In the Fall of last year, my life experienced an event of rather profound proportions. No I didn’t welcome an offspring into my family. I didn’t win the lottery or find the job of my dreams either. In their stead, the occasion that spurred my emotional renaissance was being awarded the privilege of viewing the glory that is "Braveheart."

Over the years, a few films regarding certain aspects of Scottish historical and present day life have caused me to smile, cry and even be charmed in a mystical sort of way. Movies such as: "The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie," "Ring Of Bright Water," and "Mary, Queen of Scots" (starring Vanessa Redgrave and Glenda Jackson) were rather well produced films. Each yanked my heartstrings in an interesting manner, but my favorite movie, dealing with a, "Scottish," theme has always been, "Brigadoon." I’m sorely tempted to discuss the film’s message in this column, but will leave the task for another time.

I came to believe, via showings of the previously mentioned films, that accurate (save the aforementioned, "Brigadoon") scenes of Scottish life were being presented. People introduced in these movies wore kilts, danced jigs, spoke with beautiful accents, referred to gasoline as, "petrol," and dined on haggis. In addition, numerous references were made to moors, lochs, bagpipes, castles and the Highland Games. The stories generally took place in: Edinburgh, Glasgow, Perth and others and all in all, filled me in on everything of interest regarding the history and present day life of Scotland.

Certain books as well as conversations held with various relatives helped to round out my education regarding Scotland. Through the most basic of studies, I did know that Bonnie Prince Charles and Mary, Queen of Scots had been historical figures of note, but as to their overall importance, I’d not a clue. Yes sir, I certainly knew all there was to learn about Scotland, past and present! (Recently, I have come to realize that my past limited education regarding the times and people of Scotland was not surpassed by many others.) Last Summer and Fall, I, and it is hoped, millions of others, received two shots of blistering and stunning reality. The second, in particular, was an extraordinarily telling blow and one that continues to impact my soul to a previously unimaginable degree.

Earlier last year, I ventured to my local movie theater complex and was blessed with a showing of, "Rob Roy." The film was beautifully produced and very well acted. I was, however, appalled by the scenes of brutality being inflicted on the people of Scotland portrayed in the film. While I understood that, at various times in the past, the English had attempted to subjugate the Scots, to now be presented with such graphic examples of cruelty was astonishing.

I departed the theater with thoughts that perhaps I had not known all there was to learn about the history of Scotland. To say that my senses were shaken up would be an understatement. The most severe and cataclysmic awakening, however, was still to come.

_{Highlander Web Magazine
Copyright 1995/96 Catalyst (Highlands) Ltd.
Pages by Webspinner
admin@catalyst-highlands.co.uk}