RURAL TV programme Landward is returning for a new series, showcasing the Scottish countryside, celebrating its wildlife, its food and drink sectors and investigating important rural affairs stories, with presenters Dougie Vipond, Arlene Stuart, Euan McIlwraith and Anne Lundon.

Starting on April 16 at 7.30pm, the first episode of the new spring season focuses on disappearing Scotland, a special investigation into one of the biggest challenges facing the country – coastal erosion. Working with a team from Glasgow University, Dougie Vipond will be looking at parts of the Scottish coastline at threat.

Future Landward special investigations include the problems facing young people living and working in the Scottish countryside, coinciding with Scotland’s Year of Young People. The team will meet young people from the Borders to the Hebrides to learn about issues ranging from the rural housing crisis, to the difficulties new entrants face establishing themselves in farming. A lambing special in April will see the team embedded on the farm of Joyce Campbell, in Armadale, Sutherland, as she works day and night through the busiest and most critical time of the farming year.

Strands running through the series include a celebration of Scotland’s bridges, and the whys and wherefores of keeping some of Scotland’s fabulous native breeds, from the Boreray Sheep to the Eriskay Pony and the Scots Dumpy chicken.