CONCERNS have been raised after an “inspiring” BBC Scotland series announced that it has been cancelled after “19 great years”.
The production company behind The Adventure Show, which was first broadcast in 2007 and focuses on outdoor pursuits north of the Border, said in a post on social media that it would not be returning to Scottish screens.
“Sadly after 19 great years we now say goodbye to the Adventure Show on BBC Scotland,” Adventure Show Productions wrote.
“It’s been a blast – a wonderful adventure community; so many fantastic events; such inspiring stories and, of course, everyone we’ve met along the way.
“What an amazing journey we’ve all shared, but all things must come to an end.”
It comes after the most recent series welcomed new hosts Calum Maclean and Marie Meldrum, who appeared in their first broadcast in February 2024.
The news that the show has been cancelled has been met with concern.
One of the most recent episodes focused on the extreme triathlon "the Celtman". Paul McGreal, the director of the Scottish outdoors company Durty Events, told The National that it was one example of the show promoting events which provide important contributions for rural Scotland’s economy.
“The programme has inspired countless people to ‘have a go’ and become more active. There are positive stories to be told. The Adventure Show has changed lives,” he went on.
“The production team behind the show have credibility within the adventure sector – they are ‘one of us’. The skills they bring are specialist – telling the story of adventure is not straightforward. These skills will be hard or impossible to replicate if momentum is lost by cancelling this programme.”
“The adventure sport fanbase, whether vicarious or participative, is very significant in Scotland – we are a big audience (as proven by the viewing figures for the show when broadcast on BBC2 Scotland).
“The Adventure Show was ‘destination TV’ for us. Cancelling ‘our’ show makes us all invisible, we’ve been disenfranchised.”
McGreal further raised concerns that the cancellation of the show could have negative impacts on the economic contributions of Scotland’s outdoor sector, as well as stated Government aims around health and positive tourism.
The Adventure Show Productions post announcing that the show will no longer run has also seen an outpouring of support.
“Gutted to hear this. It's been such an inspiring programme showcasing some of the most brilliant wee events across the country,” one Facebook user wrote in response.
“Really? Surely there must be a channel that can pick this fantastic show up? It was this show that inspired me to set myself my first running challenge – the Glencoe Marathon,” another said.
“After seeing it on the AS [Adventure Show], I decided I needed to start running to get fit enough to give that event a go. Show will be sorely missed, if that’s it definitely leaving our screens for good!”
BBC Scotland said: "Due to changing audience habits and pressure on budgets, we have taken the decision not to recommission The Adventure Show in its current format.
"Scotland’s adventure sport scene will continue to be included in other parts of our output and we are always open to hearing ideas from producers."
