The Road Dance

Product Information

Published in 2002, The Road Dance became a Scottish bestseller, but it took almost two decades for it to be translated from page to the silver screen. Sweeping Scottish landscapes, strong acting and a theme of survival in the face of adversity make it an engaging watch, though younger teens and children will likely find it slow and serious, and may be troubled by the mature content. In the central role, Corfield is one to watch, giving a quietly powerful performance as Kirsty, while Mark Gatiss as the village doctor, Fletcher as Murdo, and Morven Christie as Kirsty's mother also deserve a mention. Stars Hermione Corfield ( The Misfits, Endeavour), Mark Gatiss ( Doctor Who, Sherlock, Game of Thrones), Will Fletcher ( The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power) and Morven Christie ( The Bay , Grantchester). This Scottish period drama is “inspired” by true events and adapted from a novel by John MacKay, who says he based his book on something told to him as a boy: a story about a newborn baby found floating in the sea near his grandparents’ house in the Outer Hebrides.

John MacKay (journalist) - Wikipedia John MacKay (journalist) - Wikipedia

He was portrayed by comedian Jonathan Watson on his sketch show Only an Excuse with the use of his popular opening catchphrase "I'm John MacKay". Like I say, it’s sentimental, though the way Kirsty is helped by women boiling with fury at the injustice does feel modern. It was the outpost of the continent, and it had about it the wildness and harshness of the frontier. Rape shown on-screen, in low lighting, with victim's head hit against a rock, resulting in bloody face -- bloodied underwear is later shown. Almost 20 years ago, STV News presenter John MacKay swapped news reporting for novels, writing the first in a three-part series set in the Western Isles.

One boy, maybe three years younger than herself, sat on top of a trunk with both hands wound round the handle of a black kettle. A great setting and plot, with unexpected twists, but some of the harrowing events were not explored deeply enough for me and it felt like I only got to know the characters on the surface. Her daydreams and innocent courtship with the sensitive Murdo “books” MacAulay come to a crashing halt one tragic night, on the eve of First World War conscription when her life is shattered after a savage attack. He trusted us, knowing our deep desire to bring this story to the big screen was going to be as true to his book as we possibly could. What did it say about its small community, and the wider beliefs and expectations of society in the early 20th century?

The Road Dance Film Edition 1 (Hebrides): Movie Edition The Road Dance Film Edition 1 (Hebrides): Movie Edition

In 1987, MacKay joined BBC Scotland, initially as a news trainee for Radio Scotland and later as a reporter, presenter and producer for radio and television services, including the national news programme Reporting Scotland.

Whilst [Jim] was in Scotland during production, he was looking for another book to read and stumbled across John’s book,” she said. Common Sense is the nation's leading nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of all kids and families by providing the trustworthy information, education, and independent voice they need to thrive in the 21st century. I've worked in content strategy, editorial and audience development for leading film and TV companies for over 15 years. He currently is a co-anchor for the STV News at Six, alongside Kelly Ann Woodland, having previously served as the chief anchor for the West Central Scotland edition of STV News at Six.

John MacKay: Novel turned into film after two decades John MacKay: Novel turned into film after two decades

Based on a book by the same name, written by STV News presenter and author John MacKay, The Road Dance follows Hermione Corfield as Kirsty MacLeod, who dreams of a better life away from her small village in the Outer Hebrides.Introduced by pipe music and sweeping, rugged landscapes, and focusing in on a remote religious community, this drama "inspired by true events" threatens to be a generic and decidedly earnest affair. I followed up by watching the movie and delighted at the scenery, accents and musical score that enhanced my immersion into the story and sense of place. I really enjoyed reading this book, it was really one that made you think and I found the plot twists shocking. STV newsreader John Mackay can't believe it after a movie based on his book wins big at Edinburgh Film Festival.