What to Watch Before Visiting Scotland
Scotland, a country rich with history and culture, has a complex past, often routed in it’s fight for freedom from English rule. Over the centuries politics in Scotland have largely been dictated by its relationship to England, only becoming more devastating over time. While a unique identity, Scotland is part of the United Kingdom, still answering to English parliament and monarchy. Given the importance of this continued fight for independence, one can count on a long list of of film and television options dedicated to the topic, from William Wallace and Robert the Bruce to Mary, Queen of Scots, and the multiple Jacobite Uprisings.
Aside from historical dramas about the fight against English tyranny, you’ll find some more modern options to make you laugh and/or move you, many depicting Scottish subcultures, the struggles of the working class, and the need for youths sexual awakening through sex, drugs, and rock-and-roll. You’ll also find some recommendations below for moving period pieces and costume dramas, cult favourites, and TV series you’ll quickly get addicted to.
Based on the bestselling series by Diana Gabaldon, this TV show follows English nurse Claire as she falls back in time while on vacation in Scotland, from just after World War II back to the 18th century. Now she must adjust to a new time period, where beliefs, women’s rights, fashion, politics, medicine, and so much more, are all so drastically different, all while trying to find a way back to her own time. Of course, the longer she stays in one period, the harder it becomes to go back to the future.
For anyone who enjoys a costume drama, a period piece, a historical drama, or a romance, you’ll find everything you could possibly want perfectly delivered in this series. Once you accept the time travelling, which admittedly can put some off before giving the show a chance, you’ll find a scintillating series full of passion, both in the bedroom and for love of country. You will be glued to the screen, both in awe of the incredible detail to historical facts, costume, and scenery, as well as the amazing performances and chemistry on screen. With over 5 seasons, you can rest assured that there is plenty of content to keep you riveted.
Watch the trailer for the first season here.
An epic war drama with a touch of romance and a lot of men in kilts, this period film tells the story of William Wallace, one of Scotland’s most famous heroes. The movie is directed by Mel Gibson, who also stars as Willaim Wallace, as he fights for Scotland’s freedom against the tyranny of the English. His fight for country has Wallace going tête-à-tête against Edward I of England, also known as Edward Longshanks, with two major battle scenes to bloody up the film, along with countless action scenes. While a long film and not perfectly historically accurate - blue painted faces, really? - it does capture the spirit of Wallace and what he fought for - a free Scotland.
This film won 5 oscars, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Cinematography, Best Makeup, and Best Sound Effect Editing. Aside from Gibson, the cast also stars Brendan Gleeson, Brian Cox, James Cosmo, David O’Hara, Angus Macfadyen, and John Kavanagh.
Watch the trailer here.
Following the death of William Wallace, a Scottish hero, this Netflix original tells the story of Robert the Bruce, who takes up where Wallace left off in the fight for Scottish independence. Starring Chris Pine as Robert the Bruce, the movie explores his break from serving the English king as a Scottish noble, to his fight to become the king of Scotland - even as an outlaw - freeing his country from English rule. Along with Chris Pine, this movie also stars Florence Pugh, Stephen Dillane, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, James Cosmo, and a host of other familiar faces for anyone who enjoys a good historical costume drama or fantasy.
Watch the trailer here.
Reprising his role as Robert the Bruce after Braveheart (1995), Angus Macfadyen brings this Scottish king back to the screen, both writing and producing the film, as well as starring at the titular role. In many ways feeling like a continuation to Braveheart, this biopic examines his time as an outlaw, fighting to free Scotland from English tyranny.
While in hiding, he is taken in and cared for by a family, showing him the determination and will behind his Scottish patriots. While Braveheart focused on William Wallace’s strides for an independent Scotland, it left off with the promise that Robert the Bruce would see it happen. This film delivers that promise, though not as epic as Mel Gibson’s war masterpiece.
Watch the trailer here.
Focusing on the relationship and power struggle between royal cousins Mary, Queen of Scots, and Elizabeth I of England, this historical drama tells the story of Queen Mary, a monarch since the age of 6, as she returns to Scotland after the death of her husband - the French king, Francois II. Having grown up in France, ruling Scotland from afar through regents, her return to power in her country is turbulent, made worse by her cousin’s insecurity and Elizabeth’s perceived threat to her own throne. As Mary struggles to establish herself in Scotland and gain power over her cousin through marriage, she also must contend with John Knox - a minister and leader of the Scottish reformation; a man who despised Mary for both her religion and gender.
For a film named after Mary, this biopic splits the focus between the two queens, and does take a few liberties with the facts, creating a meeting between the two queens that never actually happened. Despite this one major glaring inaccuracy, the movie does a good job with most of the historical facts and depictions, with two stellar performances by Saoirse Ronan and Margot Robbie, playing Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth respectively. Other actors include Jack Lowden, Joe Alwyn, Guy Pearce, Joe Alwyn, Ian Hart, Brendan Coyle and David Tennant.
Watch the trailer here.
Focusing on the life of Mary, Queen of Scots- from her start at French court and marriage to the dauphin, Francis (later King Francis II, or Francois in French) to her return to Scotland and eventual execution. While this drama is targeted towards teens and young adults, with blatantly historically inaccurate storylines and fashion, there are kernels of truth in plot and a host of real and historically significant characters that traipse in and out of the story. If you’re looking for a thorough and perfect representation of Mary Stuart's life, this is not the show for you. But if you’re looking for a general understanding of her life, the political climate in France, England, and Scotland at the time, and a fun and entertaining drama - this is most definitely worth watching.
To be clear, while there are some very obviously inaccurate story lines, don’t discount this show or think that there isn’t a lot to learn from it. Reign does a good job at showing the rise of Protestantism in France and the struggles faced by both sides, the superstition regarding pagans and witches though an acceptance for certain elements of the occult (Nostradamus really was welcome at court),the cunning of Catherine de’ Medici (Mary’s mother-in-law), the threat of the Bourbon princes (who do ultimately becoming the reigning family), the power of John Knox and the struggle Queen Mary had when returning to Scotland, and the power dynamic and contention between Mary and her cousin Queen Elizabeth I of England. The loneliness, confusion, yearning for power, and mistrust of these cousin queens is made evident and well portrayed. As is the horror of what happens to David Rizzio (this story is true), the relationship between King Henri II and Diane de Poitiers, and a series of small references that could so easily be overlooked but are actually pulled from truth, such as casual reference to Chateau de Chenonceau, England’s work with John Hawkins, and court gossip suspecting Queen Elizabeth I of having an affair with Robert Dudley.
You can watch a relatively spoiler-free trailer for the second season here.
A historical drama for anyone who loves a Scottish accent, has an interest in golf, or simply appreciates a good period piece, Tommy’s Honour tells the story of Old Tom Morris and his son, Young Tom Morris - pioneers of professional golf in Scotland. Born in St. Andrews, Young Tom Morris worked at St. Andrews Links (the famous golf course) and later became a four-time championship winner, making him the youngest person ever to win a major golf championship; he won at 17 - a record still unbeaten. The film depicts Young Tom’s journey to championship winner, besting his father while earning his place amongst the gentry and carving out his name in history. Starring Jack Lowden as Young Tom (best known from Dunkirk, Mary Queen of Scots, Fighting with My Family, War & Peace), as well as Peter Mullan (Ozark, Cursed, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1) and Sam Neil (Jurassic Park, The Tudors, Peaky Blinders, The Vow).
Watch the trailer here.
A cult classic, this Danny Boyle film has cemented its place in modern cinematic history. Starring Ewan McGregor as the lead, Trainspotting explores drug culture and addiction, specifically the use of heroin, in Edinburgh, touching on the socio-economic climate that saw neighbourhoods in the city turn to despair and lead to exaggerated drug use. Showing the difficulties faced with drug addiction and the cyclical nature that leads to continued use, this film provides a raw and harrowing depiction of addiction without losing humour and entertainment to preach “drugs are bad”. The message is clear, the horror of addiction made real through stunning performances that have you transfixed; the warning is never lost in the sometimes unintelligible Scottish slang that almost led to dubbing for North American audiences.
The actors, especially McGregor, deliver hauntingly perfect performances, bringing the struggles of addiction to life, especially the relationship between fellow addicts and the dangerous edge many find themselves hanging off of when trying to stay sober. Due to the difficult nature of the film’s content, this movie did not compete at Cannes, despite being shown there and receiving critical acclaim; Danny Boyle was careful not to glorify anything about the sensitive subject matter. However, the film was nominated for an Academy Award as well as multiple BAFTA’s (British Academy of Film and Television Arts); the film won the BAFTA for best adapted screenplay. What’s made more impressive is that this legendary film, which remains a staple today, was shot low budget, with most scenes filmed in one take.
Watch the trailer here.
What at first may seem like another teen/young adult mini series - from one of the creators of Skins, an infamous British TV show - Clique is in reality far from it. Instead of exploring the youthful exploits and relationships of teens in Bristol, with an emphasis on drugs, partying and sex, this series is a dark thriller set at university in Edinburgh, focusing on exposing corruption and power dyrnamics while also exploring the nature of female friendships.
The show starts by following best friends Georgia and Holly as they start university - both equally excited to start this next phase of their lives together. But quickly the girls’ friendship is tested when Georgia becomes part of a campus clique that seemingly operates more as a society for strong-minded women; the alpha females on campus. But as Georgia starts pulling away as well as changing all together, Holly immerses herself into the group as an attempt to save her friendship. But as she infiltrates this female operated society, she begins to discover the dark and shady underbelly of the clique and some of the most successful figures in Edinburgh’s upper echelons. With two seasons so far, this BBC show is full of corruption, secrets, romance, friendship, scandals, and of course, drama.
Watch the trailer here.
Set in Glasgow, Scotland, this dramatic comedy focuses on Robbie, a young father determined to turn his life around after being arrested, desperate to clean up his act so he can be part of his newborn’s life. Through his court appointed community work, Robbie finds guidance and support in his group leader Harry. In an attempt to reward everyone for their hard work, Harry takes Robbie and his community service group to a whiskey distillery where they learn about the distillation process and the ‘Angel’s share’ - the portion of whiskey lost to evaporation in the distilling process. Becoming more engaged with the whiskey distilling process, Robbie see’s a light at the end of the tunnel - a way to slowly rebuild his life, and the lives of his fellow group members, getting him and his family away from the gang members he’d previously surrounded himself with. But as things begin to go awry, Robbie must resort to less honourable methods to get his fresh start, all related to whiskey, which has become the key to his fresh start.
The director, Ken Loach, won the Jury’s Prize Award at Cannes Film Festival for this film, marking his third time winning the Jury’s Prize; he has also twice won the top prize at Cannes Film Festival - the Palme d’Or.
Watch the trailer here.
A detective-crime show, this series takes place on the small island of Shetland, off the Northern coast of Scotland, where detective Jimmy Perez and his team investigate crimes amongst the small community. Due to harsh climate and the remote location, traditional policing methods must be ignored for more unique and resourceful tactics.
Based on the popular book series by the same name, written by Ann Cleves, this BAFTA nominated and award winning TV series has become a popular staple in UK households. Just be warned, if you struggle with accents at the best of times, you may want subtitles while watching Shetland, as this series features a lot of the true Shetland and northern Scottish accents.
A quirky adventure comedy, this lesser known film is based on a real heist, removing the famous “Stone of Scone” from Westminster Abbey. The “Stone of Scone” is a symbolic stone in Scottish culture, used in the coronation of Scottish monarch - hence why the English call it the ‘Coronation Stone’. Once found in Perth, Scotland, the stone was taken to England, becoming part of the English coronation process, including the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II - the last time the stone was used. How the stone got to England in the first place is disputed based on differing legends, but the most commonly accepted story is that King Edward I - Edward Longshanks - of England brought the stone to England as part of his conquests over Scotland, having the stone placed in his throne chair to show his dominance over the British Isles.
The movie depicts how a group of university students in the 1950s - only a couple years before Elizabeth’s coronation - stole the Stone of Destiny, determined to bring the stone home. Weighing over 300lbs, it’s no easy venture, ultimately leading to the stone breaking into two pieces. Determined not to let the English have it, the students choose to leave part of the stone in a field, buried, and return to Scotland with the other half. However, both in film and history, the second piece of stone had to be dug up as it would be at risk when exposed to the elements. After reuniting the two pieces to be forged back together, the students must face the English police, as they have somehow managed to successfully rob Westminster Abbey.
While a light and silly film, it does bring attention to this famous and historically significant heist, while also shedding light on a few pivotal moments in the modern English-Scottish relationship.
Watch the trailer here.
Based on Shakespeare’s famous drama, this film brings the play to life, embracing Old English without sticking strictly to Shakespeare’s dialogue (making it easier to watch, let’s be honest). Rather than simply being a filmed version of the play, this adaptation focuses on exploring the world of Macbeth, especially in relation to the historical time period, bring new layers to this already heavy story.
Michael Fassbender stars as the titular character, bringing the Scottish anti-hero to life, with a raw and anguished performance befitting the legendary character. Lady Macbeth, an equally famous role, is played by French actress Marion Cotillard, who keeps her accent in the film. As the character’s background is never explicitly stated in the play, and as Scotland has historically relied on its alliances with France - often achieved through marriage - the French accent was seen as a positive addition by the filmmaker; a way to add background to the character and give a sense of otherness. Lady Macbeth’s differing nationality was seen as an opportunity to further develop the character and differentiate her from other Scottish women; her foreign background giving her a different perspective and agenda.
While for the most part this is a faithful retelling, there are a few obvious changes from Shakespeare’s script, such as a fourth child witch being added. However most “changes” are really just additions or interpretations added based on the historical context, designed to provide layers and depth to these famous characters. For instance, suffering from PTSD and the loss of a child, Macbeth is in a fragile and weakening mental state. Other actors in this film include: David Thewlis as Duncan, Jack Reynor as Malcolm, Sean Harris as MacDuff, Elizabeth Debicki as Lady MacDuff, and Paddy Considine as Banquo.
Watch the trailer here.
Based on the folk tales of Scottish outlaw and hero Rob Roy, this movie brings the story of this legendary Scot to the big screen, making his name more familiar amongst the masses. As just a teenager, Rob Roy fought for his country in the Jacobite Uprising of 1689, a bloody loss that did not succeed in returning the exiled Stuart king, James II, to the throne of England and Scotland. For those familiar with Outlander, this uprising predates the Jacobite Uprisings explored in the show, which look at restoring the Stuarts to their throne, led by the ‘Bonnie Prince Charles’, James’ son.
Later in life, and where the film starts, as clan chieftain Rob Roy (full name Rob MacGregor) once agains seeks to find justice for his people who are starving. But his attempts to do good are used against him, and after being wronged by a nobleman, Roy becomes an outlaw, hiding from the English Redcoats who want him to stand trial as a Jacobite. The real Rob Roy, who this biopic is based after, was considered a Scottish Robin Hood, a man who disregarded his neighbouring English nobles, stealing cattle to feed his people and serve his own interests. HIs name and legend were immortalized in Sir Walter Scott’s novel about him, as well as in English poet William Wordsworth’s prose, made to appear as thief fighting ‘the man’.
This movie stars Liam Neeson as the Scottish hero, as well as Brian Cox, John Hurt, Tim Roth, Jessica Lange and Jason Flemyng. Watch the trailer here.
Ned: a derogatory term applied to thugs, petty street criminals, or guys who are just a little rougher around the edges. An abbreviation standing for non educated delinquents.
This movie examines the Scottish subculture of Neds in the 70s through a coming-of-age story, focusing on John McGill as he goes through the trials and tribulations of being young and confused in Glasgow, trying to discover who he is while pushed into arduous - and often dangerous - situations, in large part due to his complicated and precarious home life. While the term Ned was not originally intended to represent Glaswegian gangs, it became the common name for low-income and poorly educated individuals who result to street gangs in Glasgow, now often compared to “Chav” culture.
Watch the trailer here.
A coming-of-age story set in the early 90s, Beats, which is an adaptation of a play by the same name, focuses on two teenage boys - Jonno and Spanner - who try to crash an illegal rave, something that was banned in 1994 across the UK. Aside from touching on the traditional tropes and themes of a coming-of-age story for teens growing up in a small town, this movie uses the UK’s outdoor rave ban - the ‘Criminal Justice and Public Order Act’ - as a political backdrop for the film, while also providing a nostalgic blast to the 90’s past.
When looking this film up, don’t get confused with the Netflix film by the same name, released in the same year, featuring American Anthony Anderson. The Scottish film is a much smaller production with young and relatively unknown actors leading the movie in authentic performances.
Watch the trailer here.
Originally premiering at the London Film Festival, followed by the Glasgow film festival, this Scottish film got a delayed wide release due to COVID-19, but it’s story is one locals have been anxious for. Depicting the comedic misadventures of a group of teen girls as they travel to Edinburgh from the Highlands for a school choir competition, this film - set in the nineties - focuses on these sheltered Catholic school girls as they seek to party and explore being young while in the big city. In a similar vein to the show Derry Girls, this movie looks at what it was like to grow up in the 1990’s in a small town while attending Catholic school, exploring the enforced repression and inner desire for love, sex, and adventure. The movie’s Scottish filmmaker is known for his famous Hollywood credits Rob Roy (1995) with Liam Neeson and John Hurt, The Jackal (1997) featuring Bruce Willis and Richard Gere, and This Boy’s Life (1993) starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro.
Watch the trailer here.