Hosted by Iain Stirling for the BBC
March 26, 2025 – BBC Factual and BBC Scotland have commissioned Race Against the Tide, a new competitive format hosted by comedian Iain Stirling and produced by Tern, a Zinc Media Company. Production will take place in Scotland this May, and casting is now underway.
On a stunning Scottish beach eight talented teams go head-to-head in a high stakes contest, not only competing against each other but also against Mother Nature to produce amazing sand sculptures.
The reality twist is the ticking clock of the incoming tide. The teams only have 6 hours to complete their builds – from the moment the tide goes out to when it comes crashing back onto the shore. Who can carve the best sand masterpiece before the sea washes everything away?
Iain Stirling is beach ready to issue daily craft challenges and keep the sculptors entertained as the tide retreats. Finally, as the waves lap in, he’ll wave a red flag to signal the start of judging, to discover who will be leaving the beach. Only one team can emerge triumphant at the end of the week and be crowned Race Against the Tide champions.
The six-part series is the first adaptation of Blue Ant Studios’ Race Against the Tide, originally produced for CBC in Canada.
Iain Stirling said: ‘Normally, when I’m asked to get beach-ready, it’s for a very different kind of show! But this one is unlike anything I’ve seen before, and filming in Scotland makes it even more special (and will make attending Hibs games much easier).’
Catherine Catton, Head of Commissioning, Factual Entertainment and Events, said: ‘We’re delighted to be partnering with Tern and BBC Scotland to bring this feel-good competition to audiences right across the UK. Whether you live near a beach or simply take the kids to the sand pit at the local park, the epic sand sculptures in this series are sure to inspire families everywhere to get out in nature and give it a go.’
Louise Thornton, Head of Multiplatform Commissioning, BBC Scotland, said: ‘Against a background of a stunning Scottish seascape, this series will make a splash. Viewers will lap up the combination of artistry, jeopardy and fun – and Iain is the ideal host to steer the sand sculptors and audience through the show’s twists and turns.’
Harry Bell, Executive Producer, Tern, said: ‘We’re thrilled to be bringing Race Against the Tide to the UK as our first green reality craft show. Combining all the elements of sand, sea, rain and wind is the perfect set up for an all Scotland production so bring on the high tide! This show marks a huge sea change for Tern as we continue to build on our mantra of Made in Scotland, Watched by the World.’
Race Against the Tide, a six-part series for BBC Two, BBC Scotland and iPlayer, is made by Tern, a Zinc Media Company. The series is Executive Produced by Harry Bell and David Marshall, with Angela Smith as Production Executive and Diane Dunbar as Head of Production. It was commissioned by Catherine Catton, Head of Commissioning, Factual Entertainment and Events and Louise Thornton, Head of Commissioning, BBC Scotland, and Steve Allen, Commissioning Executive, BBC Scotland. The format was created, and originally produced, by Blue Ant Studios, which also oversees global distribution for the format and all versions of the series. Production will start in May 2025.
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