'Race Against the Tide' to Film at West Sands This May

West Sands is set to transform into a giant sandy studio this May as filming begins for Race Against the Tide, a new BBC competition series. Hosted by Scottish comedian and Love Island voiceover star Iain Stirling, the six-part show will see eight teams race to create intricate sand sculptures all before the tide sweeps them away. Each team has just six hours to complete their builds before the sea returns. Judging kicks off as the tide rolls in, and one team will be eliminated per episode. The high-stakes series is an adaptation of a Canadian format originally produced by Blue Ant Studios for CBC, and will be filmed on location in St Andrews from 10 to 20 May.

The West Sands Ranger Service posted a statement on Facebook, stating: “A new programme, Race Against the Tide, is coming to West Sands with filming taking place through May.”

“We are working with the production team to ensure it works for them and for all of our locals and visitors. The balance between environmental protection and public access remains a key focus for us.”

Tern TV, the production company behind the show, is currently recruiting local ‘sand assistants’ to help support the event. One assistant, who took part in a practice run with the BBC in March, explained that they “worked with sand specialists and the rest of the crew” and were involved in “testing the strength and quality of the sand, and working out logistics for the shoot”.

Stirling joked, “Normally, when I’m asked to get beach-ready, it’s for a very different kind of show! But this one is unlike anything I’ve seen before. It’s going to be brilliant fun.”

The show will air later this year on BBC Two, BBC Scotland, and iPlayer.

Photo by Madeleine Rea