In a two-part special, STV weather man, Sean Batty shares his passion and enthusiasm for all things weather related with a snow and ice themed weather series.

During the programmes, Sean meets the crews responsible for keeping Scotland's roads and airports open in winter; braves the elements to try his hand at snowboarding in the Cairngorms; and heads to Iceland in search of the famous Northern Lights. He also goes off-road for 'driving on ice'; and attempts to climb the world's highest indoor ice-wall.

PROGRAMME 1 - SNOW

In the first programme, Sean checks out the skiing season in the Cairngorms and has a go at snowboarding, as well as meeting Scotland's only full-time dog sled team. He enjoys a winter photography master class with The Herald photographer, Martin Shields, who teaches him how to set up and capture the perfect shot in winter conditions. The programme also sees Sean travel to Iceland in search of the elusive Northern Lights. With a tour guide, and help from the locals, will he succeed in spotting the Aurora Borealis?

PROGRAMME 2 - ICE

In the second programme, Sean visits The Ice Factor in Lochaber and tries his hand at climbing the world's highest man made ice wall. He is put through his paces by a driving expert at Knockhill Racing Circuit - home to Scotland's only skid pan circuit - as he learns how to control a car when driving on potentially deadly black ice. Sean gets up early to join the Highland Councils' weather heroes, who work tirelessly to keep Scotland moving, with the largest fleet of snowploughs and gritters in the UK. He visits Prestwick airport to speak to Air Traffic Control about weather systems, jet streams and how the recent storms have affected flights. The programme returns to Iceland to discover more about the Icelandic volcanoes and the impact that they can have on global weather systems.

The series has a dedicated website with behind the scenes coverage of a typical day in the life of Scotland's most popular weather man and other features only available online. Sean will also be available for live web chats at the end of each episode. To ensure you don't miss out on this exclusive online content and the chance to chat with Sean, visit www.stv.tv/weatherwatch.

Sean Batty said: "It was a dream of mine from a very young age to get a job in weather, but to be given my very own show has taken that to a new level.

"I am ecstatic about the launch of Weatherwatch with Sean Batty on STV. I hope that my enthusiasm and passion for all things weather will come across in the two programmes, and get lots more people interested in the ups and downs of the great Scottish weather.

"The programme gives me the chance to get really hands on with the weather and find out more about how we cope with the elements and also how prepared we are for whatever Mother Nature decides to throw at us."

Elizabeth Partyka, Deputy Director of Channels at STV, said: "As Scotland has faced such extreme weather conditions lately, we thought it fitting to give Sean his own weather programme, so he can bring his wealth of knowledge to the living rooms of the Scottish public. We hope they enjoy this action-packed two-part special with Scotland's favourite weather man."

For further information on the programme, and to take part in the competition to win £2000, visit www.stv.tv/weatherwatch.

Weatherwatch with Sean Batty is sponsored by Scottish Power.

Weatherwatch with Sean Batty - 8pm, Monday 13 & 20 February 2012 on STV

Press Contacts:

Lauren Ferson, STV on 0141 300 3290

Kirstin Stevenson, STV on 0141 300 3670