Documentary series to unearth quiet heroes of Scottish history
Shadowy figures from the Dark Ages including Ead, Giric and King Constantine will emerge as Scotland's nation-building heroes when a new series of documentaries is aired across British television from next month.
After two years' preparation, Scotland's History will be broadcast on BBC Scotland and BBC Two. Presented by the archaeologist Neil Oliver, it sets out to demythologise Scottish history and to introduce unfamiliar characters, as well as the well-known William Wallace, Robert the Bruce and Mary, Queen of Scots.
“We've all heard of the big names. We had the opportunity here to come afresh. Many Scots are familiar with Columba and Kenneth MacAlpin — who feature in the first episode — but very few will have heard tales of Ead, Giric and Constantine,” said Neil McDonald, creative director of documentaries for BBC Scotland.
This trio were “crucially important figures”, Mr McDonald said. “They have been overlooked because of a tendency, in Scotland, to cluster around the big names. The end result is not nearly as informed a view of history as people deserve. Within the limited resources of a television series, that is what we are trying to address.”..
Read entire article at Times (UK)
After two years' preparation, Scotland's History will be broadcast on BBC Scotland and BBC Two. Presented by the archaeologist Neil Oliver, it sets out to demythologise Scottish history and to introduce unfamiliar characters, as well as the well-known William Wallace, Robert the Bruce and Mary, Queen of Scots.
“We've all heard of the big names. We had the opportunity here to come afresh. Many Scots are familiar with Columba and Kenneth MacAlpin — who feature in the first episode — but very few will have heard tales of Ead, Giric and Constantine,” said Neil McDonald, creative director of documentaries for BBC Scotland.
This trio were “crucially important figures”, Mr McDonald said. “They have been overlooked because of a tendency, in Scotland, to cluster around the big names. The end result is not nearly as informed a view of history as people deserve. Within the limited resources of a television series, that is what we are trying to address.”..