Climber Dave MacLeod checks out a potential route for the live climb. Photo: Richard Else
Television viewers in Scotland will be able to watch a live attempt on a Hebridean crag by two of Britain’s top climbers.
Dave MacLeod and Tim Emmett are tackling the daunting overhanging crag of Sròn Uladail on Harris in what the BBC is calling one of the largest outside broadcasts to be mounted in the Outer Hebrides.
The climb will be broadcast on Saturday, 28 August on BBC Two in Scotland from 1.35pm, and on the BBC HD channel on from 5pm. The programme should also be available on the corporation’s iPlayer.
A BBC spokesperson said: “Permission for the ground-breaking programme was granted on the basis that the producers agreed a ‘leave-no-trace’ commitment to protect the fragile local environment, with much equipment being flown in to prevent any erosion to the mountain trails and rare plant communities that live on them.
“The programme also features a spectacular world-record attempt by the two climbers from earlier in the summer when they endeavoured to ascend five other world-class new routes in five Outer Hebrides islands in just five days.
“There are also features reflecting the cultural, linguistic and historic importance of the location on Harris and also on its outstanding natural history and landscape.
“Leading Scottish walker Cameron McNeish has also been developing a new long-distance route throughout the Outer Isles, which is revealed during the programme.”
Climber Dave MacLeod. Photo: Richard Else
David Harron, head of television sport at BBC Scotland, said: “This promises to be a memorable televisual event, combining physical drama and spectacular scenery with leading-edge broadcast technology shot in high definition. It will be a landmark project in its scale and ambition, which we hope will provide a compelling viewing experience.”
Dougie Vipond, who presents the programme, says: “This is set to be one of the most inspiring films ever produced of climbers in action. It will be a hugely challenging and bold ascent and our cameras will be there to capture all the drama as it happens.”
