James R | On 29, Apr 2019

Scot Squad fans will get an extra treat when the current series comes to an end on BBC Scotland, with a Scot Squad spin-off commissioned for BBC iPlayer. The special is part of BBC Scotland’s iPlayer-exclusive strategy, bringing more comedy to audiences and more development opportunities for both writing and acting talent. It will be available on BBC iPlayer alongside three other short form comedy series.

The comedies are commissioned by BBC Scotland’s Gavin Smith, commissioning executive comedy, drama and entertainment and Louise Thornton, commissioning executive for digital and youth.
Commenting on the commissions Louise says: “We’re delighted to deliver this extra helping of Scot Squad, as we know how much the audience enjoy it. We hope they also enjoy discovering the characters in these new comedy series, which will be published on the same night.

“Audience consumption habits continue to change and our iPlayer-exclusive content is designed to reflect this. Our comedy shorts give audiences an extra helping of laughs on a digital platform whilst allowing us to develop and nurture the up and coming comedy talent that exists in Scotland.”

Audiences will be able to find the extra comedy helpings on BBC iPlayer from 10.30pm on Thursday 9th May. Also published on the same evening will be three short form comedies Bridge & Allen; Hings and a second series of The Farm. Featuring some big names alongside new talent, each of the comedies are part of the overall multiplatform channel strategy.

Here’s the run down of what’s been commissioned:

Scot Squad: The Chief Does Edinburgh (3×10′)

Chief Cameron Miekelson (Jack Docherty) gives viewers his unique take on the nation’s capital, looking at the history, geography and literature of Edinburgh, including a heated discussion with acclaimed author Ian Rankin.

Scot Squad is a Comedy Unit Production for BBC Scotland. The executive producer is Rab Christie.

Bridge & Allen (3×10′)

Scottish music legends Bridge & Allen return to the scene after an absence of 40 years. Icons of the 1970s international folk scene, Alan Allen and Duncan Bridge unexpectedly ‘retired’ in 1978 at the height of their fame. An inspiration for a generation of musicians, Bridge & Allen mark their return by granting BBC Scotland an access-all area series as they record their much anticipated comeback album of duets.

Bridge & Allen stars Mike Keat and Archie Easton who are better known as musical performers with the hugely successful Cuban Brothers group who have been entertaining audiences around the world for the last 20 years.

This music mockumentary features appearances from The Proclaimers, KT Tunstall and Mel C.

Bridge & Allen is a BBC Scotland music, entertainment and events production for BBC Scotland.

Hings (3×5′)

Scottish author Chris McQueer turns his attentions to the screen with this adaptation of his book Hings. This three-part series of darkly comic and surrealist short films proves itself to be equal parts grotesque, funny, poignant and proudly Scottish. Featuring new and established talent including David Hayman, Paul McCole, Mark Dallas and Ellie Laird, Hings is guaranteed to evoke a reaction in anyone who watches it, whether it’s laughter, tears, tears of laughter or mouth-wide-open shock.

Hings is a Belter Studios and Serious Facilities Co Production for BBC Scotland.

The Farm (3×5′)

Following a successful debut on iPlayer in 2018, Perthshire farmer Jim MacDonald returns to offer a unique insight on life in mini mockumentary The Farm. Jim (Smith) is a proud man who cares deeply about what he does. His temperamental mother (Ann Louise Ross) is extremely hard to please and doesn’t mind delivering home truths while loyal farmhand Donnie (Chris Forbes) provides an optimism somewhere between naïve and completely deluded. In this three-part series we follow the struggles of Jim as he wonders if he will ever find love again, attempts to impress local vet Annette (Lisa Livingstone) and gets involved in a turf war with his neighbour over a fence. This warm and witty comedy is written by and stars Jim Smith and Chris Forbes.

The Farm is a BBC Studios production for BBC Scotland.

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