A NEW five-part series is set to explore the fascinating history, geology and beauty of the Fife Coastal Path and uncovers Fife’s Gaelic connections.

Iagan MacNeil will present Slighe Chladach Fìobha/Fife Coastal Path on BBC Alba as he walks sections of the 117 mile-long route from the Kincardine Bridge to Newburgh.

Barra man, Iagan, has lived the last 20 years in Edinburgh looking over to Fife and he’s always dreamed of going across the water to investigate this beautiful part of the country.

On his journey along this scenic route Iagan encounters several Gaelic place names and finds out more about the area’s Gaelic connections.

He passes through industrial sites old and new, picturesque fishing towns in the East Neuk, St Andrews the home of golf, nature reserves and plenty of beautiful beaches.

Iagan said: “The Fife Coastal Path is a treasure trove of fascinating history, interesting culture, generous people and beautiful scenery. Every step of the path showcases the very best of the kingdom and it was great to experience it for myself and to hear the accounts of Fife's past, present and future.

“Following the path was the ideal way to learn of Fife’s contribution to the world from lime kilns, linoleum and golf to reinvigorated industries such as whisky distilling and salt production which will help to sustain these coastal communities. I particularly enjoyed learning about Fife's fishing heritage and seeing the beautiful harbours along the coastline, each with its own unique character and history.

“This walk taught me about Fife’s deep connections with Gaelic. It was fascinating to learn that the language I've spoken since birth has enduring connections, many miles from where I grew up. It was also exciting to hear of the work being done to keep the language alive across the kingdom. I hope my adventure inspires others to experience this interesting corner of Scotland for themselves.”

Slighe Chladach Fìobha/Fife Coastal Path starts on Tuesday, July 6 at 8.30pm and is on weekly until 3rd August. Each episode will also be available on the BBC iPlayer for 30 days afterwards.

Week One - Kincardine to Limekilns: Iagan starts off at the Kincardine Bridge, passes the now-decommissioned Longannet Power Station and the artificial island created from the ash it produced. He wanders through the historic village of Culross, and talks to author of Warriors & Witches and Damn Rebel Bitches, Mairi Kidd, about the only known grave site of someone accused of witchcraft in Scotland. He also visits the lime kilns in the cliffs at Charlestown and find out the history of this once vital industry at the Scottish Lime Centre, where he takes part in a demonstration of how the lime was made.

Week Two - Limekilns to Kirkcaldy: Iagan sees the magnificent Forth Bridges up close, visits the Carlingnose Nature Reserve, Inverkeithing, Dalgety Bay, Aberdour and its Silver Sands, Burntisland and Kirkcaldy. He also enjoys the sunshine and gets a few shinty tips from the Aberdour Ladies’ Team.

Week Three - Dysart to Elie: Iagan’s in the lovely towns of Dysart and West Wemyss, where he finds out all about the ancient Pictish carvings in the Wemyss Caves. He also crosses the Bawbee Bridge into Leven, visits the town’s Silverburn Park and braves the Elie chain walk.

Week Four - Elie to Crail: Iagan visits the picturesque and quintessentially Fife fishing villages of St Monans, Pittenweem, Anstruther, Cellardyke and Crail where he pans for garnets, goes fossil-hunting and visits the incredible Caiplie Caves.

Week Five - Crail to Newburgh: Iagan finds out why the area is synonymous with golf, he sees the magnificent Rock and Spindle sea stack and finds out about the project to restore the sand dunes at the famous West Sands beach in St Andrews. He also sees the Tay Bridges up close and visits Lindores Abbey and Distillery.