:10:00 > 0:10:03And you're in the Magic Circle, yeah? How did you get into it?
0:10:03 > 0:10:06I started when I was 25, which is quite late at the game.
0:10:06 > 0:10:08I was a physicist at that point,
0:10:08 > 0:10:11and I had the opportunity to go on a reality TV programme.
0:10:11 > 0:10:14I had to learn to be a magician in four weeks.
0:10:14 > 0:10:15And it was at the end of the four weeks that
0:10:15 > 0:10:18I decided to stop doing physics and start doing magic,
0:10:18 > 0:10:22which was a real surprise to my mum especially, and my family.
0:10:22 > 0:10:24They're over it now.
0:10:24 > 0:10:26Today, Kevin's as passionate about magic
0:10:26 > 0:10:28as when he first discovered it.
0:10:28 > 0:10:31Now, the secret is when you think the ball is in one place,
0:10:31 > 0:10:33it's actually in...
0:10:33 > 0:10:34the other.
0:10:34 > 0:10:36That goes in the pocket, this goes under,
0:10:36 > 0:10:39BUT - doesn't explain how...the kiwi fruit!
0:10:39 > 0:10:41LAUGHTER
0:10:41 > 0:10:45And if you like the kiwi, you're going to love...the lemon!
0:10:45 > 0:10:48And if you like the lemon, you'll go crazy for the banana!
0:10:48 > 0:10:50No, I'm only joking.
0:10:50 > 0:10:52Magic's always been popular -
0:10:52 > 0:10:56I would say these days it's become even more popular, in fashion
0:10:56 > 0:10:59and zeitgeist than it has been maybe 10, 20 years ago.
0:10:59 > 0:11:01You could say the stars are aligning for magic now,
0:11:01 > 0:11:03people are really getting into it,
0:11:03 > 0:11:07and I hope that's what we're delivering with Magic Fest.
0:11:07 > 0:11:09You can watch more of Kevin and his fellow magicians at work
0:11:09 > 0:11:13all during the festival, which starts this Friday 27th June
0:11:13 > 0:11:15and runs until 4th July.
0:11:17 > 0:11:20- This is a new trick for the festival?- Yeah, yeah, yeah.
0:11:21 > 0:11:25- Is it quite safe?- Safe? Yeah, perfectly!
0:11:25 > 0:11:28If you fancy learning a few tricks to impress
0:11:28 > 0:11:30family and friends, there are also workshops
0:11:30 > 0:11:33and magic masterclasses running throughout the festival.
0:11:34 > 0:11:36Kevin? Kevin!
0:11:38 > 0:11:40It's all right. I got his watch.
0:11:46 > 0:11:49CELTIC MUSIC
0:11:51 > 0:11:54Orkney...a land of ancient remains
0:11:54 > 0:11:57scattered islands...
0:11:57 > 0:11:59and...Italian architecture?
0:11:59 > 0:12:00RECORD SCRATCHES
0:12:00 > 0:12:03OPERATIC MUSIC
0:12:03 > 0:12:05Actually, yes.
0:12:07 > 0:12:11This unusual chapel, which attracts more than 100,000 visitors a year,
0:12:11 > 0:12:15and is about to turn 70, is what's brought me
0:12:15 > 0:12:17to Lamb Holm in Orkney.
0:12:18 > 0:12:21Its story begins with World War II,
0:12:21 > 0:12:23when Scapa Flow was the location of
0:12:23 > 0:12:26Britain's most important naval base.
0:12:26 > 0:12:29Though just a month into the conflict, a German U-boat managed
0:12:29 > 0:12:32the unthinkable - breaching its defences
0:12:32 > 0:12:35and torpedoing the HMS Royal Oak.
0:12:37 > 0:12:40More than 800 sailors were killed,
0:12:40 > 0:12:44and as a result, Churchill ordered defensive barriers to be built,
0:12:44 > 0:12:48work that was carried out by Italian prisoners of war.
0:12:48 > 0:12:52The prisoners began the two years of back-breaking labour to construct
0:12:52 > 0:12:58these massive causeways to defend Scapa Flow against further attacks.
0:12:58 > 0:13:01Because of their incredible efforts, the POWs were eventually seen
0:13:01 > 0:13:06as part of the community, and in 1943, after Italy surrendered,
0:13:06 > 0:13:09they were allowed to build a chapel here on Lamb Holm,
0:13:09 > 0:13:11south of Kirkwall.
0:13:11 > 0:13:16Finished in 1944, it encapsulates the story of Orkney's war.
0:13:16 > 0:13:19But much more than that, this tin tabernacle is a monument
0:13:19 > 0:13:21to peace and reconciliation
0:13:25 > 0:13:29So I've come to meet John Muir, one of the people responsible
0:13:29 > 0:13:30for its preservation.
0:13:32 > 0:13:34What are your memories of the Italian POWs?
0:13:35 > 0:13:39They had football teams, they played the local teams,
0:13:39 > 0:13:44put on shows...they did mix into the community very well.
0:13:45 > 0:13:49The prisoners also proved to be incredibly resourceful,
0:13:49 > 0:13:52building the entire chapel out of two Nissen huts
0:13:52 > 0:13:56and using scavenged materials to create everything else.
0:13:57 > 0:14:00Though from the corned beef tins and scrap metal that
0:14:00 > 0:14:03form its decorative pieces, to the altar crafted
0:14:03 > 0:14:09from an actual ship wreck, the end result is...breathtaking.
0:14:09 > 0:14:12Oh, wow...
0:14:12 > 0:14:16'It's testament to the vision of Domenico Chiocchetti, who rallied
0:14:16 > 0:14:21'his fellow inmates to create this tribute to peace and goodwill.'
0:14:21 > 0:14:24Before he went off to war, his mother gave him
0:14:24 > 0:14:28a little prayer card which he carried in his pocket all his time.
0:14:28 > 0:14:31The picture on that prayer card is
0:14:31 > 0:14:34the basis of the Madonna and child painting above the altar.
0:14:36 > 0:14:39Chiocchetti was so dedicated he even stayed on AFTER the other
0:14:39 > 0:14:43prisoners were released, in order to finish his work,
0:14:43 > 0:14:46but he wasn't the only one to leave his mark.
0:14:46 > 0:14:49There is a story that goes with the wrought-iron screen -
0:14:49 > 0:14:50the man who made it fell in love,
0:14:50 > 0:14:55but had a wife in Italy and she didn't just quite approve, you know?
0:14:55 > 0:14:57But when he left Orkney,
0:14:57 > 0:15:00he left his heart and you can see his heart in the floor there
0:15:00 > 0:15:02where the gates come together.
0:15:02 > 0:15:05My goodness, that's exceptionally moving.
0:15:05 > 0:15:09- You're not going to cry, are you?- I might cry, yeah.
0:15:09 > 0:15:13Though perhaps the last word should go to Chiocchetti who said,
0:15:13 > 0:15:16in an open letter to people of Orkney,
0:15:16 > 0:15:21"The chapel is yours, to love and preserve. I take with me to Italy
0:15:21 > 0:15:23"the remembrance of your kindness."
0:15:24 > 0:15:27To me, it's a story of the human spirit,
0:15:27 > 0:15:30and our ability to forgive, and find the best in each other.
0:15:32 > 0:15:36While the chapel is celebrating 70 years since its completion,
0:15:36 > 0:15:39that's just one of the reasons to visit Orkney.
0:15:39 > 0:15:42Another is the St Magnus Festival.
0:15:42 > 0:15:44Hear the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra
0:15:44 > 0:15:47this Wednesday, live from this event on Radio 3.
0:15:47 > 0:15:50For more information on this or any of tonight's stories,
0:15:50 > 0:15:52see our website:
0:15:55 > 0:16:00Stay with us as I head to Tarbert and the new Viking Festival -
0:16:00 > 0:16:03another celebration to add to a town re-inventing itself
0:16:03 > 0:16:06as the festival destination of the West Coast.
0:16:06 > 0:16:09The pride here is absolutely palpable.
0:16:09 > 0:16:13And Fred goes global at the Glasgow Mela -
0:16:13 > 0:16:16the biggest multicultural festival in Scotland.
0:16:16 > 0:16:18Very colourful, very active,
0:16:18 > 0:16:21and I think it's going to get even busier as the day goes on.
0:16:21 > 0:16:23But first, this...
0:16:25 > 0:16:28The Queen's Baton Relay. It's travelled 70 nations,
0:16:28 > 0:16:31almost 120,000 miles
0:16:31 > 0:16:34and on June 14th, it entered its final strait,
0:16:34 > 0:16:37sailing up the River Tweed,
0:16:37 > 0:16:40and crossing the Coldstream Bridge into Scotland.
0:16:45 > 0:16:48And naturally that's a party I didn't want to miss.
0:16:48 > 0:16:52I think it's fair to say that the Baton has finally arrived!
0:16:52 > 0:16:55CHEERING
0:16:55 > 0:16:58Though it has a pretty intense schedule -
0:16:58 > 0:17:02a 40-day tour, requiring around 4,000 baton-bearers,
0:17:02 > 0:17:05as it passes through more than 400 of our villages,
0:17:05 > 0:17:06towns and cities.
0:17:10 > 0:17:13Ten days into its journey, the Relay has so far crossed the Lothians,
0:17:13 > 0:17:17the Borders and much of southwest Scotland.
0:17:17 > 0:17:20Though it's not just the Queen's Baton people are coming to see -
0:17:20 > 0:17:25this 40-day event is also showcasing countless performers.
0:17:25 > 0:17:27GLASS PLINKS LIKE XYLOPHONE
0:17:27 > 0:17:30Which brings me to a rehearsal of what's possibly
0:17:30 > 0:17:32the most unusual act of them all.
0:17:32 > 0:17:34ALL: # Start your engines, what is it you're having?
0:17:34 > 0:17:36# Queue up for your chocolate. #
0:17:38 > 0:17:40It's called the Pokey Hat,
0:17:40 > 0:17:44staged by a small children's theatre company with big ambitions.
0:17:45 > 0:17:48Puppets performing a play might be the last thing you expect
0:17:48 > 0:17:51from an ice cream van, but that's actually what's going on
0:17:51 > 0:17:53around Scotland over the course of the summer.
0:17:53 > 0:17:55Aw, come on, gie it big licks for me!
0:17:55 > 0:17:57# Ya, la, la, la, laaaa... #
0:18:00 > 0:18:01So, Clare, what is the play all about?
0:18:01 > 0:18:06It's all quite nostalgic, all based on people's memories
0:18:06 > 0:18:08and associations with ice cream.
0:18:08 > 0:18:11ALL: # La, la, la, la la-la-la-la-la
0:18:11 > 0:18:12# La, la, la, la, laaa... #
0:18:12 > 0:18:15And what are the audience going to take away with them?
0:18:15 > 0:18:18I think people will get a wee flavour of Glasgow, really,
0:18:18 > 0:18:22and what the East End is like and what Glasgow humour's all about.
0:18:22 > 0:18:24ALL # Fill your boots and have another scoop
0:18:24 > 0:18:26# A trip to the ice cream... #
0:18:26 > 0:18:27Over the next two weeks,
0:18:27 > 0:18:29as the Queen's Baton continues its journey across Scotland,
0:18:29 > 0:18:33the Pokey Hat will joining the Relay at Dundee and Perth,
0:18:33 > 0:18:35with plenty of ice creams for everyone.
0:18:36 > 0:18:40For more information on the journey to Glasgow, see our website:
0:18:44 > 0:18:46There you go, sir.
0:18:46 > 0:18:49- Thank you for great service. Cheers! - Thank you!- It's on the house.
0:18:53 > 0:18:57On Scotland's West Coast sits not only an enchanting fishing village,
0:18:57 > 0:19:00but the location of eight different festivals,
0:19:00 > 0:19:03as here in Tarbert, on the banks of Loch Fyne,
0:19:03 > 0:19:08you can indulge an interest in everything from food, music and film
0:19:08 > 0:19:11through to traditional boat-building, which,
0:19:11 > 0:19:16by the way, is something else this rather happening spot is famous for.
0:19:16 > 0:19:19In fact, that's what inspired the building of this -
0:19:19 > 0:19:21a 50ft Viking longboat
0:19:21 > 0:19:25which, in turn, has inspired festival number nine!
0:19:25 > 0:19:28When she's launched she'll start the final countdown
0:19:28 > 0:19:30to Tarbert's first ever Viking Festival,
0:19:30 > 0:19:33and I'm here to help her get in that water.
0:19:33 > 0:19:36After all, in the 1,000 or so years this village has been
0:19:36 > 0:19:40a welcome port to travellers, it has indeed seen everyone
0:19:40 > 0:19:44from Robert the Bruce to - you got it - the Vikings.
0:19:49 > 0:19:54'And, in true Viking spirit, the idea of building the longboat,
0:19:54 > 0:19:58'and creating the latest festival, came about over a few beers.'
0:19:58 > 0:20:02It looks amazing. Hard to believe this was a back-of-a-beer-mat idea.
0:20:02 > 0:20:03- That's right.- It is.
0:20:03 > 0:20:06Started in a pub with a bunch of guys on a Friday night
0:20:06 > 0:20:07and look what happened.
0:20:07 > 0:20:10What have you loved most about building the boat?
0:20:10 > 0:20:14I think...seeing it grow from nothing, really, you know,
0:20:14 > 0:20:17and getting larger every day you're working on it.
0:20:17 > 0:20:20'All up, it's taken six months to build, but soon it will be
0:20:20 > 0:20:25'the proud centrepiece of the five-day Viking Festival.'
0:20:25 > 0:20:28You must have had a master plan that you worked from.
0:20:28 > 0:20:32- There.- All in my head.- All in your head?- All in my head, yeah.
0:20:33 > 0:20:37'Once, Tarbert was all about fishing and boat-building,
0:20:37 > 0:20:40'but after these industries went into decline,
0:20:40 > 0:20:43'tourism became a valuable asset.
0:20:43 > 0:20:47'Mind you, those old skills now seem to be making a comeback.'
0:20:47 > 0:20:48Oh, wow.
0:20:48 > 0:20:52'Just ask Willie Leitch, who comes from a long line of sail-makers,
0:20:52 > 0:20:55'and is happily providing one for the longboat.'
0:20:55 > 0:20:57Wow, that's absolutely enormous.
0:20:57 > 0:21:00It's the size of a small flat. How big is that?
0:21:00 > 0:21:02258 square feet.
0:21:02 > 0:21:06For today...24 square metres.
0:21:06 > 0:21:09'Using local craftsman links the community today
0:21:09 > 0:21:12'back to its distant past, something Jill Kirkwood,
0:21:12 > 0:21:17'of the Glasgow Viking Society, is hugely excited about.'
0:21:17 > 0:21:19The public are going to be able to see Viking raids
0:21:19 > 0:21:21as they would have happened.
0:21:21 > 0:21:23Axe-wielding, swords, everything?
0:21:23 > 0:21:25Yeah, all the weapons that they would have had at the time.
0:21:25 > 0:21:29The men trained very, very hard for the combat displays,
0:21:29 > 0:21:33and none of the fighting is choreographed. It's all freestyle.
0:21:33 > 0:21:36If you're brave enough, come up to the warriors, have a look
0:21:36 > 0:21:40at the weapons and armour - it's a fantastic opportunity.
0:21:40 > 0:21:44'With just a few of days to go, the whole town is behind the event -
0:21:44 > 0:21:47'getting the final preparations and costumes ready...'
0:21:47 > 0:21:49HE YELLS
0:21:51 > 0:21:55'..and it's all hands on deck as well to get the boat in the water.
0:21:55 > 0:21:58'First job - the 22ft mast.'
0:21:58 > 0:22:01Just dinnae drop it.
0:22:01 > 0:22:04'Then the all-important figure head.'
0:22:04 > 0:22:07She looks beautiful, really just makes the boat.
0:22:07 > 0:22:10'Then just time to christen the launch
0:22:10 > 0:22:12'with some good old Viking beer.'
0:22:13 > 0:22:17CHEERING
0:22:17 > 0:22:19'So, if marauding Vikings are your thing, the festival
0:22:19 > 0:22:24'starts this Wednesday and runs until Sunday 29th June.
0:22:24 > 0:22:27'And don't forget, Tarbert has eight other festivals you can
0:22:27 > 0:22:31'take part in - everything from seafood through to yacht-racing.'
0:22:31 > 0:22:36The pride here is absolutely palpable and the passion's contagious,
0:22:36 > 0:22:38and doesn't she look pretty?
0:22:50 > 0:22:52This is the fabulous Glasgow Mela.
0:22:57 > 0:23:00Forming a central part of the Culture 2014 Programme
0:23:00 > 0:23:01for the Commonwealth Games,
0:23:01 > 0:23:05the festival is designed to bring together and celebrate
0:23:05 > 0:23:07the many different cultures across Scotland.
0:23:11 > 0:23:14And getting its first outing for 15 years
0:23:14 > 0:23:17is the revamped Kelvingrove Bandstand.
0:23:17 > 0:23:20Well, as you can see, it's really busy, we've just got here,
0:23:20 > 0:23:22we've seen some street performers...
0:23:23 > 0:23:25..people on stilts...
0:23:25 > 0:23:27very colourful...
0:23:27 > 0:23:28very active...
0:23:30 > 0:23:33..and I think it's going to get even busier as they day goes on.
0:23:37 > 0:23:42Last year this multicultural event brought an incredible 35,000 people
0:23:42 > 0:23:45to Kelvingrove Park in Glasgow's West End.
0:23:47 > 0:23:52This year, despite a wee bit of rain, it's looking just as popular.
0:23:52 > 0:23:54- We're having a really good day. - Very nice, we love them.
0:23:54 > 0:23:58The cooperation and the atmosphere they have here.
0:23:58 > 0:24:02And the man making sure it all runs like clockwork is Harminder Berman.
0:24:04 > 0:24:07He's been involved since the festival began 24 years ago,
0:24:07 > 0:24:09when it was just a South Asian event.
0:24:09 > 0:24:14Now it's grown to embrace the many communities that thrive in the city.
0:24:14 > 0:24:18I love what I do. I think it just gives me the opportunity
0:24:18 > 0:24:22to share the kind of cultural heritage that is present in Scotland,
0:24:22 > 0:24:24and Glasgow in particular.
0:24:26 > 0:24:30The word "mela" in Sanskrit means to meet or gather.
0:24:30 > 0:24:32I can't think of a more appropriate name
0:24:32 > 0:24:35for this all-embracing cultural feast.
0:24:35 > 0:24:38It brings people together, it connects people together,
0:24:38 > 0:24:41and it provides opportunities for those small groups who would not get
0:24:41 > 0:24:43a platform to perform.
0:24:43 > 0:24:45'And besides,
0:24:45 > 0:24:47'what's not to like about two days of entertainment
0:24:47 > 0:24:48'from every corner of the globe...
0:24:52 > 0:24:54'..a little retail therapy...'
0:24:54 > 0:24:56I've only got a fiver, what can you do for me?
0:24:56 > 0:24:59Well, I normally don't do cushions as well as cushion covers.
0:24:59 > 0:25:01Right, so I'm getting the cushion thrown in?
0:25:01 > 0:25:03- And a cover.- And a cover, for £5.
0:25:03 > 0:25:08'..and the national dishes of more than dozen different countries.
0:25:08 > 0:25:12'My pick - some delicious bhelpuri - street food from Bombay.
0:25:12 > 0:25:15'Rachna's going to show me how it's done.'
0:25:15 > 0:25:17- Get a cone.- Yes.- You fill it up with the puffed rice.
0:25:17 > 0:25:21And you get some of the puris, crush them in.
0:25:21 > 0:25:25I like your... Look, you've done this before.
0:25:25 > 0:25:28Then we're going to put the three sauces - red chilli...
0:25:28 > 0:25:30It's going all over.
0:25:32 > 0:25:36- Red chilli.- And some chaap masala. - You do that.
0:25:36 > 0:25:39- A sprinkling...- Nice.
0:25:39 > 0:25:42- I can't wait to tuck into this, thank you so much.- Thank you, Fred.
0:25:42 > 0:25:45I would pay you but my hands are dirty, can't put my hands...
0:25:45 > 0:25:47Can't get my pound out.
0:25:47 > 0:25:49'And that's a trick I might use again.'
0:25:49 > 0:25:52Aw, man.
0:25:52 > 0:25:54Even though I say it myself - absolutely perfect,
0:25:54 > 0:25:56just what you need on a day like this.
0:26:00 > 0:26:03'Nothing reflects the fusion of cultures better than this group -
0:26:03 > 0:26:05'the Desi Bravehearts...'
0:26:05 > 0:26:06Girls, can I come in?
0:26:08 > 0:26:12'..who are best described as Bollywood-meets-highland-dancing.'
0:26:12 > 0:26:14Where did the name come from, Desi Bravehearts?
0:26:14 > 0:26:16"Desi" means, basically, Asian.
0:26:16 > 0:26:20That's an Indian word but because we're based in Scotland,
0:26:20 > 0:26:23but have an Asian culture, as well, so different backgrounds.
0:26:23 > 0:26:26That's why we're called Desi Braveheart.
0:26:26 > 0:26:29'It's not just that the members are Scottish, Indian,
0:26:29 > 0:26:32'Chinese, Greek, German and... well, you get the picture.
0:26:32 > 0:26:35'But they also come from all walks of life.'
0:26:35 > 0:26:37What do you do for a living?
0:26:37 > 0:26:41- I'm a student, I study chemical engineering.- OK, and you?
0:26:41 > 0:26:44I study neuroscience and I'm working in Parkinson's research.
0:26:44 > 0:26:46Neuroscience, good on you.
0:26:46 > 0:26:49Well, have a look in there, see if you can find anything.
0:26:49 > 0:26:51THEY LAUGH
0:26:51 > 0:26:54While the Desi Bravehearts are a definite highlight,
0:26:54 > 0:26:58it's also a big weekend for the Kelvingrove Bandstand itself.
0:26:58 > 0:27:00After lying in disrepair for years,
0:27:00 > 0:27:04it's enjoying it's first public performance with the festival -
0:27:04 > 0:27:09looking buffed up and beautiful after it's £2m refurbishment.
0:27:09 > 0:27:11BOLLYWOOD MUSIC PLAYS
0:27:23 > 0:27:26CHEERING
0:27:26 > 0:27:28What does it mean to have performed at Mela again?
0:27:28 > 0:27:33It's a big thing for us, because Desi Bravehearts is Glasgow,
0:27:33 > 0:27:35and to perform in Glasgow, it's kind of home.
0:27:35 > 0:27:39Well done, to the performance, well done. Brilliant.
0:27:39 > 0:27:42The Glasgow Mela returns in June 2015,
0:27:42 > 0:27:45but if you missed it this year, its Edinburgh counterpart
0:27:45 > 0:27:48runs from August 29th to 31st.
0:27:48 > 0:27:50Or why not visit Kelvingrove Bandstand
0:27:50 > 0:27:52and enjoy it's great summer programme,
0:27:52 > 0:27:55including myself on the 28th of July?
0:27:57 > 0:28:00While we won't be here next week, join us again on Monday 7th July
0:28:00 > 0:28:06at 7:30pm, when Martel discovers what gifts are fit for a queen.
0:28:06 > 0:28:09I'd love to know what the Queen thought of that one.
0:28:09 > 0:28:13Comedienne Susan Calman is let loose in a secret nuclear bunker.
0:28:13 > 0:28:14I'm in charge now.
0:28:14 > 0:28:15Yes, very reassuring.
0:28:15 > 0:28:20And In Balado, DJ Ally McCrae finds out what it takes
0:28:20 > 0:28:24to put on Scotland's biggest festival - T in the Park.
0:28:24 > 0:28:26It's a phenomenal amount of work and effort.