Cert PG
88 mins
BBFC advice: Contains mild bad language, sex references
Why is Hamish Henderson so beloved in Scotland?
Is it because of his folk songs, his poetry, his empathy with the people, his wartime heroism or just because he lived life to its fullest.
I suspect a combination of these and many other factors made Henderson a figure to whom Scots still raise a 'wee dram'.
During his documentary, Hamish, Robbie Fraser chronicles the life of a man who just could not be pinned down.
I knew nothing of Henderson before watching Fraser's film and, at first, I did feel a little bit like a gatecrasher at a celebration party.
Henderson was brought up by his mother to speak Gaelic, won a place at Cambridge and went on to oversee the surrender of the Italian army in the Second World War.
But he was a pacifist and Marxist at heart, spent much time with gypsies and went on to campaign for nuclear disarmament among other causes.
He was regarded as the founder of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and, to this day, his ballad Freedom Come Aa' Ye' is one of the most celebrated songs in Scotland.
This film includes footage of Henderson down the years and interviews with those who knew him best from his wife and children to those who played with him on the folk scene.
Contributions are in Gaelic, reflecting his deep Scottish heritage, and English.
It is a love letter to a man who is still so fondly regarded more than a decade after his death that his memory can prompt both a smile and a tear.
Reasons to watch: digs deep into traditional Scotland
Reasons to avoid: feels a little as if the viewer is gatecrashing a party
Laughs: none
Jumps: none
Vomit: none
Nudity: none
Overall rating: 7/10
Star tweet
mark cousinsGreat to see so many @Filmhouse on this sunny afternoon for Hamish Henderson doc.
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