A GREENOCK artist will test out her DIY skills on a new programme airing on BBC ALBA next week.
Choirstaidh Iona McArthur, 28, has teamed up with friend and singer Josie Duncan to compete in Dùbhlain DIY (Instructions Not Included).
The competition sees six pairs battle it out for the champions title and a £2,000 cash prize.
In the hopes of inspiring viewers to ‘do it yourself’ in the name of sustainability, the format will see the competitors take part in a series of home renovation tasks with a twist.
They must complete the challenges without the help of instructions, guidelines or demonstrations.
Choirstaidh, who studied at Glasgow School of Art, told the Tele that taking part in the TV programme has been a real thrill.
She said: “Josie and I were very much thrown in at the deep end.
"Some of the challenges we thrived in. The more practical ones, we were like ‘uh oh!’.
“We’re both really creative and crafty, but when it came to building a thing that would stay up, it was a wee bit more hit or miss.
“We’re so supportive of each other - to a fault.
“Josie would be using a saw and manage to cut the piece of wood she was wanting and we’d both be cheering and clapping saying, ‘I’m so proud of you’.
“We’re definitely the underdogs in the competition.”
Choirstaidh has worked in Gaelic media for several years, having been in Gaelic Medium Education since nursery.
Her mum, Fiona, was a nursery teacher at the former Highlanders' Academy in Greenock and learned the language on the job.
The show has been filmed in Gaelic, but will also have English subtitles.
Choirstaidh hopes it can provide a good introduction to the language for those interested in learning.
She added: “I think it’s a really good idea to make more programmes like this for the channel.
OTHER NEWS: Edinburgh Fringe play to visit Greenock's Beacon Arts Centre
“There’s a lot more familiarity and comfort in just seeing people hanging out and doing stuff.
“I think it’ll be good to pick up some phrases.
“You’ll hear how people use different phrases and how they speak to each other normally.”
The first episode of Dùbhlain DIY (Instructions Not Included) will be shown on BBC ALBA at 8.30pm on Monday, with new episodes being released weekly.
Choirstaidh and Josie will feature from episode two.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here