- Taggart: The People’s Archive Opens
- Blythe Duff’s Involvement and Emotional Stories
- Collecting “Witness Statements” and Contributions from the Public
Taggart: The People’s Archive opened to the public on Wednesday, the 40th anniversary of the pilot episode of the popular detective series.
A star of the classic television series Taggart has assisted in the establishment of an archive devoted to the regular individuals involved in the production of one of the world’s longest-running police dramas.
Taggart: The People’s Archive opened to the public at Glasgow Caledonian University on Wednesday, the 40th anniversary of the Killer pilot episode of the detective television series.
Blythe Duff, who portrayed Jackie Reid in the beloved Scottish series, was in attendance.
“Everyone I meet has a Taggart story,” she said. I am aware that the series holds a special spot in the hearts of many.
“A 40-year milestone is significant. Sadly, some of us are no longer with us to convey our stories, but their families are.
“Some of the tales have already moved me to tears of happiness. Taggart: The People’s Archive will include these magnificent pieces.”
In the next days, retired detectives will gather “witness statements” at a mock campus police station for the archive.
Members of the public who participated in location shoots served as extras, portrayed corpses, or contributed props or expertise to the show are exhorted to come forward so that their stories can be recorded.
Additionally, “evidence” can be submitted online.
Glenn Chandler devised the STV-produced show.
Mark McManus portrayed Jim Taggart in the main role. His death occurred in 1994, but the series continued with the same title.
Ewen Bremner (Trainspotting), Robert Carlyle (The Full Monty), Richard Madden (Game of Thrones), James Cosmo (Braveheart), Laura Fraser (Breaking Bad), Gavin Mitchell (Still Game), Meera Syal (Goodness Gracious Me), Phyllis Logan (Downton Abbey), and the legendary Scottish performer Dorothy Paul have appeared as guest stars over the years.
The archive was broken into by 90-year-old Fay Macluskie, whose Balmaha house appeared in A Taste Of Money in 2005.
Carole McCallum, the archivist at Glasgow Caledonian University, stated, “Giving people the opportunity to contribute their stories to the program’s legacy ensures that they, too, are proud owners of Taggart’s heritage.
It also allows us to tear down barriers and demonstrate that archives are for everyone.
