In a dramatic turn of events, BBC Scotland’s 1973 political thriller, “Scotch on the Rocks,” envisioned a fictional scenario where the Scottish Liberation Army seized control of Fort William, escalating tensions and creating a hypothetical battleground for Scottish independence. The series, created by Douglas Hurd, who later served as Margaret Thatcher’s home secretary, remains one of the most controversial yet unseen productions in the BBC’s Scottish history.
The narrative unfolded in five parts, depicting paramilitary clashes, political turmoil, and the looming threat of British troops massing near Glasgow to quell potential unrest. The drama delved into a speculative scenario where the SNP leadership, on the brink of a parliamentary victory, failed to condemn the actions unfolding in the Highlands.
Originally based on Hurd’s trilogy of novels, the TV adaptation aimed to be a high-budget, high-profile drama for the entire BBC network, produced at a time when BBC Scotland sought to elevate its profile in such productions. Chris Kaye, who served as an assistant to the program’s director, reminisces about the challenges and rewards of working on the project, praising the talented Scottish director and the top-notch cast assembled for the series.
Despite facing hurdles like permission issues for blowing up a statue and logistical challenges in filming, “Scotch on the Rocks” successfully brought the fictional tale to life. Notably, actor Alex Norton, then 23 years old, recalls amusing incidents during the shoot, including an unconventional method to film a brick-throwing scene.
While the series garnered positive audience figures and reviews upon its 1973 release, trouble brewed behind the scenes. Set against a politically turbulent backdrop with the SNP gaining momentum and the Conservative government grappling with challenges, the drama’s portrayal of a hypothetical struggle for Scottish independence stirred controversy.
In the end, despite the initial success, “Scotch on the Rocks” faded into obscurity, locked away from public view. Its controversial narrative, reflecting the political climate of the time, remains an intriguing and unseen chapter in the history of BBC Scotland’s dramatic productions. Top of Form
