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
Aberdeen
Explore the growth of Aberdeen’s sparkling streets in this lively and colourful educational documentary produced by Campbell Harper Films for the 'Cities of Scotland' series.
From the collection of:
Overview
Explore the shimmering granite streets of Aberdeen in this colourful educational film exploring the origins and growth of Scotland’s oil capital, from small ancient burgh to bustling metropolis. Captivating shots and a chipper commentary cover themes including Aberdeen and Robert Gordon Universities, the busy harbour and fish market, industries like Rubislaw quarry and the paper mill and also recreational life at the beach and zoo.
The zoo which features at the end of the film no longer exists. It was founded in 1966 by Peter Scott, the son of Antarctic explorer Robert Scott and was located in Hazelhead Park. Unfortunately it closed in 1977 after suffering falling visitor numbers and financial troubles. The film was produced by Campbell Harper Films which made documentary, educational and industrial films for various sponsors including Educational Films of Scotland, who funded ‘Aberdeen’. The film was shot by Mark Littlewood who formed Pelicula Films in 1971 with writer/ director Mike Alexander.
Related
Schools for Moslems Schools for Moslems
Documentary 1980 27 mins Location: Bury
A visit to Darul Uloom School in South Lancashire, the UK's first Muslim school
Xcitement! Xcitement!
Pornography 1960 5 mins Silent
Glamour goddess Pamela Green reveals all in a key ‘60s striptease collaboration with George Harrison Marks.
Heaven (Gay Life) Heaven (Gay Life)
Factual TV 1980 25 mins
The LGBT current affairs series visits the new Heaven nightclub, contrasting it with other parts of London’s gay scene.
Introduction to Northampton Introduction to Northampton
Documentary 1963 17 mins Location: Northampton
Your employer is relocating to Northampton. Will this film convince you it's a good idea for you too?
If I Film at 2fps… If I Film at 2fps…
Amateur film 1965 3 mins Location: Middlesbrough
A ride on the wild side through Middlesbrough and Teesside.
Chapeltown: One Year On Chapeltown: One Year On
Documentary 1987 21 mins Location: Chapeltown
A documentary that reveals the gap between the talent and determination of a community, and its lack of control over its own destiny.
Aberdeen University Quarter Centenary Celebrations Aberdeen University Quarter Centenary Celebrations
Non-Fiction 1906 32 mins Silent Location: Aberdeen
Edward VII and Queen Alexandra open new buildings at Marischal College, Aberdeen
Gordon Highlanders Leaving for the Boer War Gordon Highlanders Leaving for the Boer War
1899 1 mins Silent Location: Aberdeen
A rambunctious crowd greets the Highlanders in Aberdeen, some more interested in the camera than the soldiers.
Tank Bank's Tour through Scotland Tank Bank's Tour through Scotland
Non-Fiction 1918 15 mins Silent Location: Glasgow
The 'Tank Bank' tours through Scotland, selling War Bonds, raising money for the war effort and boosting morale
Fair Rent Fair Rent
Documentary 1947 11 mins Location: Aberdeen
Power cuts, housing shortages and exorbitant rents – Aberdeen man Norrie Williamson goes head to head with his greedy landlady
Aberdeen Oil Boom Aberdeen Oil Boom
Government sponsored film 1972 5 mins Location: Aberdeen
Aberdeen's local fishermen turn into wildcatting oilmen in a lively report from the early days of the North Sea oil boom.
Aberdeen Newsreel No. 2 Aberdeen Newsreel No. 2
Non-Fiction 1940 8 mins Silent Location: Aberdeen
Aberdonians prove their grit in a moving amateur newsfilm of war-ravaged buildings and family fun in Hazlehead Park.
New Perspectives: Oldboy New Perspectives: Oldboy
Short documentary 2024 4 mins
Discover why Luke Bean of Northumbria University believes everyone should experience Oldboy at least once.
New Perspectives: Wings of Desire New Perspectives: Wings of Desire
Short documentary 2024 4 mins
Samantha Arnold of Northumbria University offers fresh insight into why Wings of Desire remains essential viewing.
Horace Ové on Pressure Horace Ové on Pressure
Inside Film 2005 36 mins
The acclaimed director discusses his landmark film in this interview from 2005.
Baltimore - Exclusive Q&A Baltimore - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2024 28 mins
Directors Christine Molloy and Joe Lawlor dig deep into their thrilling biopic Baltimore, in discussion with Nadia M Oliva.
Pressure star Herbert Norville on Horace Ové's masterpiece, the first full-length Black British film Pressure star Herbert Norville on Horace Ové's masterpiece, the first full-length Black British film
Inside Film 2023 17 mins
Actor Herbert Norville discusses working with the pioneering filmmaker on his groundbreaking 1975 drama, Pressure.
Horace Ové: Reflecting the People – A Career Retrospective Horace Ové: Reflecting the People – A Career Retrospective
Inside Film 2023 77 mins
An impassioned discussion on the life, work and legacy of the eminent filmmaker Horace Ové, chaired by Samira Ahmed.