Scots have shared the top films and television shows to watch to “learn about the Scottish culture“. As anyone from Scotland will know, there are plenty of things we do and say that might look strange to those who have not lived here.
Sometimes, for people visiting or moving to the country, there is no better way of learning about Scots customs than watching movies or TV shows set in the country.
On Tuesday, somebody who has recently moved to Scotland took to the internet for advice on settling in. Posting on social media platform Reddit, they asked what they should watch to get an education in “the land and the culture”.
They wrote: “We moved to Dumfries around two weeks ago. We’ll be here for the foreseeable future and may even settle down here.
“We are getting used to the weather and all, the people have been just lovely. We feel it is our responsibility, not just ’cause it is important for our professions, to learn more about the land and the culture.”
Since being shared, the post has received more than 255 ‘upvotes’. It also has more than 130 replies, with Scots keen to share their recommendations.
One of the top comments recommends Billy Connolly’s World Tour of Scotland. The 1994 documentary six-part television series sees the legendary Glasgow comedian tour around Scotland for 54 nights.
Another suggested the 1985 adventure comedy Restless Natives, starring Vincent Friell and Joe Mullaney. They added: “It’s a bit dated now, but still a great film to watch about Scotland (and is now also on the Stage somewhere, or about to be).”
Meanwhile, one Reddit user wrote: “Trainspotting, Braveheart are must movies. Sunshine on Leith movie: it’s kind of like a Bollywood movie with songs in the movie and you will be introduced to The Proclaimers.”
Another wrote: “BBC Scotland is a good place to start. Just pay no attention to the ‘may contain strong language’ warnings – they just mean Scottish.”
Other television shows suggested include surreal comedy sketch show Limmy’s Show, mystery thriller Guilt, and BAFTA-award-winning documentary series The Scheme. The latter concerns the lives of a group of families living in the Onthank and Knockinlaw housing schemes in Kilmarnock in East Ayrshire.
In terms of films, among the other suggestions were 2002 coming-of-age crime drama Sweet Sixteen and the 2012 comedy-drama The Angels’ Share. Another was the acclaimed 2013 sci-fi movie Under the Skin, starring Scarlett Johansson.
Elsewhere, others recommended different ways to learn more about Scotland. Multiple Reddit users suggested that the best way to learn more about Scottish culture was by getting out and immersing yourself in it.
One commented: “To be honest, apart from watching telly just get yourselves out and about in your community. You’ll learn far more that way.”
A second echoed: “In Dumfries you have a load of Scottish culture options including stuff about Robert Burns (you just missed the Big Burns Supper but it’ll be back the same time next year). There’s a lot of castles in the area which is great, and loads of outdoor stuff too.”
What are your picks for the best TV shows and films to watch to “learn about Scottish culture”? Let us know in the comments below!