Banjo Beale, winner of Interior Design Masters season three, is back for a second season of Designing The Hebrides, bringing his signature style to derelict properties across Scotland's Hebridean islands. The series, which consists of six episodes, will be available on BBC iPlayer from September 16, and air weekly on BBC Scotland and BBC2.
In the upcoming season, Beale visits islands including Easdale, Harris, Iona, South Uist, and his adopted home of Isle of Mull. Each episode features a unique challenge, from transforming a remote pub on Easdale to revamping an apothecary on Harris with a tight budget. The series is narrated by actress Ashley Jensen.
One of the highlights is the transformation of a derelict mansion on the island of Ulva. Beale and his team face logistical hurdles, including transporting materials via wheelbarrow, as well as emotional ties from the local community. The mansion, which has been abandoned for years, will be given a new lease of life through Beale's creative vision.
Other episodes include making over honesty boxes for small businesses on Mull and the Outer Hebrides, redesigning a wool shop on Iona, and converting a hotel salon into a dual-purpose spa and bar. The season finale sees Beale on South Uist, turning a breezeblock garage into a charming shop for local crofters.
Beale acknowledges the pressure of working on such meaningful projects, particularly the pub makeover on Easdale. 'I underestimated how important pubs are to local communities,' he says. 'It's their meeting place, where they have christenings, weddings, and wakes. That pub was their town hall.' Despite the challenges, Beale's can-do attitude and trusted team ensure each project breathes new life into the buildings.
