The Jeremy Vine Show broadcast live from Stirling today as BBC Radio 2 prepares for its flagship Radio 2 in the Park event.
Jeremy and his team spent the day in the city meeting local people, exploring Stirling and discussing stories getting Scotland talking, ahead of the festival beginning on Friday evening.
Thousands of fans are expected to visit Stirling for the weekend of live music, with global artists including headliners Chaka Khan and Simple Minds taking to the stage.
Before the programme, Jeremy visited the National Curling Academy, where Olympic gold medallist Jen Dodds gave him a crash course in the sport and helped him deliver his first stone.
The show then opened live from Stirling Castle, with Jeremy raising a Radio 2 flag featuring his face above the landmark while bagpipes played across the castle grounds.
During the programme, Jeremy was joined by Alyn Smith of the SNP, MSP for Stirling and the Scottish Government’s newly appointed Minister for Innovation, Technology and Tertiary Education.
Stephen Kerr of the Scottish Conservatives, MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, also joined the programme for a debate about Scottish independence.
Helen Thomas, Head of Radio 2, appeared on the show to discuss Radio 2 in the Park and what the event means to the station and its presenters.
Describing the festival as a chance to meet listeners where they are and “throw the greatest party”, Helen said the event was “incredibly special”.
She also encouraged audiences to stay tuned to Radio 2, BBC iPlayer and across the BBC throughout the weekend, while teasing a number of special surprises.
Jeremy’s day in Stirling also included a tour of the medieval castle and a visit with the Kincardine and District Pipe Band.
The presenter tried his hand at playing the drum after the band entertained crowds gathered at Stirling Castle, adding another local element to Radio 2’s build-up to the weekend.