07/11/2009

Mark presents...

With the prospect of rising household fuel costs upon us this winter, many rural dwellers are either turning to or considering micro-renewables. We take a look at some of the options available to people, from installing wind turbines and ground source heating to using more wood. We find out how much such schemes cost to install, what the pay-off time is and whether or not grants are available. Mark gets his house assessed by the Energy Saving Trust to see how he could save money this winter. And Euan hears about plans in the Cairngorms National Park for residents to use more wood fuel for heating.

As we've discussed regularly on the programme, spending time being active in the outdoors is good for you. This is the premise behind many outdoor education schemes who aim to take children out of their everyday - often urban - environment and offer them the chance to have life changing experiences. Mark visits the Ardroy Outdoor Education Trust in Lochgoilhead and joins in some of the fun.

We get the latest on the debate on Scotland's National Parks which took place on Wednesday at the Scottish Parliament.

Euan visits Kingussie High School to take part in a rather unusual after school activity - roller skiing, which involves moving around on short skis with wheels on the bottom.

And are you feeling down? Now that the clocks have changed, do you feel a strong urge to hibernate? We hear from a motivational expert who can offer some simple advice on how to beat the winter blues.