Video History of Scotland

Ref: AF107D

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Henry Bell and his famous ship The Comet the first ship to commercially harness steam power for navigation ushered in the age of steamships not only to the River Clyde but across the world. However nowhere was the pace of change so fast as along the banks of the River Clyde which was building ships at the rate of three hundred per year in its peak. William Denny and Brothers were one of the great Clyde ship designers and shipbuilders for almost one hundred years and were famous for designing and producing many of the greatest ships in the world including the famous Cutty Sark which it completed in 1869. Recognised worldwide for their technical and innovative designs Denny Brothers were pioneers in leading this maritime revolution. In this unique archive history DVD the “Birth of a Ship” from concept design to its launch in 1908 is captured with rare detail from archive film. We follow the design on the order book of 1908 starting in the drawing office in William Denny and Brothers. We are given a detailed account of the production and experimental testing of the wax prototype hull model and propeller design. Denny Brothers were the first shipbuilder in the UK to have their own dedicated experimental water tank which is now part of the Scottish Maritime Museum. Continuing on the lifecycle of the ship’s development we are given a first-hand demonstration of the many crafts and trades required in 1908 in order to translate the design templates into components including the “mould loftsmen” responsible for producing the wooden templates required for fabrication. We are given first-hand examples of how these templates are then transformed by skilled press, foundry and machine shop operators, joiners and carpenters into the required frames, plates and other numerous components that will form the new ship. All done with the highest degree of manual craft experience, skills and effort by these dedicated shipbuilders. The construction of the ship begins with the laying of the keel, then the “double bottom” followed by the “tank top” and finally the engine mounting. Finally the big day of the launch of the ship (Tofua built 1908 for the Union Steamship Company of New Zealand) arrives where with great celebration as another great ship slips gently into the waters of the Clyde to begin her journeys around the world. A truly rare fascinating detailed account of the effort, craftsmanship, skills and success of this world famous ship designer and shipbuilder William Denny and Brothers who designed and produced some of the finest and highest quality vessels in the world. Narrated by Ron Black

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Number of discs: 1 DVD-R
Media Format: DVD-R


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Ref: AF201D

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OMallaig (Scottish Gaelic: Malaig) is a port in Lochaber, on the west coast of the Highlands of Scotland. The local railway station, Mallaig, is the terminus of the West Highland railway line (Fort William & Mallaig branch), completed in 1901, and the town is linked to Fort William by the A830 road – the "Road to the Isles". The village of Mallaig was founded in the 1840s, when Lord Lovat, owner of North Morar Estate, divided up the farm of Mallaigvaig into seventeen parcels of land and encouraged his tenants to move to the western part of the peninsula and turn to fishing as a way of life. The population and local economy expanded rapidly in the 20th century with the arrival of the railway. Ferries operated by Caledonian MacBrayne and Bruce Watt Sea Cruises sail from the port to Armadale on the Isle of Skye, Inverie in Knoydart, and to the isles of Rùm, Eigg, Muck, and Canna. Mallaig is the main commercial fishing port on the West Coast of Scotland, and during the 1960s was the busiest herring port in Europe. Mallaig prided itself at that time on its famous traditionally smoked kippers but today only one traditional smokehouse remains. A fascinating and nostalgic journey back to the Mallaig of 50 years ago with the harbour “bristling” with numerous fishing boats and crews of the West Coast fishing fleet landing their catch on the pier before heading out once more. Steam train services from Fort William bring passengers and goods to the port with many of the passengers continuing their journey to the isles aboard one of David MacBrayne’s proud and graceful ships such as the infamous MV Lochinvar (b.1908), MV Lochmor (b.1930), RMS Columba (b.1964) or MV Loch Seaforth (b1947). Indeed beautiful colour footage reminds us of the vital link that these great ships and workhorses provided not only for passenger travel but vital mail and cargo services to the remotest of islands and hamlets as they sweep gracefully out from Mallaig harbour crowded with passengers and cargo. Recall the spectacular scenery, beaches and inlets around the town during the 1960s, 1970s and eighties. Enjoy golden memories of yesterday with the arrival in Mallaig station of “The Jacobite” restored steam locomotive. This is a fascinating unique and rare insight into the places and sights once familiar in this small port that served as a welcome destination and departure point for so many over the past 50 years. Whatever your ties, memories or affections for Mallaig then you are sure to discover some enthralling memories of “yesteryears” here.

Running time: 18-mins

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Number of discs: 1 DVD-R
Media Format: DVD-R


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Ref: AF100D

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MemoMacBrayne vessels that sailed the lochs and Isles of the West Coast of Scotland during the 1950s and 1960s. Our travels on these graceful ships begins when we arrive by steam train from Glasgow at Gourock station and catch the M.V. Lochfyne before sailing for Dunoon, Inellan, Rothesay Bay then then a sail through the magnicient scenery of the Kyles of Bute before arriving at Tighnabruach and finally Tarbet Loch Fyne. Relive the sail from Oban aboard the M.V. Claymore passing the T.S. King George V, M.V. Loch Nevis and other members of the fleet.. At Mallaig we find the M.V. Loch Seaforth departing for Stornaway and the M.V. Lochmor Tarbet Harris bound. Rediscover the famous St. Columba sailing from Glasgow to Loch Fyne Ardrishaig. At the Isle of Iona the M.V. King George V berths at the pier to unload passengers, vehicles and cargo. The original M.V. Loch Seaforth pulls into the Kyle of Lochalsh heading for Stornaway harbour. Just some of the wonderful nostalgic scenes, places and ships that are sure to rekindle golden memories and links to past times and events. These wonderful great ships however were more than pleasure vessels they provided a vital link for the Western Isles in terms of mail, cargo and a transport as Caledonian MacBrayne continues to do today. Narrated by John Matheson Running Time 47mins ries of the David MacBrayne fleet Henry Bell and his famous ship The Comet the first ship to commercially harness steam power for navigation ushered in the age of steamships not only to the River Clyde but across the world. However nowhere was the pace of change so fast as along the banks of the River Clyde which was building ships at the rate of three hundred per year in its peak. “Memories of The David MacBrayne Fleet” provides a rare fascinating account and journeys aboard many of the famous ships.

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Number of discs: 1 DVD-R
Media Format: DVD-R


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Ref: AF202D

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The “Coronation Scots” year 1937 In 1937,

King George VI was crowned King of Britain and the Commonwealth. This great event is captured here and set the scene for a new design of locomotive the “Coronation Scots” which celebrated the Coronation by proudly demonstrating new records in performance, design and achievement. Produced for the London Midland and Scottish railways the Coronation Scots could travel from London Euston to Glasgow in six and a half hours. This film shares the test run on 29th June 1937 from London Euston to Crewe in a record breaking time of 119 minutes at an average speed of 80mph and is notable for the impressive ariel photography.

The “Elizabethan Express” year 1954

The Elizabethan Express covered the 393 miles from London to Edinburgh non-stop at an average speed of over 65mph during the days of steam. The Express was a record holder and this film captures the speed and excitement of one of those runs as we recall all of the glamour and nostalgia of the day as well as the activities of the men who maintained and delivered this service. We follow the Elizabethan Express as she travels north from London passing York, Durham and many other landmarks before arriving on time at Edinburgh Waverley station.

The “Inter-City 125” year 1982

Experience a journey from London Kings Cross to Peterborough at well over 125mph on board the Inter-City 125 of B.R. Eastern Region as seen from the driver’s compartment. Another classic example of British railway engineering and achievement in action with beautiful colour scenes of yet another ground breaking example of British railway innovation.

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Screen aspect ratio: 4:3 SD
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Number of discs: 1 DVD-R
Media Format: DVD-R

Running Time: 30-mins (0hr 30min)

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Ref: AF115D

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Number of discs: 1 DVD-R
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Ref: AF114D

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Number of discs: 1 DVD-R
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Ref: AF113D

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Availability: AVAILABLE
Classification: Exempt
Number of discs: 1 DVD-R
Media Format: DVD-R


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