Wild Scotland: The Western Isles - National Geographic for everyone in everywhere

Synopsis

Filmed over the course of a year, Scotland's enigmatic Hebridean islands are the stage of rock and water that offer unrivalled dramatic scenes of contrasting natural forces. From violent winter storms thrashing volcanic rock to golden summer evenings on sandy beaches, this is the story of the ebb and flow of nature at its most powerful. The extreme conditions give rise to amazing tales of survival as we follow animal families through key moments in their life cycle. From grey seals trying to protect their young from giant waves, to puffins, eagles and basking sharks, this is wildlife at its purest. Filmed with pioneering underwater macro, aerial and infra-red cinematography, Islands On The Edge delivers unrivalled richness of content about a landscape that few of us will ever have the privilege to experience.

Episodes

Season 1

Wild Scotland: The Western Isles 1, 1

In this first episode Autumn arrives with a vengeance. Young swallows, otters and grey seals face up to the biggest storms and highest tides of the year as they move towards independence. Tens of thousands of geese and swans arrive for the Winter only to find predatory white-tailed eagles hungry and ready to hunt them. And on the Isle of Rum, a mighty stag faces the ultimate challenge in a battle to decide the true Monarch of the Glen.

Wild Scotland: The Western Isles 1, 2

In the second programme of this landmark series, the Islands on the Edge are hit by the biggest storm in living memory. As the drama unfolds we follow the lives of white-tailed eagles, harbour seals, hares, pine martens and short-eared owls as they struggle to raise their families. As the wild weather finally passes and the seas warm, the story moves beneath the waves to reveal the arrival of Scotlands Ocean juggernauts basking sharks!

Wild Scotland: The Western Isles 1, 3

Of all the Western Isles, the Outer Hebrides are the most exposed to the full power of the Atlantic. And the wildlife here is the most spectacular in Europe. Seabirds rush to feed their hungry chicks while avoiding bonxies predatory skuas with a taste for young puffins

Wild Scotland: The Western Isles 1, 4

In the final episode of "Wild Scotland," we meet the people of the Hebrides, who co-exist with some wild neighbors. Ferryman Donnie McDonalds business thrives thanks to on-board entertainment from the white-tailed eagles hunting alongside the boat.