Harry Birrell Presents Films of Scotland

Two-part documentary telling the story of Harry Birrell, one of Scotland’s most prolific 20th-century film-makers. The first episode takes us back to before WWII, where Harry’s journey with film began. He captures in vivid detail his army training at Hamilton Barracks and Dunbar as he and the troops prepare for battle. On his return from war, Harry turns to the Scottish mountains for his next adventure, as he becomes an active member of the fledgling Scottish ski scene and records his alpine adventures.

Harry's personal documentaries filmed from the 1950s onwards, including a water-skiing competition on Loch Earn, the last days of the Glasgow tram service and the Queen's state visit to George Square. The footage is intercut with the films he made with his children as they grew up in the 50s and 60s, portraying a universal experience that is nostalgic and deeply poignant.