Grand Tours of the Scottish Islands

Overview
Paul Murton embarks on a captivating journey to explore the vibrant culture of Scotland’s islands. Each episode delves into the rich history of these lands, showcasing their unique charm and unexpected treasures. As he navigates through picturesque landscapes, Murton highlights the fascinating ties between the past and contemporary island life, uncovering delightful quirks and stunning vistas that lie just beyond the mainland. This engaging travelogue offers a fresh perspective on the enchanting and often overlooked beauty of Scotland's coastal gems.
Episodes
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1

From Foula to Fair Isle
In the inaugural episode of 'Grand Tours of the Scottish Islands', Paul Murton embarks on a journey to explore the numerous islands dotting the coastl...
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2

Islands in Loch Lomond: Landlocked Islands
In the second episode, Paul Murton shifts his focus from the sea to explore the hidden gems of Scotland's inland islands, starting with the picturesqu...
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3

Small Isles: Small Is Beautiful
On his Grand Tour, Paul departs from Mallaig to explore a trio of islands known for their quirky names: Rum, Muck, and Eigg. He encounters the genuine...
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4

Lismore and Colonsay: Island Pilgrimage
As Paul continues his journey across the islands, he embarks on a pilgrimage tracing the paths of saints, stopping at Lismore, Colonsay, and Oronsay. ...
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5

Islands of the Forth: Fortress Islands of the Forth
In this episode, Paul Murton journeys through the islands of the Firth of Forth, uncovering their tumultuous past. He reveals the islands' history of ...
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6

Skye: Against the Odds
In the series' concluding grand tour, Paul Murton travels to the Isle of Skye to explore the residence of renowned author and naturalist Gavin Maxwell...
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1

Life at the Ends of the Earth
In the premiere episode of the new series, Paul Murton embarks on a journey through the stunning Outer Hebrides, exploring the islands of Eriskay, Bar...
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2

Far from the Madding Crowd
On this exciting journey, Paul Murton delves into the Isle of Mull and its surrounding islands to uncover why they serve as peaceful retreats from the...
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3

A New Island Life
Paul Murton explores the contrasting landscapes of Gigha and Jura, two nearby islands in the Inner Hebrides. His journey starts at the Achamore Garden...
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4

So Near, So Far
Paul Murton embarks on an adventure through a series of islands off the west coast close to Oban, stopping at Kerrera, Seil, and Eileach an Naoimh. He...
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5

Keeping It All Together
Paul Murton explores the Outer Orkney islands, starting his journey on North Ronaldsay, which, while the northernmost of the Orkneys, is surprisingly ...
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6

Atlantic Twins
Paul Murton explores the contrasting islands of Coll and Tiree, located only a short distance from each other. On Coll, he encounters Nicolas Maclean ...
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1

West is Best: Lewis to Harris
In this inaugural tour of the new series, Paul visits Britain’s largest island, the expansive Harris and Lewis. He steps into the world of weaving b...
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2

Atlantic Frontier: The Uists and Benbecula
Located thirty miles off the coast of mainland Scotland, the Uists and Benbecula are a series of low-lying islands that confront the powerful Atlantic...
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3

Island Solitude: The Summer Isles, Handa and the Shiants
Off the west coast of Scotland lies a cluster of islands so secluded they seem nearly forgotten, home to only a handful of resilient inhabitants. Paul...
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4

Islay: A Race Apart
Nestled among the Hebrides is Islay, an island with a distinct character, once the capital of the ancient Lordship of the Isles. In this episode, Paul...
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5

West of Skyfall
Paul's grand adventure kicks off at Loch Hourn on the mainland, where he sets sail for Skye, then continues to the small island of Soay before conclud...
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6

Northern Exposure: The North Isles and Out Stack
On this final leg of his grand journey, Paul ventures to the northernmost reaches of Britain, exploring the islands of Fetlar, Unst, and Yell. These i...
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1

From Berneray to Pabbay: The Riddle of the Sands
In the premiere of this new series, Paul Murton embarks on an island adventure, discovering the intriguing and secluded locations along our coast whil...
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2

Bridging the Gap: Scarp, Great Bernera and Scalpay
In this episode, Paul embarks on a journey along the coast of Harris and Lewis, starting at Scarp and heading north to Great Bernera before moving sou...
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3

Against the Odds: Out Skerries, Whalsay and Papa Stour
Paul ventures through the eastern reaches of Shetland, visiting Papa Stour, Whalsay, and the Out Skerries. Along his travels, he comes across playful ...
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4

Northern Skye: A Land of Giants and Fairies
In this episode, Paul explores the breathtaking Trotternish Peninsula, the northernmost tip of Skye. The Isle of Skye embodies the beauty of Scotland'...
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5

From Flottay to Sanday: War and Peace in the North
During his adventure, Paul navigates through the expansive natural harbor of Scapa Flow, making his way to the island of Flotta. He then continues aro...
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6

Off the Map: North Rona and the Monach Islands
In the series finale, Paul takes on his toughest Grand Tour yet, exploring islands long deserted by humans. With no ferries, piers, or proper landings...