Beechgrove branches out across the Pond
AMERICANS may not be renowned for their gardening skills.
But now they will get the chance to learn some horticultural expertise, as The Beechgrove Garden is beamed across the Pond for the first time.
Viewers in Canada and the US will be able to watch the long-running show via streaming service BritBox.
Presenter Brian Cunningham, who is also head gardener at Scone Palace, revealed he has taken special measures to ensure his accent will be understood. Speaking to Good Morning Scotland, he joked: ‘I’ve been taking elocution lessons – I can’t even say that word. I actually feel proud when I have some subtitles.’
The gardening programme returned to Scottish screens last night.
Mr Cunningham said: ‘It is mindblowing to think that we are going to have this international audience, but I think and really hope they will love it.’ Mr Cunningham added he was confident the programme would translate well, despite Americans having different names for some plants – such as rutabaga (neeps) and arugula (rocket).
Launched in 1978, the programme is one of BBC Scotland’s longest running and a favourite with fans. The current series, showing every Thursday, will feature garden reports from Mr Cunningham and fellow presenters Chris Beardshaw, George Anderson, Kirsty Wilson and Carole Baxter.
Emily Powers, of BritBox North America, said: ‘Our community will appreciate this window into Scotland.’