Scotland’s cultural identity is at risk of taking a hit if the BBC doesn’t give River City a second chance, according to Trainspotting author Irvine Welsh. The novelist, who has a personal connection to the show through his wife Emma Currie, believes that River City plays a crucial role as a “training ground” for budding writers, actors, and directors.
Welsh, known for his gritty and raw storytelling, has thrown his weight behind the campaign to save Scotland’s only soap opera. Having visited the set of River City himself, he was thoroughly impressed by the sheer scale of the production. The show, which first graced our screens in 2002, has been a staple in Scottish television for years.
The BBC, however, stands firm in its decision to pull the plug on River City in the coming year, citing the opportunity to invest in three new drama series instead. Despite this, Welsh believes that the unique opportunities provided by a long-running show like River City cannot be replicated by one-off dramas.
The new shows commissioned by BBC Scotland, set in and around Glasgow, include Counsels, a legal drama by Bryan Elsley and Gillian McCormack, Grams, a darkly comic gangland thriller by James Price, and The Young Team, an adaptation of Graeme Armstrong’s debut novel inspired by teenage gang culture.
The cast and crew of River City have garnered support from politicians across party lines, with a petition and campaign to save the show gaining momentum. Welsh emphasized the importance of ongoing productions like River City in nurturing emerging talents and preserving Scottish storytelling.
Speaking at the Paisley Book Festival, Welsh highlighted the significance of authentic Scottish narratives in keeping the country’s culture and identity alive. He expressed his belief that storytelling is a powerful tool for expressing Scottish heritage, especially in the absence of full political independence.
Welsh, a vocal advocate for Scottish independence, lamented the challenges he faced in the film industry, particularly with his movie Wedding Belles. The film, starring Michelle Gomez, Shirley Henderson, and Shauna Macdonald, faced distribution issues and failed to receive the recognition Welsh felt it deserved.
Despite the hurdles he has encountered, Welsh remains a staunch supporter of Scottish storytelling and the need to preserve it through mediums like River City. He stressed that without platforms like the show, Scotland risks losing a vital part of its cultural fabric.
The battle to save River City continues, with Welsh and other supporters making a strong case for the show’s importance in nurturing talent and showcasing authentic Scottish stories. As the debate rages on, one thing is clear – the future of Scotland’s cultural identity hangs in the balance.
