by Catherine McKinley
“Monarch of the Glen,” a BBC Series which aired from 2000 – 2005, follows Archie MacDonald, a young restaurateur. Archie is living in London when his family requests he return to his home estate of Glenbogle, in Scotland, being told his father had a serious accident in the Loch. When he arrives, he expected only a short visit. In fact, his father, Hector, had only a minor spill into the Loch and is actually fine and healthy. However, Archie is informed that he is now the new Laird of Glenbogle and must remain indefinitely. Resigned to his unexpected fate, he settles into a new life at Glenbogle.
The highly entertaining cast of characters in addition to Archie MacDonald includes: Hector MacDonald, Archie’s father, Molly MacDonald, Archie’s mother, Golly the Ghillie, Duncan McKay, the estate assistant, Lexie McTavish, the housekeeper, Katrina Finlay, the school teacher, Lord Kilwillie, Hector’s best friend (pictured on his own below).
The series was filmed in the Badenoch and Strathspey area of the Scottish Highlands which provides glorious and stunning scenery. The main filming location was Arsdverikie House and its estate, which stood in for the fictional Glenbogle Estate.
The assorted episode plot lines revolve around Archie’s efforts to improve the financial health of Glenbogle. Another major plot line in the series revolves around romances between several characters. In addition to the main cast, an extensive line of colorful guest characters float in and out of the lives of the MacDonald Clan.
Season 2/Episode 2 is a fan favorite. Hector and Kilwillie finally reach the day they have long awaited: opening a barrel of whisky that has been aging for 30 years. When Archie hears about it however, he claims the rare nectar is property of the estate, of which he is now the Laird, and he plans to sell the 30 year old whisky. Archie has his hands full when the whisky is “kidnapped.” Hilarity ensues when assorted owner claimants chase the barrel up, down, in, and around the entire estate even, at one point, finding it taking a ride on the elevator. The competitors finally decide to just share the prize.
This is just one of the many motion pictures and television shows set in Scotland, some very famous, others more obscure. I will cover them one by one in later columns. Most of these are available on streaming services.
