On one of the coldest days of the year, in late November Ian, Ronnie and Ali headed to the Border’s with a camera, a mic and one of Scotland’s most respected academics in the field of Scottish Literature to talk all things Walter Scott.
Scott’s home in Abbotsford is a cultural treasure built on books; an architectural one-off that houses one of the greatest libraries in the country and the most amazing collection of historical and cultural artifacts, from a lock of Mary Queen of Scots hair to full suits of armour.
At the moment it is under renovation so we camped ourselves in the new visitor’s centre and made a start. (Although due to time Ronnie finished the interview at Glasgow University, we won’t try and kidd you on). The idea was to record a podcast looking at the legacy of the much maligned Scott to Scottish writing and his influence further afield. To see the results you can go to Scots Whay Hae! On Film: Walter Scott and His Legacy. If the video doesn’t show then try this link instead.
The film was made in conjunction with the ASLS and Abbotsford House and will get shown as part of the Scottish Writing Exhibition at this year’s MLA Convention in Boston alongside the Scottish Poetry Library’s own podcast.
We hope to do a few more of these this year, so let us know what you think. For those of you who would prefer the sound only, and who can blame you, this will be available as one of our normal podcasts very soon.
And you’ll all be pleased to know that Ali’s had a haircut since the film was made.
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