To me, one of the most enjoyable aspects of travel is to immerse oneself into the culture before arriving at your destination. And for Britain, there are so many ways to do this – through books, magazines, radio (btw, all BBC Radio programs are free on the web for Americans), films, and especially television.
Earlier this year, I posted clips and trailers for several mainstream British shows (i.e., those shown throughout the UK). But today, let's look at some shows produced by STV (Scotland Television) and BBC Scotland for primarily a Scottish audiences (although a few of these became hits in the UK and beyond). This will give you a flavor of the diversity of accents, attitudes, and cultures we'll be encountering.
Case Histories
Rebus
Based on the worldwide bestselling crime novels by Edinburgh-native Ian Rankin, these STV shows adapted several novels featuring Detective John Rebus. He was played by two actors (John Hannah, pictured, and then Ken Stott). Filmed primarily in Edinburgh. They are currently streaming on Netflix.
Great shots of Edinburgh from the Ken Stott version
Burnistoun
This is a popular comedy sketch show from BBC Scotland starring Glasgow comedians Iain Connell and Robert Florence. It's a series of short sketches all based in a fictional West Scotland town. They are in their third season (called series in the UK).
Clip 1: Scottish History
Clip 2: Burnistoun Rap (Who's Shoe is That?) (contains some mild language)
Chewin the Fat
Another Glasgow-based BBC sketch comedy show that ran from 1999 to 2002, yet still has a big following. Starred Greg Hemphill and Karen Dunbar (more with her below).
Clip 1 Those Who Can and "Can't"
Clip 2 Shakira parody (mild language)
Single Father
A 4-part 2010 mini series about a newly widowed father of three (played by David Tennant of Doctor Who and Harry Potter fame). Excellent, emotional drama. Filmed in Edinburgh and Glasgow by BBC Scotland. (Can you tell that the BBC Scotland is based in Glasgow?)
Trailer
The Karen Dunbar Show
A BBC Scotland produced comedy sketch show from 2002-2005 that is still popular. Stars the popular comedian from Ayr, Scotland, Karen Dunbar (from Chewin the Fat).
Clip 1: Paperclip as a Q-tip
Clip 2 Group photo
Bob Servant
Opening theme:
A typical episode:
A 6-episode comedy that aired last year, based on a series of hilarious articles and books by Neil Forsyth. Bob Servant is a former hamburger restaurant owner in the small town of Broughty Ferry who decides to run for the British Parliament. The show is about his inept campaign and his decidedly poor handle on political matters. Stars Scottish actor Brian Cox (of X-Men, Troy, Bourne films and who played the original Hannibal Lecter in Manhunter). Most of the shows are currently available on Youtube.
River City
A Glasgow-based soap opera from BBC Scotland that began airing in September 2002. Based in a fictional area of the West End of Glasgow (an area we will visit), the hour show airs each Tuesday 9it originally aired twice a week in half-hour shows). Forget Brave and Braveheart -- this is the real Glasgow (minus the murders, affairs, and crimesOpening theme:
A typical episode:
