A POPULAR series featuring Martin Compston is returning to screens.
The Greenock actor previously embarked on a tour across Scotland with his friend Phil MacHugh in the BBC series Martin Compston's Scottish Fling.
Now the pair are back on the road and this time they are heading to Norway in Northern Fling, which is due for broadcast on BBC Scotland, BBC Two and iPlayer later this year.
Kicking off in Shetland, Martin and Phil will be searching for answers on what it means to be from the 'North' and lifting the lid on what we can learn from the most northern of our Scandinavian neighbours.
The Line of Duty star said: “Me and my buddy, Phil MacHugh, are off again, this time to Norway which means ‘Way of the North’…
“North for some conjures up images of cold bleakness and a tough life, but is it really that? I don’t think so.
"We are heading to Norway to get some real northern exposure to the life and the people, at work and having fun.”
Meanwhile, a new series has also been commissioned for Scotland's Sacred Islands With Ben Fogle.
He will explore the stunning landscapes and learn about spiritual beliefs across several beautiful islands, meeting plenty of locals along the way.
The programme will also feature drone footage of the scenery of Scotland's islands.
Ben said: “I’m thrilled to be continuing my spiritual odyssey across some of Scotland’s most special and secret places.
"I travel the world meeting extraordinary people in beautiful lands but the Scottish islands have a magic all of their own.
"Their shared communities and deep connection with the land, air and sea are what I want to explore. What does it take to live and work in such harsh but stunning landscapes?
"Ultimately, what do people believe in and why does faith, in all its senses, play such a huge part in island life?”
Both series are being produced by Tern, a Scottish company which is part of Zinc Media.
David Marshall, head of entertainment at Tern, said: “Making series where big-name talent do counterintuitive things is what Tern is known for, and we are pleased to have secured another series with Martin and Ben, both household names who are able to disarm contributors and make audiences feel they are part of their adventures.”
Harry Bell, managing director at Tern, added: “Tern’s strength is in bringing Nations stories to the Network, as well as marrying top talent with their passions - so these commissions sit perfectly in our sweet spot.
"Not only that, returnable series form the foundation of our business, and allow us to continue to grow and evolve.”
Steve Allen, BBC Scotland's commissioning editor, said: “Viewers loved these series though they each brought something very different to the table.
"Martin and Phil’s irrepressible sense of fun, based on their solid friendship, delighted viewers as they travelled across Scotland and it is going to be so interesting – and I would expect a lot of fun – to get their take on Norway.
“While Ben’s serenity as he took a spiritual island tour, with the backdrop of fantastic scenery, engaged people in a different way, but again was very much taken to viewers’ hearts.
“And we are delighted these wonderful wanderers are returning to BBC Scotland and BBC network for new series.”
