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Michael Portillo explores the magnificent western coast of Scotland by rail and ferry, from the Firth of Clyde to the Outer Hebridean island of Lewis and Harris. Travelling aboard the awesome West Highland Line and the world-famous Jacobite Express, Michael glories in some of Britain鈥檚 most spectacular scenery, including magical islands, lochs and castles, rugged mountains and symphonic caves.

Michael鈥檚 coastal railway journey brings him face to face with Scotland鈥檚 critical role in energy production and highlights its shift from nuclear, gas and oil to renewable sources in response to climate change.

Beginning on the Hunterston Peninsula, Michael visits the nuclear power plant Hunterston B, which has been generating electricity since the 1960s. On top of the nuclear reactor, Michael hears from the station director about how it works and why it was built so close to the sea. Pride in the station鈥檚 contribution to energy production is tinged with sadness on the part of staff that the power station is shortly to be decommissioned.

At Largs, Michael discovers the region鈥檚 Viking past. The town was the scene of a fierce battle in 1263, when the Scots under King Alexander III defeated the Norwegians under King Haakon IV. The victory was messy but is still cause for celebration annually with a popular festival. Michael dons chainmail to tackle Ulfca the Berserker.

At Wemyss Bay, Michael admires one of the most beautiful railway stations in Britain. Designed by architect James Miller and planned by chief engineer Donald Mathieson, it served to bring 'toffs and trippers' 'doon the watter' from the grime of Glasgow to the fresh air of the seaside and ferries for the isle of Bute.

The importance of ferries to connect western Scotland with its many islands becomes plain to Michael at Port Glasgow in the deep waters of the Clyde, where he visits Ferguson Marine, the builders of Calmac ferries. The company has been in operation since 1903 and is now the last commercial shipbuilder on the Clyde. Michael is invited to lend a hand hoisting a six-and-a-half tonne unit on to the upper deck of a ferry under construction in the shipyard.