A BBC Scotland crime drama has been winning praise from viewers decades after it first aired. The series has been hailed for its humour, memorable characters and Highland scenery.
Hamish Macbeth first aired in 1995 and quickly became a firm favourite thanks to its unusual mix of murder mysteries, comedy, and quintessentially Scottish characters. Set in the fictional west coast town of Lochdubh, the series follows local police constable Hamish Macbeth as he investigates crimes while attempting to maintain the peace among the town's eccentric residents.
The titular character was played by Robert Carlyle, who brought his own edge to the role of the unconventional policeman. Hamish is far from your typical detective, often bending the rules when it suits him or when he believes it will help the people around him.
Loose adaptation of popular novels
The BBC Scotland series is loosely based on MC Beaton's popular Hamish Macbeth mystery novels, which follow the unambitious constable as he investigates murders in the sleepy Scottish community. Despite the dark crimes at the centre of the stories, the TV adaptation leans heavily into comedy drama, with the unusual characters and laid-back atmosphere of the Highlands providing plenty of lighter moments.
The series ran for three seasons between 1995 and 1997, with the first two consisting of six episodes and the third featuring eight. For fans looking to revisit the Scottish classic, all three seasons are available to stream for free on BBC iPlayer.
Carlyle was joined by Barbara Rafferty, Brian Pettifer and Shirley Henderson, while the Highland scenery became another major feature of the show. The series was filmed in the picturesque coastal village of Plockton in the Highlands, with its mountains and sea views helping to create the fictional town of Lochdubh.
Viewers share praise on IMDb
Decades after the show originally aired, viewers are still discovering Hamish Macbeth and sharing their love for the BBC Scotland classic on IMDb.
One viewer praised Carlyle's performance, writing: "Robert Carlyle gives an excellent performance as Hamish in an unconventional way. Carlyle's portrayal perfectly captures the essence of a small-town policeman who is clever, humorous, and full of heart."
Meanwhile another fan described the show as being a "bit weird" but a complete "BBC Scotland gem", adding: "It's touching, it's funny at times, it's cute. It's inspiring. It's a whodunnit. But mostly it's just Scottish. Really really Scottish."
A third reviewer praised the show's setting and characters, penning: "The village, scenery and people are just so likeable. You want to be part of their community. I love the simple stories, the humour and the taste of the Scottish Highlands in each episode."
For fans of crime dramas who want something a little different, Hamish Macbeth is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
