New competitive sand sculpure series for the BBC

Iain Stirling has started filming Race Against The Tide, the sand sculpture competition he is hosting for BBC Two.

The contest will take place on West Sands Beach in St Andrews, with the comic joined by artist Sadie Clayton and sand sculptor Jamie Wardley, who will be judging the efforts.

Wardley said: ‘I am so excited to be a part of this show. It is going to be brilliant to see sand sculpture showcased on our shores in such a wonderful part of the world, St Andrews. 

‘The professional contestants are some of the world’s best and I want to see them work with the amateurs to make stuff that is absolutely mind blowing. Sand sculpting is a real feat of skill and engineering. I want audiences to look at it and think "How is that possibly made on the beach?’"’

Stirling, who also voices the Love Island commentary, added: ‘It’s very rare I get to spend a day on a sunny beach and it’s even rarer when that beach is in Scotland, so I am absolutely buzzing to be in St Andrews to kick off filming for Race Against the Tide. 

'When else do you get a chance to combine crazy impressive sand art and the ever-looming threat of the tide washing it away?’

The show will also air on BBC Scotland where head of commissioning Louise Thornton said: ‘Against a background of a stunning Scottish seascape, this series will make a splash. 

‘Viewers will lap up the combination of artistry, jeopardy and fun - and Iain is the ideal host to steer the sand sculptors and audience through the show’s twists and turns.’

The six-part series is being made by production company Tern.

Published: 17 May 2025