Latest news with #Mull
Daily Mail
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
What's the story in Balamory? Twenty years after hit children's TV show ended, familiar faces gather for reboot
They were much loved characters enjoyed by a generation of children around the world. Now the BBC has revealed that many of the original cast of Scottish hit Balamory will revive their roles when the show returns to screens next year. The popular programme, which was filmed in Tobermory, on the island of Mull, was cancelled in 2005 after four series and 254 episodes. But famous characters including nursery teacher Miss Hoolie, PC Plum, shopkeeper Penny Pocket and bus driver Edie McCredie are expected to delight a new generation of young fans when they return in the CBeebies reboot in 2026. The programme, which features a nursery school in a small island community, is also expected to welcome a host of new characters for a 'joyful mix of stories, comedy, songs and adventures'. BBC children's commissioner Kate Morton said: 'It's wonderful to see some of the original cast returning alongside new faces, creating a perfect mix of nostalgia and discovery for families to enjoy together.' Described as a 'soap opera' for toddlers, the show, at its height, attracted two million viewers a week in Britian and gained 15million fans around the world. Even the Vatican received it on the BBC Prime Channel. Now 20 years on Julie Wilson Nimmo will return as nursery teacher Miss Hoolie along with some of the other original characters. Andrew Agnew will revive his role as PC Plum, while Kim Tserkezie will be back as Penny Pocket and Juliet Cadzow as Edie McCredie. New characters include scientist and inventor Ava Potts, played by Danielle Jam, local vet Dr Ollie, played by Carl Spencer, and William Andrews as the harbour master. It is understood that original characters including Spencer the painter, Josie Jump, as well as shopkeeper Suzie Sweet, played by the late Mary Riggans, who passed away in her sleep at home in 2013 a year after suffering a stroke, will not be returning to the show. Ms Morton added: 'This vibrant new series will delight both children and the grown-ups who remember it fondly.' Filming is expected to take place in a studio in Glasgow as well as on location in Tobermory, which experienced a huge rise in tourism as a result of the original show. Originally produced from 2002 to 2005, Balamory was broadcast around the world, becoming a hit with young audiences in Europe, Australia, Hong Kong, Canada and South Africa. Its fame saw visitors flood to the island in their thousands to see the site of PC Plum's rounds, and the tourist office was swamped with calls. The BBC said the revival would continue its tradition of home-grown storytelling about the much-loved nursery school and island community that surrounds it. The programme has been commissioned for two new series, produced by Lion Television Scotland, with 10 episodes in each.
The Independent
11-07-2025
- General
- The Independent
‘Miracle' eagle that defied the odds spotted in sky after months missing
A white-tailed eagle whose survival was hailed as a "miracle" has been spotted over Mull almost a year after its disappearance. The bird of prey fell from its nest in July 2023 and broke its wing. Uncharacteristically for the species, the chick's parents nursed it back to health. The bird, nicknamed 'Kinky', has since learned to fly and moves in a distinctive wobbly pattern while in the sky. RSPB Scotland had regarded Kinky as a "miracle chick" before it vanished in autumn 2024. Its return was confirmed on 1 July by Blair Ketteringham, a crew member of Mull Charters, who sighted it circling over the island of Forsa in Loch na Keal, Mull. RSPB Scotland ambassador Dave Sexton said he could not believe the photo sent to him by Mr Ketteringham. 'Frankly, I was in disbelief, as I seriously doubted if Kinky could survive last winter without his parents to support him,' he said. 'Clearly they had to move on with their lives and are finally breeding again this year, but of Kinky there'd been no sign despite our appeal. 'He was soaring high over Eorsa like any other eagle would and eventually came down to land where he interacted briefly with a different adult sea eagle. 'It's testament to his strength of character and incredible survival skills that he seems to have overcome his major injury – with a lot of help from mum and dad.' Mr Sexton added: 'For most eagles, a broken wing would be a death sentence as they're unable to hunt and feed. 'But Kinky is a shining example of what perseverance can achieve.' According to the RSPB, the white-tailed eagle is the UK's largest bird of prey. It is also known as the sea eagle as it prefers to live near the coast. It went extinct in the UK during the early 1990s due to hunting, and the present population is descended from reintroduced birds. The eagle's wingspan can reach up to 2.5 metres and it can be identified by its pale head and neck, which can be almost white in older animals. It is a Schedule 1 species which means it is illegal to disturb the birds.
Scotsman
26-06-2025
- Scotsman
CalMac warns of 'multiple islands' disruption if Caledonian Isles ferry repairs prolonged
Sign up for the latest news and analysis about Scottish transport Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... New uncertainty faces islanders after CalMac revealed widespread disruption to its west coast network if fault-plagued ferry Caledonian Isles is further delayed returning to service on a key route. The Scottish Government-owned operator said it would have to shuffle other vessels between routes to cover the gap caused by Caledonian Isles' absence from Arran sailings. which would involve 'some level of disruption on multiple islands'. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Caledonian Isles in Ardrossan harbour during sea trials on June 19 | John Devlin/The Scotsman The ship was due back in service on Wednesday. But that return date was cancelled last week when CalMac said remaining repairs might take 'significantly longer' than a few days. The company said it would confirm its plans early next week, but even if the ferry does return, there will be changes to some services. This is because Alfred, a chartered catamaran also serving Arran, will be off for two weeks from Monday, July 7 for 'essential maintenance'. The 1,000-passenger Caledonian Isles has been out of service for an unprecedented 17 months with a series of major problems, latterly to its gearbox. The 32-year-old vessel, which normally operates between Ardrossan and Brodick, is undergoing further sea trials to see whether it needs to return to dry dock for further repairs. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad CalMac said if the ferry was not fixed by July 7, its Isle of Arran ferry would be switched from the Islay route to cover Ardrossan-Brodick, enabling that service to resume for the first time since January. New CalMac ferry Glen Sannox would continue to serve the longer Troon-Brodick route alone in the absence of Alfred. Lord of the Isles, which normally operates between Mallaig and Lochboisdale in South Uist, would be switched to the Islay route to join the service's main vessel, Finlaggan. That would trigger perhaps the most significant change, involving Mull's main ferry, Isle of Mull, being moved to the Lochboisdale route and replaced on Mull's main route between Oban and Craignure by the smaller Coruisk, which normally serves the Mallaig-Armadale route in Skye. A CalMac spokesperson said on Thursday: 'Caledonian Isles is doing trials today and will be for the next few days. Progress has been made recently, with the issue in the propeller hub resolved. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'We are still dealing with an issue with the offset in pitch response and engine loads for the port and starboard engines. 'Arrangements have been made for dry dock, should it still be required, following these trials. Whether she needs to dry dock will depend on how the trials go.
Times
25-06-2025
- Times
Five of Scotland's best sea pools
Scattered along Scotland's dramatic coastline lie some magical sea pools — perfect for brave wild swimmers or daydreaming paddlers. Some are carved by nature, others are architectural gems from a golden age of outdoor leisure. The team behind Wild Guide Scotland share some of their favourite spots. Hidden at the base of the cliffs at the western edge of one of Fife's prettiest fishing villages, this is a special slice of coastal nostalgia. Built in 1895 and popularised during its 1950s heyday, it features an amphitheatre-style design, with steps set into the surrounding rocks. After years of neglect, recent community-led renovations have brought the pool back into use. Early risers are rewarded with soul-stirring sunrises over the North Sea, while hardy swimmers brave the chilly water year-round. Perched on the edge of Wick Bay, the Trinkie is as beloved as it is bracing. Named from the Scots word for 'trench', it was transformed from a former quarry into a swimming spot in the 1930s — a chilly but cheerful community hub. Each year, local volunteers clean and repaint the pool, keeping its vibrant charm alive. From its edge, swimmers can gaze across the Moray Firth, sometimes even spotting migrating orcas in late spring and early summer. • Five of the best coastal walks in Scotland Enjoy a scenic walk from Glengorm Castle to the rugged north coast of Mull and discover the historic site of Dun Ara — a ruined medieval stronghold built on the remains of an ancient dùn. Tucked among the rocky outcrops not far below lies an irregularly shaped bathing pool. Flanked by other sheltered inlets and with far-reaching views, it's perfect for a refreshing dip. The surrounding shallows are also a prime spot to see seals and otters. Just along the coast from Pittenweem, St Monans has its own tidal pool, below a sea wall and wrapped in windswept clay-coloured rock. When the tide's in and the sun's out, the water glows with a mysterious, greenish hue. Add the backdrop of the historic windmill and fishermen's cottages,and it's a quietly atmospheric place for a swim. Set in a spectacular spot beneath rocky cliffs, Tarlair Lido is one of only three known surviving outdoor swimming pool complexes in Scotland. The striking art deco structures opened in 1931 and featured sea-fed pools and a pavilion tearoom, drawing crowds until its closure in the 1990s. After decades of decline, the community-led group Friends of Tarlair has spearheaded a remarkable revival. The terraces and inner boating pool have been restored and the pavilion reopened in March as a café and community venue. Plans are under way to restore the main pool but, for now, saltwater swimmers can break the waves just round the bay at Salmon Howie. Taken from Wild Guide Scotland by Kimberley Grant, Richard Gaston & David Cooper (£18.99, To order a copy go to Free UK standard P&P on orders over £25. Special discount available for Times+ members
BBC News
23-06-2025
- BBC News
In pictures: Revamp of tiny Staffa's jetty and steps completed
A nine-month project to improve visitor access to the uninhabited isle of Staffa has been Trust for Scotland (NTS) said it was one of the most complex projects it had undertaken due to the location and weather and helicopters were needed to get the materials and contractors to and from Staffa for the work upgrading a 30-year-old jetty and set of is famed for its hexagonal basalt rock columns, which were formed by ancient volcanic eruptions, as well as its Fingal's Cave and birdlife. The tiny island, seven miles (11km) west of Mull, in the Inner Hebrides, attracts about 120,000 tourists a people visit to see its puffins and Fingal's Cave, which inspired a piece of music by 19th century German composer Felix sea cave was formed more than 50 millions years ago, and is at least 69m (227ft) long. The island's jetty and steps up to the top of the island, along with footpaths, were upgraded at a cost of about £ concrete steps were dyed the same colour as the natural rock to better blend them into the said the work was done during autumn, winter and spring to avoid causing disruption to wildlife and the trust said difficult weather conditions over the winter meant many scheduled working days were lost because crews could not access the island, or because extreme waves made the jetty unsafe to work on.
