Hamish Macbeth.

Fans of Land Rovers and of Scotland were delighted by the return of the BBC's Hamish Macbeth to Australian TV in August 1997 [7.30pm Sundays ABC-TV]. The first series had oscillated uncertainly between the humorous and the melodramatic. The second series is more ironic and the writers and cast have found their feet and are clearly enjoying themselves. Apparently a third and final series is presently being made at Lochdubh [Plockton].

In the tradition of `Whisky Galore' and `Local Hero' the "simple" locals bamboozle all attempts by outsiders to interfere with their way of life. Hamish [Robert Carlyle], the local policeman, also has to keep "a low profile" because he risks being posted elsewhere if he is seen to be too successful. He drives around the countryside in a SWB diesel series III Land Rover, keeping law and order while rarely taking the full credit. Question is, will he ever be successful with the fair sex?

The elder McCrae, Lachy (sp?) senior, also trundles around in a Land Rover (left) - a 109" series III ute with the most amazing junk-carrying super-structure built onto it.

What charming regional soapie will the UK put out next? Recently we have had Heartbeat (Yorkshire), Ballykissangel (Southern Ireland) and Hamish Macbeth (Scotland). Will it be the turn of the Welsh?

(Robert Carlyle is also known for his part in the film Trainspotting and fans can see a lot more of him in The Full Monty (1997).)

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