It’s been three decades since the original Highland Cop firmly put our village on the map. To celebrate the 30 years of this landmark BBC Scotland series, Plockton stepped back into the fictional shoes of Lochdubh for an unforgettable night of nostalgia, laughter, and behind-the-scenes insights.
The evening was a true community affair. While the village gathered to revisit two classic episodes on the big screen (our thanks to Atlas Arts), the most captivating moments happened between the episodes.
Hosted by Mary Jane Campbell – owner of the “Lochdubh Hotel” – the night featured a deep dive into the show’s local legacy.
We were treated to a live appearance from our resident Wee Jock and and a surprise reenactment of a scene from the Pillar of the Community.
Another highlight was exclusive video recordings from original cast and production members, sending a heartfelt “hello” back to the village that served as their home for three seasons.
We were joined by:
Plockton’s own Wee Jock – Canach – courtesy of Catherine and Andy Will, and our two special guests:
Jonathan provides some backgroud into why and how he wrote Hamish Macbeth – the Making of a BBCTV Classic.
Stuart recounts his first meeting with Executive Producer, Scott Meek and writer, Daniel Boyle.
Jonathan briefly outlines the first of the two episodes to be screened:
Before screening the first of the evening’s episodes, we were treated to video from Deirdre Keir, the original producer. While M.C. Beaton’s novels were set in Sutherland, Deirdre was instrumental in casting Plockton as the fictional Lochdubh.
Deidre explains why they chose Plockton and the great affection she has for the place and its people.
Deirdre is wearing a Hamish Macbeth crew jacket.
Series 2, Episode 5 – 1996
Grief and personal crisis take Hamish to a remote island. There, he meets a woman who is trapped with an unexploded landmine under her foot.
Fans of the show will remember Doc Brown and his laid-back and somewhat philosophical approach to medical practice. His fondness of ‘herbal’ remedies only added to the eccentricities of Lochdubh.
Duncan reminds Stuart of a night out enjoying Highland hospitality in Plockton.
Valerie brought the sophisticated yet spirited, Alex, to life. A novelist, and daughter of the Major, Alex was in a chaotic on/off relationship with Macbeth in series 1 and 2.
Valerie shared a script idea for her character that was never acted out.
Series 1, Episode 2 – 1995
Macbeth has to deal with overbearing newcomer who receives anonymous threats after taking over the planning for Lochdubh Day.
Right on cue, Donald Murdoch turned the screening into a live performance.
The Incredible Fling Band member burst into the hall at the exact moment he appeared on screen – catching both the audience and our special guests completely off guard.
[Apologies for the wonky camera angle]
Heartfelt tributes to Ralph Riach and much missed local, Johnnie Ach
Discover who returned home to find Kenneth Branagh, Phyllida Law and Jimmy Yuill (Lachlan MacCrae Snr) at her kitchen table!
Three Jackets: Calum Mackenzie shared the stories behind three iconic show jackets.
The “Carlyle” Mystery: Multiple residents vied for the claim of whose bed Robert Carlyle actually slept in.
Gaelic featuring on prime time BBC1 and the need for more contemporary Scottish drama
The evening drew to a close with a few tunes from Donald Murdoch.
It’s testament to the ‘Highland Noir’ charm of Hamish Macbeth that, thirty years on, it is remembered with such affection. The series navigated a surreal mix of comedy drama with moments of edgy darkness.
It was a night of nostalgia, laughter, and community, and a fundraiser for Plockton & District Community Trust.
If this has whetted your appetite or if you are new to the show, the full series is currently on BBC iPlayer.
Deirdre Keir catching up with Calum Mackenzie and Charlie MacRae on her first return visit to Plockton, thirty years on.
