Scots rural programme Landward celebrates 50th anniversary
Landward presenting team: Cammy Wilson, Arlene Stuart, Shahbaz Majeed, Dougie Vipond, Anne McAlpine and Rosie Morton © BBC Scotland’s long-running rural affairs programme Landward is marking its 50th anniversary this April, highlighting decades of coverage of farming, land use and countryside life.
A special episode, airing on Thursday 2 April on BBC Scotland, will revisit the programme’s extensive archive, including recently rediscovered footage that has not been seen for more than four decades.
Lost episodes have been recovered from original film reels and digitised for broadcast.
And Dougie Vipond, from the current presenting team, catches up with some of the show’s veterans, including the show’s first presenter, Ross Muir.
See also: Swinney pledges steady support for Scottish agriculture
First aired on 4 April 1976, Landward was developed from the earlier Farm Forum radio and television programme.
Rural storytelling
Produced from BBC Aberdeen since its launch, the show began as a 25-minute broadcast featuring reports on topics such as the NFU Conference and suckler cattle systems – issues still central to Scottish farming today.
Louise Thornton, head of commissioning at BBC Scotland, said: “For 50 years, Landward has been at the heart of Scotland’s rural storytelling, shining a light on the people, landscapes and issues that shape our countryside.
“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.”
Sheena Horner, a chilli farmer from Galloway, has fond memories of the programme.
“I’ve been watching Landward since I was a wee lass and even got a mention for the Galloway chillies from the Highland Show a few years back.
“It’s great to see them celebrating 50 years.”
Reflecting wider concerns
Over the years, the programme has expanded beyond its initial agricultural focus to reflect wider rural concerns.
Coverage has included major developments such as land reform, community land buyouts, animal disease outbreaks, the growth of renewable energy projects, and the impact of Covid-19 on rural communities.
Initially broadcast fortnightly on Sunday lunchtimes, the programme built a loyal audience among both farmers and the wider public.
It became a regular source of information on agricultural policy, rural business and community life.
The new series begins at 8.30pm on 2 April on BBC Scotland and will also be available via BBC iPlayer.
