Scotland’s Showpeople take centre stage in a new six-part BBC Scotland series…
The documentary follows the families who bring the fun of the fair to villages, towns and cities across the country. The community of Showpeople in Scotland numbers around 1600 who set up the rides and stalls for ten months of the year, come rain or shine.
In a double bill screening this Monday, the cameras follow three generations of the Taylor family as they head to Grangemouth in the first episode. Mitchell is following in a proud family tradition as the Taylors of Edinburgh bring an impressive fair to the town to celebrate the annual gala. It’s all hands on deck – from a sprightly 79 year old Keith Taylor down to the younger family members who share the veteran’s enthusiasm for the job.
Finance guru Sarah Sheeran hails from the community and arranges asset finance for the families after setting up in business, following her graduation. She gives the lowdown on what is involved in buying rides that can cost up to half a million pounds. Meanwhile, father and son duo, Trevor and Kristan Smith battle wet weather and family squabbles in Airdrie. It’s a soggy start to the season but the show must go on.
In the second edition the Hiscoe family are juggling a busy summer season in Ardrossan while looking after two kids and reflecting on their decision to move away from the traditional showman lifestyle. Mum Rachel had misgivings about moving from the Yard – where families have traditionally stayed – and into a new home outside, but the move has proved to be a success.
The Taylors are in Edinburgh and must wait for council clearance before they can again launch their popular colour bomb event. The Smiths deal with the hardest thing a father and son can go through as they prepare to set up at the Royal Highland Centre in Ingliston for one of the summer’s big events.
Narrated by Leah MacRae, Showpeople: Licensed to Thrill is a Tern TV production for BBC Scotland. All episodes are available on iPlayer from Monday, 27 January. Episode one and two air back-to-back from 9 pm on the BBC Scotland channel.
