River Hunters

Stirling – First War of Scottish Independence is a one‑off TV episode that teams up US YouTube star Beau Ouimette with BBC presenter Rick Edwards. The premise is simple: the pair hop into a modest boat and start panning the waterways around Stirling, hoping to uncover artefacts from Scotland’s 13th‑century turmoil. Beau brings his online‑gen‑z enthusiasm, while Rick supplies the dry, knowledgeable narration you’d expect from a proper history presenter. Think of it as a cross‑between “Time Team” and “River Monsters”, but with a bit more banter and a lot less CGI. The episode drifts from the River Forth’s industrial banks to the quieter lochs that once fed the medieval siege of Stirling Castle. Along the way they chat about the Battle of Stirling Bridge, test a few metal detectors, and even interview a local archaeologist who points out why certain finds are more likely than others. No major spoilers – you’ll see a few fragments that hint at the war’s brutal reality, but the real payoff is the sense of place and the occasional “aha!” moment when a rusted piece turns out to be a 13th‑century spearhead. Honestly, it’s not a groundbreaking documentary, but it’s surprisingly good for a half‑hour slot. The pacing drags a touch when the boat idles, and the camera work can feel a bit ropy, yet Beau’s infectious curiosity keeps things lively. If you enjoy “Coast” or the more relaxed side of “The Great British Bake Off” (the feel‑good vibe, not the baking), you’ll probably find it worth a watch. It’s a decent primer on a slice of Scottish history without the heavy lecture‑style. Rated PG – there’s some mild blood when they examine a battlefield relic, and a few moments of gritty, muddy water that might be off‑putting for the squeamish. This is the first terrestrial showing of the episode, aired on Channel 4 as part of a new series revisiting Scotland’s early wars. Grab a cuppa, settle in, and let the river take you back to a mental, war‑torn Scotland.