Main content
Sorry, this episode is not currently available

On Scotland's west coast, Neil Oliver joins the crew of the last surviving coal-fired, steam-powered Clyde puffer.

On Scotland's west coast, Neil Oliver joins the crew of the last surviving coal-fired, steam-powered Clyde puffer.

The puffers were tough little working boats carrying cargo out from Glasgow. In the 19th century, they brought the Industrial Revolution to the Western Isles of Scotland. Neil discovers how the Clyde puffer crews became local heroes immortalised in the much-loved fictional tales of skipper Para Handy and his boat the Vital Spark.

Out in the Western Isles, Hermione Cockburn visits the 'islands that roofed the world'. So much slate was taken away that the islands around Easdale have been turned into a paradise of deep, clear pools by the great flood that finally stopped the mining. No wonder it's now home to the world stone-skimming championship.

14 minutes

Credits

Role Contributor
Presenter Neil Oliver
Presenter Hermione Cockburn
Series Producer Steve Evanson
Executive Producer William Lyons

Broadcasts

Meet the Coast team

Presented by a team of experts, between them they can investigate almost anything!

Explore your world with 麻豆社 Earth

Visit 麻豆社 Earth, the new home of wildlife on the 麻豆社.