Scotch on the Rocks: The TV drama locked away for 50 years

The controversial BBC Scotland drama series, “Scotch on the Rocks,” created in 1973, has been hidden from the public eye for five decades due to political tensions and a formal complaint from the Scottish National Party (SNP).

In a time when political turmoil was gripping the United Kingdom, BBC Scotland produced a gripping and violent political thriller called “Scotch on the Rocks.” The series, based on a trilogy of novels by Douglas Hurd, was set in a fictional Scotland where paramilitary soldiers of the Scottish Liberation Army took over the town of Fort William. However, the drama was never shown again after its initial broadcast due to a formal complaint from the SNP, claiming unfair treatment and the risk of viewers associating the violence with the real party.

1: The Birth of “Scotch on the Rocks”

Douglas Hurd, a rising star in the Conservative Party, wrote a trilogy of novels in the late 1960s, with the third installment, “Scotch on the Rocks,” adapted into a five-part drama series by BBC Scotland in 1973. The production aimed to showcase high-budget, high-profile drama for the entire BBC network and featured talented actors and actresses.

2: Behind the Scenes Challenges

Despite the production’s success, challenges arose during filming, including a last-minute change to a scene involving the destruction of a statue due to council restrictions. The crew had to improvise and blow up a different prop. Anecdotes from actors, such as Alex Norton, reveal the creative problem-solving that took place on set.

3: Political Turmoil and Controversy

The political climate during the broadcast of “Scotch on the Rocks” was tense, with the SNP gaining popularity and pushing for a Scottish assembly. The drama’s portrayal of a violent rebellion led by the Scottish Liberation Army sparked controversy, and the SNP called for the program to be shelved. The formal complaint lodged by the SNP was later upheld by the BBC’s Programmes Complaints Commission, leading to the drama never being shown again.

4: Impact and Legacy

While the controversy surrounding “Scotch on the Rocks” overshadowed its critical success, some argue that the drama had a positive impact by raising awareness of Scottish nationalism and sparking discussions about Scotland’s place within the UK. Michael Russell, current president of the SNP, believes that the drama played a role in awakening the idea of Scotland as a nation and generating interest in the topic.

5: The Hope for a Rebirth

Decades later, there are calls for “Scotch on the Rocks” to be shown again. Alex Norton expresses disappointment that the drama disappeared and believes its controversial nature adds to its value. Chris Kaye, who worked on the production, hopes for a re-airing to relive the experience. While the BBC acknowledges the possibility of showing the series again, the missing episodes from the archive pose a challenge.

Conclusion: “Scotch on the Rocks” remains a hidden gem of television history, locked away for 50 years due to political sensitivities. Despite its controversial reception, the drama’s impact on raising awareness of Scottish nationalism cannot be denied. As time passes, there is a growing desire to see the series aired once more, allowing viewers to reflect on its historical significance and the legacy it left behind.


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