International best-selling cookbook author Coinneach MacLeod, aka Hebridean Baker, will make his television presenting debut this autumn in a brand new culinary travel series, Hebridean Baker: Nordic Islands.
The four-part series, which will see Coinneach swap his kitchen on the Scottish islands for a Nordic foodie adventure, will be released in two versions: a Gaelic-language edition airing exclusively on BBC ALBA and BBC iPlayer, and an English-language version.
Produced by Caledonia TV, this is no ordinary food show - it’s a journey into the heart of island life, where food becomes a thread that weaves together culture, identity and survival. A voyage rich with flavour, folklore and unforgettable characters.
From joining the crew on an Arctic fishing boat, to baking cakes fit for a princess in the Baltic, Hebridean Baker: Nordic Islands follows Coinneach’s travels across some of Europe’s most breathtaking islands - diving headfirst into the wild and wonderful flavours of the North. Along the way, he discovers age-old traditions, meets passionate food producers, rolls up his sleeves in home kitchens and humble village bakeries and joins a chef in a Michelin-starred restaurant.
Filmed on location across four extraordinary Nordic islands - Lofoten, the Faroe Islands, Gotland and Bornholm - each island stop reveals something new - not just about the food, but about resilience, creativity and the powerful ties that bind islanders together across borders and seas.
The series follows Coinneach - clad in his signature Fair Isle knitted sweaters and yellow wellies - as he samples Arctic cod beneath Lofoten’s mountainous peaks, shares a meal of fermented mutton with local Faroese farmers, brews Viking-style ale on Gotland and uncovers the secrets behind Denmark’s world-famous pastries on Bornholm.
With warmth, wit and curiosity, Coinneach brings his trademark Hebridean charm to every encounter - proving that while the landscapes may change, the heart of island life beats strong wherever you go.
Hebridean Baker: Nordic Islands is a celebration of tradition, connection and the adventurous spirit of islanders - where every recipe comes with a story.
Hebridean Baker: Nordic Islands is funded by MG ALBA, Screen Scotland and Fremantle, who will launch the series at Mipcom in October. Fremantle handles global distribution for the series.
The Hebridean Baker: Nordic Islands– 4 x 45 minutes – is a Caledonia TV production for BBC ALBA, and BBC iPlayer. The series is Executive Produced by Dean Palmer, series produced by Julie McCrone and directed by Faye Maclean. The Commissioning Editor for BBC ALBA is Bill Macleod. The series is being distributed globally by Fremantle. The series will air on BBC ALBA and BBC iPlayer in the autumn. Broadcast details will be confirmed in due course.
Coinneach MacLeod commented: "This series has been a dream come true. I’ve always believed food connects us, and on Hebridean Baker: Nordic Islands, I’ve been welcomed into kitchens, farms and cafés across the north, meeting incredible bakers, fishermen and storytellers whose passion for their island, culture and cuisine has been inspiring. It’s been a joy to explore and share those connections."
Margaret Cameron, Director of Content at MG ALBA, said: "Coinneach brings a unique warmth and authenticity to the screen - qualities that resonate deeply with audiences at home and abroad. Hebridean Baker: Nordic Islands is more than a foodie series; it’s a heartfelt celebration of island life and the threads that connect communities across oceans. We are proud to premiere this beautifully crafted series in Gaelic on BBC ALBA, and to see Gaelic storytelling take its rightful place on the international stage."
Julie McCrone, Series Producer, Hebridean Baker: Nordic Islands, Caledonia TV added: “It has been a fantastic experience working on this series — a celebration of food, identity and island life. We’re proud to share these inspiring stories with audiences both at home and around the world.”
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Image credits
Header image credit Gavin Hopkins / BBC ALBA