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Episode 18

Episode 18 of 26

Euan McIlwriath goes in search of rare and beautiful agates with gem hunter Adam McIntosh, Sarah Mack meets the communities raising cash through renewables and Nick Nairn creates tasty traditional toffee apples. Dougie Vipond investigates who should control the Scottish seabed.

30 minutes

Reform of the Crown Estate?

Reform of the Crown Estate?

The Crown Estate is a portfolio of property and rights owned by the reigning Monarch but managed as a commercial business for the benefit of the State. The holdings in Scotland include four estates, mineral and salmon fishing rights, about half of the coastal foreshore and almost all of the seabed.

Revenues raised by the Crown Estate are transferred to the UK Government treasury and used for public spending.

Many campaigners think that the Crown Estate’s assets should be managed in Scotland, either by the Scottish Government or  local authorities or communities. Dougie Vipond investigates the arguments.

Gem Hunting

Gem Hunting

Euan McIlwraith  and Adam McIntosh continuing their gem hunting mission, this week they are in a muddy hole, at a secret location. They are on the hunt for agates formed when water flowed into gaps and holes in volcanic rock and crystallised over aeons.

Heritage Apples

Heritage Apples

In Britain we import two thirds of our apples, despite having a temperate climate that is perfect for apple growing. Many orchards were ripped up in the Seventies when the European Economic Community (EEC) paid incentives for farmers to stop production. But there are places in Scotland where the tradition of apple growing has survived.  In Newburgh in North Fife there are between 500 and 600 apple trees.  Nick Nairn went to the town to find out more.

Later in the programme Nick and Dougie will be preparing tasty Halloween toffee apples with the traditional ’James Grieve’ variety.

Community Renewables

Community Renewables

With public money in short supply many communities are searching for clever ways to raise some cash for local projects.  Some are turning to renewable schemes to raise money.

Sarah learns more about two schemes that are each expected to deliver millions to community groups.

Credits

Role Contributor
Presenter Euan McIlwraith
Presenter Dougie Vipond
Presenter Sarah Mack
Presenter Nick Nairn
Series Producer Fiona Clark

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