Take the High Road

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?

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.

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.

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.

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