Former Downing Street press guru Charlie Whelan has turned his hand to back-spin doctoring.

The writer and broadcaster is about to host a chat show which cuts through the formality and gets to the nitty gritty – on the golf course.

“Whelan Around” will feature tops Scots guests chatting and playing golf on six of the country’s most spectacular courses.

Lined up to play around with Charlie are actor Dougray Scott, TV presenter John Leslie, politician David McLetchie, former Scotland coach Craig Brown, comedienne Rona Cameron and snooker star Stephen Hendry.

Assisting the spin doctor will be top Scots professional Alan Tait – the swing doctor. While Charlie is trying to extract juicy pieces of gossip from his guests, Alan will be working on the hooks and slices.

The experts of spin and swing will be plying their wares over the Monarch course at Gleneagles, Royal Dornoch, Boat of Garten, Bellisle in Ayrshire, the Glen at North Berwick and Carnoustie.

In programme one, to be screened on Grampian and Scottish TV on January 4, it’s the turn of the man who wants to become the next James Bond. Heart throb Dougray Scott talks openly about the snogs of his life, including actress Kathy Burke and the delectable Kate Winslet on the set of “Enigma.”

Dougray also shows he is handy with a golf club. He does not have a handicap, but Alan - the head professional at Cumbernauld’s Westerwood Hotel - reckons he’s a single handicapped swinger!

Executive producer Henry Eagles said: “The programmes give us a fascinating insight into some very successful Scottish celebrities. It is a unique format and it is obvious Charlie’s guests enjoyed their golf and the banter.”

Watch the first in the “Whelan Around” series on Grampian and Scottish TV at 10.50pm on Friday, January 4, 2002.