Billy Connolly and Aly Bain: Fishing for Poetry. A Celebration of Norman MacCaig

This film, produced by Douglas Eadie and premiered in 2010 features readings of Norman MacCaig's work by Douglas Dunn, Liz Lochead, Aonghas MacNeacail, Alasdair Gray, Jackie Kay, Seamus Heaney, Tom Leonard.
It stars the Big Yin himself, Billy Connolly, as you've never seen him. He's amongst friends, chatting fish, chatting poetry, and being generally hilarious.
Shetland Fiddle superstar Aly Bain and celebrated writer Andrew Greig lead Billy to the Loch of the Green Corrie in the adventure at the heart of this remarkable film.
It also features painter Sandy Moffat, Ewen MacCaig, Norman's University colleagues, a musical performance from Allan MacDonald the famed piper, Dolina MacLennan and others.
This film take you to the heart of MacCaig's work.

[@marcoopdeweegh8284]

Thank you as the journey back in time teaches about life, laughter and beauty.

[@nicholasgibbons6757]

I had never read his poems so imagine the treat i have just had.I have met and listened to Aly and Billy way back when folk clubs reigned in pubs throughout the land so i can be thankful for that. A gem of a film.

[@eunicelynch3511]

I've loved. Norman's work for years..and these old and dear friends just opened a wee door to his heart ..that is very personal and I've had the joy to alaughed along with them feeling the presence of Norman through the music and the place...thank you ❤❤❤❤

[@insanescotsman1]

very enjoyable. I am planning a trip to lochinver again this coming febuary, i will be visiting this loch to do some fly fishing now in the memory of this great man and all who knew him.
Thank you for sharing this

[@stewartconacher6552]

Great to be able to enjoy this film again.Cheers.

[@martinmacgregor5036]

What a wonderful documentary. Missed it the first time around . So many summers…

[@MachineNightmare]

Saw this on TV but missed the start, thanks for uploading.

[@JGPennington-us6kq]

Wonderful tribute to a man by his friends.

[@benbradagh]

I have been looking for this since I first saw it in about 2010. Thank you so much for uploading

[@mishaklimes]

Norman MacCaig is my favourite poet. I adore his metaphors, humour and astonishing lucidity. Thanks for this programme. I also studied in Edinburgh and love the city. So this programme has an extra resonance for me.

[@anthonyrushton3495]

What a lovely thing

[@davidgray3321]

They should be fishing the leeward shore.

[@grahambusby6209]

Superb but I've said to others that they should read Andrew Greig's book first.

[@kennycampbell7975]

And …. what a brilliant soundtrack, eh ?

[@McDanishdog]

"Summer Farm" has always been my favourite poem by Norman MacCaig - you've spelt his name wrong - so to hear it read by one of my favourite poets, Douglas Dunn, was a real treat.

[@calho7297]

This documentary "appeared" based on what we've been viewing.
So good to be able to be introduced to MacCaig in this way:-
seeing people: faces, hearing: beautifully played music: by recognisable ... faces.
Our Grans. say Thenk Yoo to OneAndAll who uploaded this gEm.
Wellwishes.

[@heatherpadgett2116]

ahhhh, the highlands...Hxx polar bears and scarf theft...what a lark...Hxx

[@davidgray3321]

What time of year did they go? looks, looks far too early in the year

[@paulhammons7077]

.... I came here for fishing and had to listen to poetry 😅

[@yasdnilknarf1885]

Anyone know the fiddle tune at the beginning of this?

[@Henry-vu5sg]

I play it

[@user-my2ji5dr9v]

The big ming and shill.

[@Henry-vu5sg]

Aly = genius
Billy = old fart, chancer and social climber

[@davidgray3321]

That isn’t very kind, or true