Hidden Lives (2019)

In this brand new series, writers delve into lesser-known aspects of contemporary Scottish society. They explore customs, passions and pastimes that rarely hit the headlines yet give communities a strong sense of identity and belonging. Episode 1 features the Clavie, a spectacular fire festival celebrated in Burghead on the Moray Coast. Peter Ross meets the ‘Clavie crew’, a group of brave men who carry a flaming barrel of tar on their backs through the streets of the ‘Broch’ in a ceremony that is believed to bring good luck and burn the evil spirit out of the village. The men carry far more than just their burning burden, rather they bear their heritage and identity aloft. As the forces of health and safety and modernity press in on their ancient custom, the stubborn Brochers are determined to continue their traditions unchanged.

Award-winning journalist Peter Ross experiences the pomp and pageantry of the Bo'ness Fair, said to be the largest children's fair in Europe. Each year since 1897, a local schoolgirl has been crowned Fair Queen in a ceremony which arguably means more to the town than a real coronation would to the nation. The graft and craft that goes into celebrating the occasion has to be seen to believed. It is a psychedelic trip, featuring hand-built plywood castles bigger than houses, custom-made dresses that would be the envy of any young royal, and a grand procession with bands and floats which is a sort of Scottish mardi gras.

Passionate feminist Vonny LeClerc never imagined she would have a cheerleader for a daughter, but she finds out that this modern sport is a far cry from the 80s stereotype.

Samantha Little explores an extremely mucky pre-wedding ritual popular in the north of Scotland. Originating from an ancient custom of rubbing soot into the feet, the modern blackening is a very different affair and can be a wild and riotous occasion. The engaged couple are kidnapped and are ‘gunked’, by friends and family, who use all manner of disgusting substances, including fermented dog food, rotten eggs and even fish guts. The purpose of this revolting tradition? To bring good luck, of course! Samantha, who was blackened herself, follows two brave couples who allowed the cameras to capture every disgusting moment.

In this episode, presenter Vonny LeClerc delves into the fast and furious world of roller derby. The sport has exploded in popularity over the past decade with teams springing up all over Scotland. A cross between British bulldog and speedskating, it demands fitness, technique and skating skills, but in exchange for dedication there is an unrivalled feeling of community. Rediscovering her own passion for the sport, Vonny visits her old team in Edinburgh, the Auld Reekie Roller Girls, and trains with them for this first time in five years. She also witnesses the A-team snatch a last gasp victory against Nottingham’s Hell Fire Harlots, which propels them back into the European top twenty rankings. This grassroots DIY sport is a window into an alternative expression of femininity and sisterhood – one that is powerful, fearless and challenging.

Guitarist and ex-band member Vonny LeClerc explores a burgeoning underground music scene - feminist rock music. All-women bands are on the rise across the country, particularly in Edinburgh, where a Girls Rock School has trained and inspired hundreds of budding musicians over the past five years. Vonny visits the school, meets some attendees and chats to the school's founders, finding out their reasons for wanting to encourage more women into rock music. These feisty women are responding to the world around them with loud guitars and punchy lyrics which often have strong political messages. Vonny follows an all-female band play live for the first time at a riotous Girls Rock School showcase gig in Edinburgh. Atmosphere-wise, it's one of the best Vonny has ever attended in two decades of gig-going, proving to her that feminism is not just alive and well in Scotland, it has its own unique soundtrack.