Race Against the Tide Begins Filming on St Andrews' West Sands Beach

Image: BBC Press

By Jon Donnis

BBC Scotland's latest competitive reality series, Race Against the Tide, has officially started filming in the scenic coastal town of St Andrews. Set against the striking West Sands Beach, the show promises a unique blend of creativity, tension and natural drama as teams of sand sculptors face off against the clock and the tide.

At the heart of the series are seven teams made up of both amateur and professional sand artists. Their challenge is simple in concept but brutally difficult in execution: create an awe-inspiring sculpture before the sea claims their canvas. As the tide creeps in, each team must race to complete their design under pressure, knowing only one will make it through to the end. One team will be eliminated in each episode.

Presiding over the chaos is BAFTA-winning comedian Iain Stirling, who acts as both host and commentator. His familiar humour will guide viewers through each episode, adding levity to a competition where every minute and every grain of sand counts. Stirling commented on the experience of filming in Scotland, saying, "It's very rare I get to spend a day on a sunny beach and it's even rarer when that beach is in Scotland, so I am absolutely buzzing to be in St Andrews to kick off filming for Race Against the Tide. When else do you get a chance to combine crazy impressive sand art and the ever-looming threat of the tide washing it away?"

Judging duties are handled by artist Sadie Clayton and renowned sand sculptor Jamie Wardley. They are tasked with selecting the strongest sculpture in each episode before the ocean wipes it away. Their expertise brings a serious artistic edge to a format that otherwise teeters between performance art and natural spectacle.

The show is being produced by Tern TV in partnership with BBC Scotland. Catherine Catton, Head of Commissioning for Factual Entertainment and Events, sees the show as an accessible way to inspire audiences to reconnect with nature and creativity. "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."

BBC Scotland's Louise Thornton adds, "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."

Tern's Executive Producer Harry Bell highlights the sustainability angle, calling it "the green reality show." He sees Race Against the Tide as a way to celebrate both the fragility and power of nature while showcasing an often underappreciated art form.

With a charismatic host, breathtaking coastal visuals and a fresh take on reality competition, Race Against the Tide looks set to bring something different to UK screens. The tide may be the real villain of the show, but the creativity and passion of the sculptors promise to leave a lasting impression long after the waves have come and gone.