Banjo and Ro Return to Ulva as Grand Island Hotel Restoration Continues

Image: BBC

By Jon Donnis

The remarkable transformation of a derelict mansion on one of Scotland’s most remote islands is set to continue as Banjo Beale and his partner Ro return for a second series of Banjo and Ro’s Grand Island Hotel.

Following the success of the debut series, cameras will once again follow the couple as they continue their ambitious efforts to turn Ulva House into a boutique hotel destination. Produced by Hello Halo, the six-part series has been co-commissioned by BBC Scotland and BBC Factual Entertainment.

After relocating to the Isle of Ulva in 2025 with their dog Grampa, Banjo and Ro embraced the challenges that came with island life, limited resources and the enormous task of restoring an abandoned mansion. The new series picks up as work continues on the property, with the couple determined to push forward despite the pressures that come with such a demanding project.

Viewers can also expect some new additions to the household. Joining Banjo, Ro and Grampa is a Scottish Deerhound puppy named Cousin Jerry, while familiar faces from the local community and the team of handymen return to help keep the restoration moving.

Banjo says the new series raises the stakes even further. After exhausting their budget during the first stage of the project, he explains that creativity has become more important than ever. Alongside the ongoing work on Ulva House, the couple will be taking on even bigger plans while dealing with a growing collection of animals that includes puppies, peacocks and even a llama. He describes life on the island as unpredictable but says that is exactly what makes the experience so rewarding, promising plenty of hard work, humour and the occasional mishap along the way.

Ro offers a more cautious perspective on the latest chapter of their adventure. He jokes that most people would probably rest after renovating a crumbling mansion on a remote island, but Banjo instead decided the answer was more projects, more animals and even less money. According to Ro, every time completion feels close, Banjo appears with another ambitious idea, ensuring there is always another challenge waiting around the corner.

The series will also shine a light on the local characters who have become an important part of life on Ulva. Ro credits island ferryman Rhuri and neighbour Barry for helping keep both the project and Banjo grounded as the restoration continues.

The return of the series follows a strong response to its first outing. Banjo and Ro’s Grand Island Hotel proved particularly popular on BBC iPlayer, earning a place among the platform’s Top 10 BBC lifestyle titles of 2026. With the restoration still far from complete, the new series promises another look at the determination, creativity and community spirit required to bring the Grand Island Hotel vision to life.