Iain Stirling to ‘Race Against the Tide’ with the BBC

Production for the new competitive format will occur in Scotland this May, with casting currently in progress…

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.

Iain Stirling:

‘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).’

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.

Catherine Catton, BBC Head of Commissioning, Factual Entertainment and Events:

‘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.’

Race Against the Tide, a six-part series for BBC Two, BBC Scotland and iPlayer, is made by Tern, a Zinc Media Company. 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.