A MULTI-AWARD-WINNING cameraman and photographer starts his new Scottish tour in the Borders next month.

Doug Allan is known for bringing some of the most remarkable sights in the natural world into our homes and now heads out round the UK to talk to us about his incredible experiences with some of the world’s most majestic animals.

His camera work features in the hugely successful BBC documentaries including Blue Planet, Planet Earth, Life and Frozen Planet. He has also covered expeditions to Everest, South America and Himalayas.

This charismatic Scot, who hails from Dunfermline, will visit the Eastgate Theatre in Peebles on Wednesday, April 2, at 7.30pm.

Illustrated with mesmerising footage and photographs from his film-making career, Doug regails his audiences with stories of how he overcame incredible odds to capture images of the planet’s most magnificent animals, then invites questions about his encounters and travels. Discover what it’s like to be up close and personal with nature’s biggest creatures.

Speaking about his new show, Doug said: “Big animals are my passion. I love sharing first hand with people, what it’s like to face a hungry polar bear, to swim eye to eye with an enormous Southern Right Whale – and talk about the excitement of being stalked by killer whales in the straits of Gibraltar. It’s like live TV, only better!” The filmmaker began his career as a marine biologist and has been swimming with marine mammals for over 35 years. He spent seven years in Antarctica as a research diver, scientist and photographer for the British Antarctic Survey, before changing direction to full time filming in 1985.  Doug has been involved with over 60 films and series, and has worked for the BBC, Discovery, National Geographic, and many others.

His photographic awards include seven EMMYs and four BAFTAs. His busy work includes a range of projects such as filming Emperor penguins in Antarctica, Hammerhead Sharks in Galapagos and a trip to the South Pole. Doug’s recently published book, Freeze Frame, about his life as a polar and underwater cameraman, will be available to buy on the night.

Tickets, priced £12.50 or £5 for schoolchildren, are available by calling 01721 725785.