Michelle Jeram – Image Credit: BBC Scotland/LA Productions/Robert Pereia Hind

29 April 2024 – Popular drama series Granite Harbour returns to Aberdeen for a new three-part, second series as Lindo (Romario Simpson), Bart (Hannah Donaldson) and the police team investigate two fatal cases with dark consequences at their heart, immersing the Major Investigations Team in the granite city’s criminal underworld.

When drug kingpin Grace McFadden’s (Lesley Hart) notorious fixer turns up dead, the MIT have their work cut out to find the source of a new cocaine and ketamine compound flooding the streets. Fearing an impending drugs turf war is brewing, the team fight to uncover the truth.

Meanwhile, Lindo investigates the case of pregnant stowaway, Mariam (Afsaneh Dehrouyeh), who claims her partner was killed on their journey across the sea. At the dockside, Lindo and Bart’s suspicions are raised by the guarded behaviour of Captain Anders Nielsen (Søren Malling) and his protege Axel Berg (Christopher Rygh) from the Stolthet, a Norwegian cargo ship which recently arrived in Aberdeen.

After complications and conflicts arise, DCI MacMillan pulls Lindo and Bart off the stowaway murder case. However, Lindo has other ideas, refusing to give up on his hunch the Stolthet’s crew are guilty of something sinister.

With the drug investigation making slow progress, Monty and Mallick are further frustrated by the McFadden family’s unwillingness to cooperate.

As the investigation pulls the team in different directions, Lindo faces an added problem when his estranged father, Grantley, arrives for a visit from Jamaica. However, it’s clear he’s got an agenda of his own.

Made by LA Productions, Granite Harbour is the latest drama made in Scotland alongside the likes of Lockerbie, Nightsleeper and Shetland.

Granite Harbour debuts on the BBC Scotland channel, followed by BBC One and iPlayer. All three episodes will be available on BBC iPlayer from Thursday 2 May.

Interview with Michelle Jeram (DS Simone ‘Monty’ Montrose)

How does it feel to be back for a second series of Granite Harbour?

Amazing, it’s great to be back with the team and lots of the crew from series one. I love this show, it has really found its feet in this series and we have all bedded into our characters. Also I love Scotland so it’s a huge bonus to relocate for a couple of months.

Why do you think Granite Harbour proved to be a fan favourite?

There’s nothing out there like it, set in Aberdeen and a diverse cast, it really showcases a lot of Scottish talent. The viewers will see so much more of the beauty of Scotland in the new series.

What is the storyline this time around?

There’s quite a bit going on, it’s difficult to say without giving too much away but there’s moral and professional dilemmas for some of the team. There’s humanity and of course an investigation that has a shocking twist.

Can you describe your character?

Monty loves tech, she really likes to delve deep into investigations. She’s quite reserved, doesn’t get involved in office politics and tries to see the best in everyone. She also loves a waistcoat and tie!

What do you think are her strengths and weaknesses?

Monty is measured in her approach, she wants to help everyone and doesn’t get particularly fazed by much. Her weakness is generally her work is her life, maybe she needs to let herself go a bit and have a better work/life balance.

What challenges does she face this series?

She is met with a dilemma and tries to give someone the opportunity to deal with it.

What is it like filming in Aberdeen?

Lovely, the locals are nice and I think generally happy we are filming in their city. I saw a bit on social media and they [Aberdonians] seemed to be really excited about Granite Harbour which is great.

It’s very important this series as we have a storyline involving a ship and the port area. I think the viewers wanted to see more of Aberdeen from series one and they get that this series.

Did you visit any unusual locations this year?

Not unusual, considering we were at the port but we filmed in a massive warehouse, it was vast. Having the ships in the background was really quite something.

Describe in five words what viewers can expect from Series 2 of Granite Harbour…

Teamwork, Humanity, Action, Moral dilemma!

Time for some police interrogation now… Tell us a secret about one of the core cast?

I’m a typical Taurean, you tell me a secret, I’ll take it to the grave!

Which one of you is the DCI of the group and the most bossy?

Dawn, she’s not bossy though, she likes to organise the social side of things.

And who is the most by-the-book of the group and why?

Probably me, I’m quite reserved and definitely not a rebel. I’m Monty without the tech ability and waistcoats!