"If it's no' Scottish, it's crrrr-ap!"
Must See Movies:
ROB ROY - based not actually on Sir Walter Scott's novel of the same title, but on his book Manners, Customs, and History of the Highlanders of Scotland. Beautiful scenery of the Trossachs!
BRAVEHEART - the film that helped put Scotland's struggle for devolution in the global spotlight. Historical inaccuracies abound, but this is not a documentary. Any film that boosts Scottish pride is a fine film, in my opinion.
LOCAL HERO - Scottish director Bill Forsyth's first major film to play beyond Scottish borders. Satirical, brilliantly acted, and beautiful scenery make for an enjoyable and worthwhile movie experience.
SHALLOW GRAVE - not for the squeamish (particularly one scene at night in a dark forest), but otherwise a very entertaining dark comedy that centers around three Edinburgh yuppies and a whole lot of money. This is also Ewan McGregor's first major film role.
TRAINSPOTTING - excruciatingly realistic, disturbing portrayal of heroin addicts in Scotland's cities. Brilliantly acted rendition of Irvine Welsh's novel of the same name. "Trainspotting" is British slang meaning to do something futile and useless.
Favorite Scottish Authors and Books:
Isla Dewar - author from Fife known for her Scottish "city or town girl" stories involving inward perseverance. Vivid and lovely characters. Every one of her books is a gem. It Could Happen to You, Keeping Up With Magda, Women Talking Dirty, and Giving Up On Ordinary.
Irvine Welsh - Edinburgh author of several startlingly realistic novels and short stories involving the very gritty side of inner city Scotland. Trainspotting, The Acid House, and Ecstasy.
James Kelman - Booker Prize winning Glaswegian author who explores the fight for the working class to scratch out a life against difficult and seemingly impossible odds. How Late I Was, How Late, and An Old Pub Near the Angel.
Iain Banks - Scottish author known in the United States primarily for his science fiction novels, yet known in Scotland for his odd tales based on current events and the warped characters who live in settings they build for themselves. The Crow Road, Whit, and The Wasp Factory.
Alasdair Gray - Glaswegian author known for his novels of biting social satire. His imaginative tales and strangely endearing characters are some of the most acclaimed in Britain. Lanark and The Fall of Kelvin Walker.
Scottish Music or "I would walk 500 miles for a bonny tune!"
The Proclaimers: Unarguably Scotland's most famous musical import, primarily because there's no doubt where the twins, Craig and Charlie Reid, are from. It would take twenty year old Scotch to cut through their Fife accents, but they use it to great effect in their engaging, bold, and unencumbered emotional songs. They sing about love, life, and Scottish pride and problems. They were virtually unknown in the United States until their song "I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)" was used in the 1993 movie Benny and Joon. I dare you not to tap your toe, in the very least, while listening to any of The Proclaimers songs. This Is the Story, Sunshine On Leith, Hit the Highway, and Persevere.
Edwyn Collins and Orange Juice: Edwyn Collins, who could challenge Brad Roberts from Crash Test Dummies to a bass voice contest, began his musical career in the Scottish band Orange Juice. After modest British success in the group, he went solo releasing Hope and Despair and Hellbent on Compromise. His most popular solo effort was Gorgeous George with the hit single that crossed the Atlantic, "A Girl Like You".
Travis: Award-winning, critically acclaimed band of the hit "Why Does It Always Rain On Me?". Their second CD The Man Who won 1999 Album of the Year by Q, New Musical Express, and Select magazines. Select declared Travis as "This year's best new band" after their debut release Good Feeling in 1997.
Other Scottish Bands Well Worth a listen:
Trash Can Sinatras
Runrig
Love and Money
Resources for All Things Scottish:
David Daiches (ed.) The New Companion to Scottish Culture Edinburgh: Polygon, 1993. ISBN 0-7486-6148-4
Brian Hogg The History of Scottish Rock and Pop: All That Ever Mattered Middlesex, England: Guinness Publishing, 1993. ISBN 0-85112-723-1
