Take the High Road (1980–2003) User Reviews (10)

And who says Scots can't make TV shows?

[Rabical-91 · 7/10 · 27 November 2017]

'Take The High Road', remembered today as a bland Scottish soap opera, sailed onto STV in 1980, following the cancellation of the now forgotten 'Garnock Way' and was set in the fictional Scottish village of Glendarroch ( of which the location shooting took place in Luss ). It seems more or less to have fallen off the face of the earth. Even some of its stars have less than happy memories of appearing in it. What seems to be overlooked is how massive the show was in its time, being a hugely successful show for ratings. Allegedly, even the Queen Mother was a fan.

Now, whilst it is certainly not a wonderful show, far from it, it made for light, easy viewing. In 1993, 'Take The High Road' went down the 'Emmerdale Farm' route and shortened its title simply to 'High Road'.

In the cast for a long time were future 'River City' star Eileen McCallum as shopkeeper Isabel Blair and Derek Lord as Colin Sneddon, Bill Henderson as car mechanic Ken Calder, however later episodes introduced other characters such as busybody Mary Mack ( Gwyneth Guthrie ), Peter Odell ( the late Ross Davidson, who had earlier appeared as Andy O'Brien in the early episodes of 'Eastenders' ), who had an affair with Sarah McDonald ( the gorgeous Shonagh Price ) and murdered her husband Gary ( Joseph McFadden ). The show had a large and loyal following until its cancellation in 2003.

'Take The High Road', like I said, may not have been great but at least unlike modern soaps didn't resort to breaking cultural taboos in order to catch the viewers attention. Future 'Rab C. Nesbitt' star Gregor Fisher appeared in two episodes.

the way we were

[shoneybearz · 10/10 · 26 May 2015]

The whole series in now on YouTube and again shown daily on stv once more I am again watching and as I glance out my window can almost see the filming of this great show again.Yes it put us on the map for 20 years made friends with the cast especially when filming in the snow often had a few in to warm up it was underrated at the time hacked by the ITV but survived by popular demand I remember Davie sneddon addressing the supporters to continue the show it was a gentle life on the go from Scotland. It could have continued if stv had the might of Granada and central but no even border TV became English viewing.if you have the chance download it so far 245 episodes have been shown on stv and YouTube

Who was that man?

[pauline-meek · 26 August 2004]

I used to love this - time spent watching it was a treat that helped me keep my sanity when my children were tiny and I longed for the sound of a grown-up voice. I loved the scenery, and the sort of close-knit community that probably hasn't ever existed, but is comforting to think of. The story lines were wonderful - mostly real-life "I can relate to that" stuff, with a bit of drama (and sometimes sheer silliness - remember the "Nicki the Russian spy" storyline?) thrown in to stop you getting too complacent! Funnily enough, a couple of friends and I were regretting its demise the other day, and were recalling favourite characters - which brings me to my question. Who was/is the actor who played "Nosey" (Respect the Sabbath) Parker, the world's most up-himself Calvinist vicar - he was brilliant! He's one of those actors you see in loads of stuff, but don't usually associate with any one part. We have been racking out brains. Any offers?

I just LOVE the series and hope that we keep on getting it here in Australia

[lemalyn · 13 March 2004]

I really like the show and think that the actors really play their parts so well, it is as if everything is really true. I was a little disappointed that baby Mary died, it made me feel so sad as that had happened to me a long time ago. But I watch the show every day and tape it if I am not going to be home. Even though I am not Scottish I can still understand the words but my husband can't understand them. I have been watching the show now for about 12 months and just hope that Australia keep on showing the series, it had been on here for a while before I got to know about it. I am glad that my friend (who is Scottish) told me to watch it. Best show on TV she said & I am inclined to agree with her.

not a bleak series

[lemalyn · 18 March 2004]

I would just like to say that I disagree with the views of Stuart Kenny & Harry A Chapman, its only their opinion of the show, if they don't like it why do they watch it? Maybe they like Days of our Lives, Young & the Restless or Coronation Street. As I said in my last comment I am not Scottish but I just love the show. Its only their opinion that the show is bleak, but everyone is different and has different views on shows they like to watch, I know I don't watch a lot of shows if I don't like it the first time I watch it. I like the scenery around the Loch and I think the acting is so real it could really happen just like that. What a dreary world we would live in if everyone had the same opinions. So I'll 'Take the High Road" any day. Hope it keeps on running here in Australia for a long time to come yet.

On a par with "The Bill"

[rsawers · 13 June 2004]

I have been watching this great show for five years and am so disappointed that it has been taken off air. In Australia we reached only to the end of 1993 so we missed a lot. How can TV stations leave regular viewers stranded like this. I would like to receive any copies that readers have recorded (shall pay). This is one of the best programmes to come out of Scotland. (I am of Scottish descent). The characterization is superb and the settings are so easy on the eyes. The plots often touch on many day to day subjects such as loneliness, happiness, the might of big business; marriage break ups; difficulties faced by small farmers; cot death etc all without foul language, overdone sexual references, murders etc. All ages are represented from the elderly, the lone unmarried, the middle ages to the young at heart and the plots deal with happenings relative to each age group and are skilfully intertwined. What a sad loss!! As I said in my letters to BBC and ABC, I hope all the evil spirits in Scottish castles come to haunt all those horrible, inconsiderate nobodies responsible for its demise. Ron Sawers

Thoroughly Enjoyable :-))

[coolowl-1 · 23 December 2003]

12.30pm weedays would not be the same without my "fix" of "Take the High Road". Delighted to see (Michael, Melbourne) that the ABC has bought the whole series. When I enquired they were reluctant to say, so I hope Michael has good info! Totally charming if a tad predictable (what soapy isn't?) the scenery and the soft Highland accents would make this a worthwhile 20 minutes to spend relaxing over lunch.

Still Going Strong

[leephilip73 · 23 April 2002]

High Road has be on Tv for over 20 years and what sets it a side from todays other soaps is that the format has not changed and the storyline carries on at its own gentle pace. Characters like Mrs Mack and Isabel Blair have been on the show since its launch in 1980. The storyline takes place around the village of Glendarroch in Scotland and much of the action takes place at the Glendarroch estate or Blair's Store. A gem in the afternoon Tv Schedules long may High Road continue.

Scriptwriting Masterpiece: Wasted on critical masses

[fluffy_tablet · 26 May 2004]

This unique Scottish drama deserves credit for much more than its charming highland setting and lovable characters. It is the skillful craftsmanship of its screenplay which attracts. The creators of this show delve into the inner thoughts and complex emotions of the characters in a way which renders it a delicate, rich, humanistic drama which satisfies, rather than a superficial "soapie" with simplistic characterisation and sensationalised plots. The scriptwriter forces unlikely characters to meet and interact in unusual moments; compels them to share experiences with those whom they are not often inclined to confide. The script is constantly challenging the diverse characters and our perceptions of them by betraying undiscovered qualities within each; teasingly revealing unexpected compassion and secret vices to tempt an eager audience. This show is a textual gem and I'm so pleased that it has been given the continuing recognition it deserves.

It's like Emmerdale remade by Ingmar Bergman, very bleak indeed...

[Donald_McKinney · 7 May 2002]

This soap opera is both bleak and dull, in fact, too bleak to even call proper entertainment. How people could even sit and watch it, I shall never know. No wonder it's been axed, it is one of the worst soap opera's in the history of television.

It's the equivalent of spending a two week holiday inside a Nazi concentration camp. It's absolute torture to watch, full of potholes of plotholes,. ropey dialogue that could have come from one of those British movies of the late 1960's, and there are too mant stereotypes against the Scottish folk, so therefore, it's a little racist in it's own way.