Secret Scotland (2019–2020) User Reviews

Worth It!

[mickeyj-53369 · 9/10 · 15 June 2020]

Never watched Susan until Hogmanay then she burst onto our screens. Having toured much of my beautiful country I was hesitant to give this a go thinking it would be boring, Susan would be annoying and it would be your typical narrative with some scenery shots! Surprisingly enjoyable, should be longer with more historical points on landmarks but can't really grumble

For serious history...

[lexibility · 7/10 · 26 February 2019]

... there are thousands of great books out there!

But for entertainment, this is quite fun. I found I liked Susan Calman more than I'd expected; she has a bubbly personality and is unpretentious about the subject matter.

Great for those who enjoy scenery, a pleasant host, and a bit of local colour

[iheartbritishtv · 10/10 · 22 February 2019]

If you're looking for a history documentary on Scotland, this is not the program you want. On the other hand, if you want a bit of scenery, some lesser-known facts about popular tourist areas, a dash of local colour, and an absolutely delightful host, you'll love Secret Scotland.

Thus far, the show has taken us to Edinburgh, Stirling, and St. Andrews (along with a few assorted small towns in the surrounding areas). Even as an American, I've been to many of the sites Mrs. Calman visits - but I love that she highlights some of the more unique and unusual aspects of the locations. It makes me want to go back, even though there are still so many UK destinations I've yet to visit a first time.

Episode 3 goes up to Loch Ness, and I'm probably most excited for that one. The endearingly-eccentric Nessie expert Adrian Shine makes an appearance, and I'm more than a little jealous of the host for getting to meet him.

If you enjoy a bit of Scottish scenery presented by a host who just radiates kindness and general pleasantness, definitely check this one out.

Beautiful & Exuberant!

[melonknee62 · 10/10 · 11 October 2020]

With the enthusiastic Susan Calman as a host, you get to see so many interesting & enjoyable sites in the lovely land of Scotland. Susan is a fabulous host as she is exuberant about all she shares. Definitely makes me want to take a trip to Scotland!

Fabulous

[patersly · 10/10 · 6 October 2019]

Absolutely loved this series. Susan Calmam is an excellent presenter. Have watched so many programmes about Scotland but have to say that Susan's enthusiasm and humour made this an absolute joy to watch. Hope there is an series soon

Delightful light hearted show

[colin_meadley · 10/10 · 22 February 2020]

A great show about little known facts about well known Scottish places of interest. Plus the boyish charm of Susan Calman, who is a little bit like Marmite (you either love her or hate her) I love the way she presents this programme.

Fake facts

[derekmclay-45646 · 1/10 · 14 November 2020]

You'd think being a lawyer, Susan Calman would have done some of her own research before "starring" in this show. The rep from Loch Fyne Oysters claimed that the waters of Loch Fyne were 'pristine' because there was nothing going into Loch Fyne to pollute. In 1987 the first record of Paralytic Shellfish Poison in shellfish from Ardkinglass, Loch Fyne, was detected in shore mussels near what was then called the 'biggest salmon farm in the world' with a biomass of 1,600 tonnes of salmon.

Every year since, a variety of biotoxins such as Amnesic Shellfish Toxin, Paralytic Shellfish toxin, Diarrhetic Shellfish Toxin, and Fish and shellfish killing biotoxins have developed in Loch Fyne which is subject to the discharge of many thousands of tonnes of raw untreated waste from the huge salmon feedlots which are multiplying throughout the lochs, channels and bays of the Clyde estuary. Efforts to solve cultural problems by discharging chemicals to prevent parasites and harmful organisms multiply the extent and form of the pollution.

Simply wonderful.

[smariedoucet · 10/10 · 19 December 2020]

I lauged, I cried and I learned more than a few new things about Scotland. Susan Calman it wonderful.

Worst Host Ever Again

[birdgerry · 1/10 · 21 January 2020]

As another reviewer said, "worst host ever". She doesn't know Scotland, she's not funny and so opinionated. It's a terrible shame because the potential to be a good show.

Scrappy

[celtigra · 2/10 · 17 February 2019]

I decided to watch this as being Scottish I am interested in Scottish history. The first programme went from Edinburgh straight to St Andrews, bypassing Dunfermline which was the ancient capital and bypassing Kirkcaldy, home of Adam Smith. The pieces were very short and more about how Calman felt about everything, rather than being historical. I watched the second episode hoping it would get better, but it did not. She is marginally less irritating than Neil Oliver, but again it's the Susan Calman Show rather than Secret Scotland. As I lay person I would venture to say that I know more Scottish History, despite being brought up abroad, than Ms Calman. I regret I wasted my time.

Worst host ever on a show.

[jamesderek77 · 1/10 · 9 March 2019]

I just tried to watch this show being Scottish. The unattractive, unfunny and really annoying host ruined it for me. I have no idea who she is, but she looks like she hasn't showered in a week, she seemed to really annoy some of the people she talked with and she is not funny. With her presenting, I won't bother watching it again. Its a shame as most people watching will see her and think she represents Scotland. She doesn't, get someone with a nice personality who doesn't feel the need to put their stupid thoughts on everything. No one cares what you think Calman.

Scenerie is beautiful!

[iahit · 4/10 · 25 January 2020]

Unfortunately the comedian Susan, not so much, rather annoying with her remarks...

New presenter required!

[marieg-89069 · 4/10 · 9 February 2020]

Susan Calman so irritating to watch I couldn't even finish the series. Cringe worthy jokes and at times acts like a ned. And that's the first impression the world is seeing of Scotland. Really is this the only Scottish "talent" that Channel 5 could find to advertise Scotland!