Video History Scotland
Clyde Paddle Steamers, waverley, arran, millport, rothesay, dunoon. dvd
DVD Scottish Highlands and Islands history
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DVD Memories of Mallaig 1960-1985
Mallaig (Scottish Gaelic: Malaig) is a port in Lochaber, on the west coast of the Highlands of Scotland. The local railway station, Mallaig, is the terminus of the West Highland railway line (Fort William & Mallaig branch), completed in 1901, and the town is linked to Fort William by the A830 road – the "Road to the Isles". The village of Mallaig was founded in the 1840s, when Lord Lovat, owner of North Morar Estate, divided up the farm of Mallaigvaig into seventeen parcels of land and encouraged his tenants to move to the western part of the peninsula and turn to fishing as a way of life. The population and local economy expanded rapidly in the 20th century with the arrival of the railway. Ferries operated by Caledonian MacBrayne and Bruce Watt Sea Cruises sail from the port to Armadale on the Isle of Skye, Inverie in Knoydart, and to the isles of Rùm, Eigg, Muck, and Canna. Mallaig is the main commercial fishing port on the West Coast of Scotland, and during the 1960s was the busiest herring port in Europe. Mallaig prided itself at that time on its famous traditionally smoked kippers but today only one traditional smokehouse remains. A fascinating and nostalgic journey back to the Mallaig of 50 years ago with the harbour “bristling” with numerous fishing boats and crews of the West Coast fishing fleet landing their catch on the pier before heading out once more. Steam train services from Fort William bring passengers and goods to the port with many of the passengers continuing their journey to the isles aboard one of David MacBrayne’s proud and graceful ships such as the infamous MV Lochinvar (b.1908), MV Lochmor (b.1930), RMS Columba (b.1964) or MV Loch Seaforth (b1947). Indeed beautiful colour footage reminds us of the vital link that these great ships and workhorses provided not only for passenger travel but vital mail and cargo services to the remotest of islands and hamlets as they sweep gracefully out from Mallaig harbour crowded with passengers and cargo. Recall the spectacular scenery, beaches and inlets around the town during the 1960s, 1970s and eighties. Enjoy golden memories of yesterday with the arrival in Mallaig station of “The Jacobite” restored steam locomotive. This is a fascinating unique and rare insight into the places and sights once familiar in this small port that served as a welcome destination and departure point for so many over the past 50 years. Whatever your ties, memories or affections for Mallaig then you are sure to discover some enthralling memories of “yesteryears” here. R/T 18mins
Price £14.99
DVD The Island of Colonsay in 1920's
Colonsay (Scottish Gaelic: Colbhasa) “Columba’s Isle”, is an island in the Inner Hebrides of Scotland, located north of Islay and south of Mull. The ancestral home of Clan MacFie and the Colonsay branch of Clan MacNeill. During the 18th century the lairds of the island were Macneils, and included Archibald Macneil. Colonsay House was first built by the Macneil family in 1722. Since 1904 the house has been the property of the island's later owners, the Barons Strathcona. Colonsay is owned by Donald Howard, 4th Baron Strathcona and Mount Royal and Colonsay House is currently occupied by his eldest son, Alexander Howard and his family. Hidden away for over seventy years this is a rare and historic record of the island of Colonsay. These unique and intimate scenes of life on this beautiful island in the 1920’s have been carefully and painstakingly restored and preserved following water damage during storage. With the Colonsay House Hotel as a central theme we are given a fascinating insight to life and places around the island during this period. We meet many of the local residents and “characters” of the island including the hotel owners, Jasper Brown, Crawford Findlay and many more. We are invited to share in many of the annual events including the annual Horse Show, sheep shearing at Scalasaig and the annual Sailing Regatta at “the point” with the ladies dressed in splendid fashion of the day including their bluebell hats. With visits around the island to the abandoned village of Riasg Buidhe, Kiloran Bay, Oransay and many more we experience the beauty and remoteness of this island. We are reminded that the links between the island and the mainland was made possible via the mailboats such as the “The Lapwing” or the larger steamer the “Princess Louise” which provided vital transport for passengers, goods and livestock for the island community. This is an absolutely unique account of life and places on Colonsay during the early part of the century which has been preserved for you and future generations to enjoy. Narrated by David Todd Running time 30 mins
Price £14.99
DVD Memories of Forres 1937-1938 - Moray history and heritage
Approximately 25 miles east of Inverness and sitting between the floodplain of the River Findhorn and the wooded slopes of Cluny and Sanquhar Hills, the town of Forres is well known for its award-winning floral sculptures and is steeped in local history and traditions. This is a truly beautiful and fascinating record of events, faces and places in and around the town of Forres during 1937-1938. In this rare archive we are invited to participate and share in many of the towns annual events during this period including “Forres Gala Week” and “Forres Garden Fete”. Arriving by steam train into Forres station we recall and relive the long list of events and activities of Gala week. We start things off with the procession through the town to Grant Park by the massed pipe bands, the Scouts and Guides Tattoo and the elaborately decorated floats and costumes. We follow and join the week-long celebration enjoying each days events that encompass the crowning of “The Gala Queen”, Sheep Dog Trials, Cricket, Tennis, cycling and athletics, Highland Dancing, Military displays, boxing and even a “Keep Fit” demonstration is on offer – all for the princely admission price of 3D. Another key event in the Forres calendar is the “Garden Fete” held on the 15th June at Sanqhar House where we recall these nostalgic Summer days of fun, stalls, pipe bands, rides, amusements and competitions including the “Bonny Baby Contest”, “Mother’s Neatest Ankles”. This is a rare intimate and nostalgic account of the people and life in Forres during this early part of the previous century. Whether you still have direct ties to Forres or whether you now live elsewhere you are guaranteed to find something to rekindle nostalgic and golden memories of this proud town and its people. Filmed by the late David R. Forrester (A.R.P.S.) the producer would like to thank the following persons. Mr Harold Forrester and Mr Graeme Wilson of the Moray Heritage Centre. Running Time 30mins
Price £14.99
DVD The Heart is Highland
We join the parade in Edinburgh of the world renowned "Clan Gathering" in 1950 and explore the magnificent scenery of the Scottish Highlands meeting the people who live and work in such beautiful surroundings. Plus "Scotland for Sport" In this short film we are given an introduction to the many sports now popular in the Highlands of Scotland including Skiing, Canoeing, Sailing, Mountaineering and Fishing as well as Pony Trekking or an enjoyable round of Golf on one of Scotland's famous golf courses. Running time 44mins
Price £14.99