Scotland's Moving Image Archive at National Library of Scotland preserves over 100 years of Scottish filmed history reflecting 20th century social, cultural and industrial heritage. The films capture the lives of ordinary people across the generations and celebrate the achievements of Scottish based film-makers.
This film is part of Free
Stranraer Royal Visit 1955
Visit Stranraer, Dumfries and Galloway, with a Royal accompaniment as the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh visit in 1955, enjoying an agricultural show and pageant along the way.
From the collection of:
Overview
Join Queen Elizabeth II just two years after her Coronation as she and the Duke of Edinburgh soak up the splendid sights of Stranraer in this Royal local topical. After making a grand arrival in the impressive Royal yacht the couple are greeted by the Provost. Elated crowds cheer their sovereign as she enjoys the Stranraer and Rhins of Galloway agricultural show, presents medals and trophies and watches a historical pageant and procession of elaborate floats.
Local topical films were made specifically to be shown to local cinema audiences, and were very popular from the early days of cinema until the late 1950s. Local cinemas would film popular community events such as gala days, parades, local festivals and holidays, with a remit to get in as many close ups of faces in the crowd as possible. Hence the frequent use of the panning shot, very much the hallmark of the local topical, to maximise the audience who would be enticed into the picture hall a few nights later with the prospect of seeing themselves on the big screen. This local topical film was found in the Kinema theatre, Stranraer, which has now been demolished.
Related
Watch for free
Governor's Notebook 1 Governor's Notebook 1
Amateur film 1953 2 mins Silent Location: Stormont
An unforgettable day for Lady Wakehurst as the glamorous new monarch delights the crowds at Stormont
Watch for free
Royal Visit to Bearsden June 1965 Royal Visit to Bearsden June 1965
Amateur film 1965 11 mins Location: Bearsden
The Queen and Prince Philip enjoy a day out in the Glasgow suburbs in this sumptuous 1960s amateur film, complete with pipe band, flag-waving schoolchildren and very big hats.
Watch for free
Governor's Notebook 2 Governor's Notebook 2
Amateur film 1953 1 mins Silent Location: Belfast
Balmoral show grounds bulge with a frenzy of excited youths. Join them in their pursuit the royal car if you too are eager to get a glimpse of the new monarch.
Watch for free
Jubilee Jubilee
Current affairs 1977 13 mins Location: Bath
A special report looks into the preparations for the Queen’s Silver Jubilee and her subsequent tour of the South West.
Watch for free
Sierra Leone Greets the Queen Sierra Leone Greets the Queen
Government sponsored film 1961 21 mins
The Queen and Prince Philip's visit in late 1961, the year Sierra Leone became independent from Britain.
Watch for free
Royal Destiny Royal Destiny
Documentary 1953 17 mins
Produced by British Movietone for “Her Majesty’s Central Office of Information”, Royal Destiny traces Queen Elizabeth II’s young life up to her ascension to the throne.
Watch for free
Khichdi Khichdi
Animation & Artists Moving Image 2023 16 mins
The interwoven stories of four best friends who reunite in the UK, thirty-five years after training together as nurses during their teens in Ferozepur, Punjab.
Watch for free
Dr XYZ: A Medical Drag Transthology Dr XYZ: A Medical Drag Transthology
2023 15 mins
A satirical take on the healthcare service announcements of the 1960s and 70s.
Watch for free
Every Moment Counts Every Moment Counts
Animation & Artists Moving Image 2023 9 mins
A short animation that offers a window into the world of children’s palliative care.
Watch for free
Police Story: Panel Discussion Police Story: Panel Discussion
Inside Film 2024 24 mins
Panel discussion on Jackie Chan's 1985 action classic Police Story, with Chase Armitage, Sam Mak and Jadey Duffield.
Watch for free
China O'Brien: The Reunion China O'Brien: The Reunion
Documentary 2024 60 mins
Cynthia Rothrock, Richard Norton and Keith Cooke reunite three decades on from the groundbreaking martial arts classic.
Watch for free
Women in Action Panel Discussion Women in Action Panel Discussion
Inside Film 2024 28 mins
Action Xtreme - the UK's leading action film studio - hosts this panel discussion with four leading women in action cinema - Soo Cole, Jo Rolison, Jadey Duffield and Ioanna Karavela.