Landward Marks 50 Years of Broadcasting
BBC Scotland's Landward television programme is commemorating 50 years since its first broadcast.
The well-known rural affairs show debuted in April 1976, originating from BBC Aberdeen.
It remains produced in Aberdeen, often referred to as the Granite City, half a century later.
The 50th anniversary is being celebrated with a special episode airing on Thursday that reflects on the programme’s history. Additionally, a new series of Landward is currently underway.
Origins and Evolution of the Programme
Promoted as Scotland's farming programme, the first episode included segments on the National Farmers' Union conference and featured suckling cattle.
The programme’s initial presenter was Ross Muir.
In its early years, Landward was broadcast fortnightly on Sunday lunchtimes, gaining a following among audiences in both rural and urban parts of Scotland.
Over the decades, Landward has expanded its focus beyond farming. It has addressed topics such as land reform, land buyouts, outbreaks of animal diseases, the growth of renewable energy, and the impact of Covid-19.
Current Presenters and Anniversary Features
The current presenting team includes Dougie Vipond, Anne McAlpine, Shahbaz Majeed, Arlene Stuart, Cammy Wilson, and Rosie Morton.
To celebrate the milestone, Dougie Vipond reconnects with some of the programme’s former contributors.
The special episode also features a compilation segment showcasing numerous previous presenters, including Nick Nairn.
The current presenters share some of their favourite moments from the show’s long history.
Recognition from BBC Scotland
Louise Thornton, head of commissioning at BBC Scotland, described Landward as being
"at the heart of Scotland's rural storytelling" for 50 years.
She added that the programme highlights
"the people, landscapes and issues that shape our countryside".
Thornton further stated,
"Its commitment to authenticity, depth and local voices has made it a constant in the BBC Scotland schedule, and a trusted companion for audiences across generations.
We're incredibly proud to mark this milestone and to celebrate the Landward teams and stories down the decades."
Broadcast Details
The first episode of the new Landward series will air at 20:30 on Thursday on BBC Scotland and will also be available on .
