Synopsis

Seawards The Great Ships (1960). Made for Films of Scotland and the Clyde Shipbuilders Association. Produced by Templar Films. Directed by Hilary Harris from a treatment by John Grierson. An evocative testimony to the achievements on the Clyde and to the men of the 'black squads'. Winner of many awards including a Hollywood Oscar for best live action short film 1961. Running time: 30 mins colour.

WIth viewing notes by Janet McBain, Curator, Scottish Screen Archive.

This film has been preserved with a grant from the foundation for Sport and the Arts and has been duplicated in collaboration with Technicolor Laboratories.

Glasgow's Docklands (1956). Made for Educational Films of Scotland. Produced by Enrico Cocozza. Sound Douglas Gray. Script by W.G. Beaton. Commentary spoken by Leonard Maguire. The Govan Ferry, tugs and puffers, merge with ocean going cargo ships in this atmospheric view of life around the docks. As horses and carts still clatter up and down the Broomielaw, it is hard to imagine the huge changes that Glasgow will see within just a few years. Running time: 11 mins b/w.

The River Clyde - A Survey of Scotland's Greatest River (1939). Made for Clyde Navigation Trust. Produced by Scottish Film Productions. Directed by Stanley L. Russell. The River from source to sea. Working life on the river, and along its banks, in the graving docks, at Meadowside Granary, and in the commercial docks. Dredgers keep the channel clear for pleasure steamers and ocean liners. Running time: 20 mins b/w.

Synopsis

A collection of promotional films celebrating the steel and iron works of industrial Scotland in the 1960s and 1970s:

Make Way For Steel (1966, colour) - The construction for David Colvilles Limited of the steel works at Ravenscraig and the mill at Gartcosh. Shows all stages in the construction of these impressive plants including the use of caterpillar bulldozers to prepare the sites.
Produced by Templar Film Studios for Films of Scotland, and Colvilles Ltd.

Lanarkshire Steelworks (1975, b/w & colour) - The operation of Colvilles Lanarkshire Steelworks. The whole steel making process is followed, with close-ups of the engine supplying power to the works.

The Big Mill (1963, colour) - Award winning film on the production of sheet metal at Colvilles' Ravenscraig and Gartcosh works. We see a thick slab of steel rolled at fantastic speed to become a thin coil of steel four miles long.
Produced by Templar Film Studios for Films of Scotland, and Colvilles Ltd.

Fullwood Foundries Mossend (c. 1970, b/w & colour) - A detailed description of old and new methods of making cast iron moulds for the steelworks, with views around the Fullwood Iron Foundry, Mossend, New Stevenston.

Synopsis

Two films about the construction of major Hydro Electric Schemes in Scotland. The programme comprises:
The Moriston Project (1956, b/w) - This fully detailed film is the story of the construction of the Glen Moriston hydro electric dam by Mitchell Construction Co, from the start in 1952 to its completion in 1956. It shows all stages of the construction of the scheme and doesn't forget to highlight the hard work ethos, and the harsh conditions, especially underground, which the workmen had to endure.
Cruachan (1966, colour) - "Cruachan" is the story of the construction of the Cruachan pumped-storage Hydro-Electric Scheme, one of the most ambitious schemes of its time. All stages of the construction are detailed in this meticulously produced colour film in what became known as "The Hollow Mountain" at Ben Cruachan, Loch Awe, Argyll. Full details are shown of the steel foundry making and finishing of stainless steel castings, construction of steel cables, circuit breakers and switchgear, as well as steel pylons and electrical conductors in snowy conditions. Scenes are also shown of heavy equipment being transported to the site.

Synopsis

Three classic films about Scottish Island life in the 1930s, and one from the 1950s. Includes the following films:
The Rugged Island - A Shetland Lyric (1934) Produced and filmed by Jenny Brown. A drama-documentary about a young couple torn between the choice of emigrating to Australia or remaining to work their croft in Shetland and take care of their parents. Click here for a film clip of The Rugged Island.
Eriskay - A Poem of Remote Lives (1935) A study of Eriskay's crofting life, filmed by Dr Werner Kissling during a summer spent on the island. It was filmed mute during the summer of 1934. Narration and music was added in a London studio. The film was premiered on April 1935.
Life in the Orkneys (1957) Made in 1957 by Campbell Harper of Edinburgh this is Life in the Orkneys seen through the eyes of a mail boat skipper, a farmer and a civil air-service pilot. It includes a brief scene of the German fleet in Scapa Flow prior to scuttling in 1919, and an aerial shot of the Churchill Barriers.
Handba' at Kirkwall, Orkney (1939) a short about the annual New Year's Day Kirkwall Ba' game between the uppies and the doonies.

Synopsis

The superb GPO documentary Night Mail plus three classic Scottish films about the West Highland Railways never before released on DVD. The programme includes:
Night Mail (1936, b/w) - The overnight Postal Special from Euston to Scotland. One of the first films to epitomise the style of the classic British documentaries.
West Of Inverness (1939, b/w) - About the problems faced by a rural community and the growing importance of the railway from Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh to communities threatened by depopulation.
The Line To Skye (1973, colour) - An Eddie McConnell film made to support the retention of the West Highland railway line from Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh at a time when it was threatened with closure.
A Line For All Seasons (1980, colour) - A retrospective account of the building of the West Highland Railway line from Glasgow Queen Street to Mallaig. Filmed by Eddie McConnell.

Synopsis

A 2-Disc compilation of films made at and for the Empire Exhibition of 1938, which was held in Glasgow.

Disc 1: Seven films made under the auspices of the first Films of Scotland Committee with the direction of John Grierson to spotlight Scotland:
Face of Scotland: About the character of the Scottish people. With the voice of John Grierson as John Knox.
Wealth of a Nation: A comparison of old and new industries of Scotland.
Scotland for Fitness: Made to encourage a healthier population.
They Made the Land: The struggle to live from the land and reclaim it from the elements.
Sea Food: The story of drifters, lobster creels and the Marine Laboratory's role.
The Children's Story: The history of Scottish education, including a BBC schools broadcast.
Sport in Scotland: On the grouse moor, at the Highland games or at the 1937 Scottish Cup Final, this film shows the importance of sport to the Scots.
Running time: 1 hr 39 mins b/w.

Disc 2: A collection of mainly amateur films, some in colour, shot at or around the time of the Exhibition. Includes the visit of the King and Queen.
Running time: 55 mins b/w & colour.

Total running time: 2 hr 34 mins.

Synopsis

Previously released as Aberdeen The Silver City.

Four superb films about the Granite City.
Aberdeen 1906 (1906, b/w) - The visit of King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra to the Quatercentenary celebrations at Aberdeen University. This version has a commentary by Tom Fleming.
The Silver City (1957, colour) - A scandinavian sailor, a honeymoon couple and a family of four explore the delights of Aberdeen and its hinterland.
Beyond the Grampians (1963, colour) - George Bruce's script evokes the lives of the fishing and farming communities of Aberdeenshire.
Aberdeen by Seaside and Deeside (1971, colour) - An impressionistic account of the attractions that Aberdeen and Deeside offer the summer visitor.

DVD running time: 73 mins, mostly colour.

Synopsis

Previously released as Dundee on Film.

A return to the Dundee of the early 1940s for a film show about the city and its long history. Featuring:
The Opening of Green's Playhouse (1936) At the time Europe's largest cinema.
Dundee (1939) the origins and history of the city.
The Tay Bridge Disaster Ian Rintoul's reconstruction of the 1879 disaster.
A Railway Ride Over the Tay Bridge (1897) Recently restored - one of the first films made in Scotland.
Children of the City (1943) A look at war-time Dundee as men and women struggle with the twin responsibilities of their families and working for the war effort..

Synopsis

Three colour films from the classic Films of Scotland Collection depicting the scenery, history and culture of Scotland's islands.
Includes the following films:

A Pride of Islands (1973) covering the inner and outer Hebrides, Skye and Orkney and Shetland. This film was sponsored by Highlands and Islands Enterprise.
Islands of the West (1972) Also sponsored by Highlands and Islands Entreprise, this film takes us to Lochmaddy, North Uist, Benbecula and the standing stones of Callanish.
Enchanted Isles (1957) Departing from Oban to Iona, then off to Staffa, Fingal's cave and Tobermory. The trip then takes us to South Uist and Eriskay, where we re-trace the steps of Bonnie Prince Charlie, and see the birthplace of Flora MacDonald.

Synopsis

St Kilda The Lonely Islands is the definitive Films of Scotland documentary recalling Martin Martin's book based on his visit in 1697 with MacLeod's factor from Skye. Includes a dramatic reconstruction of the balancing ritual of a St Kilda cragsman on the Lover's stone. Click here for a film clip of St Kilda The Lonely Islands.

Also included is Fair Isle The Happy Island, a film made in 1978 about all aspects of life and work on the island, and a look at its wildlife.

Synopsis

Previously released as A View of East Lothian.

Three films about the historic county of East Lothian once the domain of King Loth and smugglers. The programme comprises:

A View from the Bass (1963, colour). A seaside trip to North Berwick in the 1960s to enjoy the open air swimming pool and comedian Dave Willis at the Pavilion Theatre. Then a boat trip to the Bass Rock with its sinister prison. Click here for a film clip of A View from the Bass.
Lothian Landscape (1974, colour). Journey back through East Lothian's often troubled past to the days of Agricola the Roman, King Loth, and Mary Queen of Scots, and see its towns, magnificent castles, and beautiful architecture.
Dunbar - The A1 Resort (1970, colour). A promotional film for the popular holiday resort, highlighting the harbour, and the castle, plus a visit to Tantallon Castle.

Synopsis

Previously released as Perthshire Panorama.

Five films about the beautiful historic county of Perthshire. Featuring:
Freedom of Aberfeldy (1943) - Commonwealth troops visit the town on leave.
Pitlochry Welcomes You (1958) - a humorous look at the town.
The School Master (1953) - a day in the life of a Crieff school master with Walter Carr.
Perthshire Panorama (1959, colour) - a tour around the county and its attractions.
The Grand Match (1981, colour) - the Royal Caledonian Curling Club Bonspiel of 1979 on the Lake of Menteith, the last outdoor Bonspiel to be held.

Synopsis

The story of the noble Clydesdale told in original archive films from the early 1930s to the 1960s. Programme comprises:
Spring in Galloway (1930s, b/w), life on the farm is seen, including Border ewes and Ayrshire cattle, in this glimpse of the countryside at work in Galloway.
The Good Servant (1958, colour), the history of Clydesdales and the many tasks they performed on the farm. Filmed around Macmerry, East Lothian, Milngavie and other locations. Sponsored by Films of Scotland and the Royal Highland & Agricultural Society. Click here for film clip from The Good Servant.
Spring in the Fields (1936, b/w), shows Clydesdales hard at work ploughing, harrowing and rolling, as farmers sow corn seed using both manual and mechanised methods.
Horse in Harness (1934, b/w), a demonstration of harnessing a Clydesdale.
Champions in the Sun (1964, colour), a vibrant record of Clydesdales and other breeds in competition at the Royal Highland Show. Sponsored by Films of Scotland and the Royal Highland & Agricultural Society.

Synopsis

Scotland's farms seen in original archive films, many in colour, with commentaries by veteran farmers. Programme comprises:
In Good Heart (1960, colour), describes the farming year through the eyes of four farmers in the Highlands, the Borders, Ayrshire and Angus, and visits the Royal Highland Show. Sponsored by Films of Scotland and the National Farmer's Union of Scotland.
They Made the Land (1938), depicts the hard struggle to tame the land for agricultural use.
Grain Harvest (1936), a field of oats is being scythed to clear a path for horse-drawn reaping.
The Farmer's Boy (1938), a young boy sees the prospects in farming over a year's activities.
Winter on the Farm (1934), the variety of jobs done on a mixed farm.

Synopsis

A companion volume to In Good Heart, covering different aspects of farming with classic films and farmers' commentaries. Programme comprises:
Ayrshire Dairy Farmer (1967, colour), the day-to-day and season-to-season cycle of work at Hapland Dairy Farm in Ayrshire.
A Farm is Reclaimed (1945, b/w), how a farmer takes a derelict farm and puts in back into use within a year. Click here for a film clip of A Farm is Reclaimed.
Haymaking (1934, b/w), shows us horse-drawn mowing, raking and building haystacks.
Harvests of the Soil (1937, b/w), featuring the production of potatoes, tomatoes, wheat, barley and other crops.
Scottish Ploughman (1955, colour), a lovely colour film shot at Smeaton Farm, Dalkeith, showing the daily routine of a ploughman and his horses..