Robin Mitchell
Encyclopedia
Robin Mitchell, born in the village of Letham, Fife, Scotland on the 27th May 1963, is a Tour Guide, Writer and Film Producer.
. At Edinburgh Napier University, he studied Hotel Catering and Institutional Management (1980–1983).
In May 1985, Robin and Colin were Lothian Region winners of the Shell LiveWIRE
Young Business Competition.
In 1988, Robin bought at auction a card case made out of skin taken from the back of the left hand of the infamous bodysnatcher William Burke (of Burke and Hare fame). The card case is presently on display in the Police Information Centre in Edinburgh's Royal Mile.
Presented with commendation by Bill Heron Trophy 1990 for outstanding contribution to Scottish Tourism – Highly Commended.
In 1992 The Cadies & Witchery Tours were awarded runner up in Small Business Marketing category of the Scottish Tourist Board’s Scottish Thistle Awards for Tourism.
In August 2009, Robin was selected to appear on the Fourth Plinth in Trafalgar Square London as part of Antony Gormley
's One and Other art project.
in 1999. He stood for the Scottish Parliament in 1999 in Lothian in the guise of highway robber Adam Lyal, gaining 1184 votes.
Grave Robbers, Set in present day Edinburgh, the book features the revival of the ancient trade of grave robbing, nearly 170 years after the trial of Burke & Hare. The author weaves features of the original case and trial into the narrative in this gritty and rude debut novel. Ian Rankin
describes the book as 'good, unclean macabre fun from Robin Mitchell'.
What's Under the Kilt?. is a guidebook dealing with ten topics stereotypically associated with the Scots: being mean, ancestral research, the weather, kilts and tartan, bagpipes, language, whisky, football (and pubs), haggis and the Loch Ness monster.
Published books include About a Mile: Alternative Guide to Edinburgh's Historic Way (Duncan Priddle), The Secret Life of Edinburgh Castle: Facts, Funnies and Fables (Gavin Wallace) and What Time Does Edinburgh's One O'clock Gun Fire? (Tam McKay MBE
). He has also written comedy sketches for BBC Radio Scotland.
Georgian Edinburgh: Tales of the New Town: (1995, Dir: Laurence Wareing). Edinburgh - world renowned for its stunning beauty: the Athens of the North. Adam Lyal (deceased) continues his exploration of Edinburgh’s rich past. Guiding us through Edinburgh's Georgian New Town, he brings to life all the splendour, elegance and sophistication of a world of wonderful architecture, famous characters and intriguing stories.
St. Andrews: Ghost, Gowns & Golfers: (1996, Dir: Ted Brocklebank
). This amusing 50-minute film explores the rich heritage and diverse history of St Andrews - the home of golf. There are ghostly encounters with Old Tom Morris, a legend in the town and four times winner of the British Open, and Paul Craw, a very bitter 15th century martyr who has returned to re-write the history books. Adam Lyal (deceased) also has time to visit the University of St Andrews and The Byre Theatre Watch out, too, for an over exuberant tourist played by the broadcaster Scottie McClue.
The Ghosts of Scotland: (1997, Dir: Pete Wolsey). A collection of ghostly tales from all over Scotland. Ghosts, ghouls, tombs and graves, and things that go bump in the night. From the Gothic ambience of the Inner Sanctum, Mr Lyal regales, expounds and embroiders a selection of supernatural tales. Many sinister happenings are uncovered in the never-ending library of Scottish legend, including the Grey Man of Ben Macdhui, A Pharaoh's Curse in Scotland, The Phantoms of Hoolet Ha, The Green Lady of Huntingtower, and a Lost City buried underground.
And So Goodbye (2004, Dir: Jim Hickey). Finding some hand-made film magazines at home, Robin Mitchell learns about a film that his father starred in and produced in 1943. His search leads him to the film and to its extraordinary director Robert Edwards. At an emotional screening, he eventually reunites the filmmakers after 60 years.
The Rest is Silence (2005, Dir: Andrew T. Henderson). The Rest is Silence follows the course of an unclaimed body through its progress from discovery to burial. It focuses not on the body, but on those who guide it through the processes and rituals preceding its interment.
Finding Bob McArthur (2007, Dir: Jim Hickey, starring Bob Edwards, Alan Bell, Maureen Beattie and John Stahl). A mockumentary which traces the life of Scottish director Bob McArthur who worked in Hollywood until the early 1970s. His career as a director was effectively ended in 1974 when production of his South American film was halted by its producer. He returned to Scotland to research and develop a film project about Robert Louis Stevenson. Following in the author's footsteps, McArthur disappeared for years in the South Seas. Now McArthur is being honoured in Scotland with a lifetime achievement award. As the award ceremony approaches, his story is uncovered through archive material and the memories and opinions of those who have known him.
Breadmakers: (2007, Dir. Yasmin Fedda). Revealing intricate social relationships that operate in a community of workers with learning disabilities making a variety of organic breads for daily delivery to shops in Edinburgh. In what can seem a chaotic workplace, there is a mix of sounds approaching white noise amidst the carefully structured everyday process of bread production.
The Scottish Parliament: Following the Ghost Road: (2007, Dir: Robin Mitchell). In an era when the electorate grows more apathetic and cynical towards politics and elections, this 35-minute film shot over 8 years during three Scottish Parliamentary elections is a unique insight into the practicalities of political campaigning. The film's candidate, a pale-faced ghost known as Adam Lyal, has stood in three consecutive Scottish Parliamentary Elections in 1999, 2003 and 2007. By following a candidate who is not a member of any major party, the film is able to strip away some of the mystique surrounding parliamentary elections. This documentary goes behind the scenes of the campaign and features unique historic footage of three election-night counts in Edinburgh. It also reveals the unfolding drama of 2007 when an automated count replaced the manual system with far-reaching consequences.
William McLaren - An Artist Out of Time (2009, Dir: Jim Hickey): A film about the Scottish artist and illustrator William McLaren. This film is the first to document the life and work of the Scottish painter, illustrator and decorative artist. From humble beginnings in the 1920s in Cardenden, a mining town in Fife, McLaren went on to produce work in some of the finest houses in the UK. His illustrations appeared regularly in the 1950s and 1960s in the BBC's Radio Times. He became a prolific book illustrator and designer of dust jackets for over 150 books. In 1966 a commission to create a series of paintings for Hopetoun House near Edinburgh was the breakthrough for McLaren, leading to decorative commissions in private houses and public buildings where he developed his trompe l'oeil style.
The film was shown at the 2010 Glasgow Film Festival
, as part of their strand 'Great Scots' before touring regional cinemas.
About A Band (2010, Dir: Jim Hickey). The film features the Columcille Ceilidh Band, a band which includes musicians with learning disabilities. The film includes an interview with Ian McCalman of Scotland's folk band The McCalmans
and a sequence where Scottish folk musician Phil Cunningham
plays with the band at a rehearsal. The documentary was premiered at the 2011 Glasgow Film Festival and was screened at the Picture This International Disability Film Festival, Calgary, Canada in February 2011.
Education
He attended Parkhill Primary School in Leven and Buckhaven High SchoolBuckhaven High School
Buckhaven High School is a six year co-educational non-denominational comprehensive school with a current roll of 1226. In the past Buckhaven was the Levenmouth's high school for pupils that were able to pass their eleven plus exam...
. At Edinburgh Napier University, he studied Hotel Catering and Institutional Management (1980–1983).
Career
Robin is a member of the Scottish Tourist Guides Association (STGA). He co-founded Edinburgh's Cadies & Witchery Tours with Colin Macphail in 1984 and the film production company Cadies Productions Ltd in 2004.In May 1985, Robin and Colin were Lothian Region winners of the Shell LiveWIRE
Shell LiveWIRE
Shell LiveWIRE is a UK-wide enterprise scheme to help support young entrepreneurs into business.Shell Livewire is a Shell Social Investment programme and , was launched in the Strathclyde area of Scotland in 1982, before being rolled out across the rest of the UK in 1985. offers two business...
Young Business Competition.
In 1988, Robin bought at auction a card case made out of skin taken from the back of the left hand of the infamous bodysnatcher William Burke (of Burke and Hare fame). The card case is presently on display in the Police Information Centre in Edinburgh's Royal Mile.
Presented with commendation by Bill Heron Trophy 1990 for outstanding contribution to Scottish Tourism – Highly Commended.
In 1992 The Cadies & Witchery Tours were awarded runner up in Small Business Marketing category of the Scottish Tourist Board’s Scottish Thistle Awards for Tourism.
In August 2009, Robin was selected to appear on the Fourth Plinth in Trafalgar Square London as part of Antony Gormley
Antony Gormley
Antony Mark David Gormley OBE RA is a British sculptor. His best known works include the Angel of the North, a public sculpture in the North of England, commissioned in 1995 and erected in February 1998, Another Place on Crosby Beach near Liverpool, and Event Horizon, a multi-part site...
's One and Other art project.
Politics
Robin founded Adam Lyal's Witchery Tour PartyAdam Lyal's Witchery Tour Party
Adam Lyal's Witchery Tour Party was a Scottish political party registered by Robin Mitchell in 1999, and deregistered in 2009. The "publicity-seeking" party stood candidates in the Lothian Region for the Scottish Parliament elections, appearing a highwayman named Adam Lyal and pledging to "Wear...
in 1999. He stood for the Scottish Parliament in 1999 in Lothian in the guise of highway robber Adam Lyal, gaining 1184 votes.
Writer and Publisher
Adam Lyal's Witchery Tales (co-written with Colin Macphail) contains many authentic stories from Edinburgh's long and gory past. There are dark accounts of violence and crime, vivid descriptions of hangings and executions, the trial of the infamous body-snatchers Burke & Hare, information on plagues and disasters, and haunting tales of witchcraft and the supernatural.Grave Robbers, Set in present day Edinburgh, the book features the revival of the ancient trade of grave robbing, nearly 170 years after the trial of Burke & Hare. The author weaves features of the original case and trial into the narrative in this gritty and rude debut novel. Ian Rankin
Ian Rankin
Ian Rankin, OBE, DL , is a Scottish crime writer. His best known books are the Inspector Rebus novels. He has also written several pieces of literary criticism.-Background:He attended Beath High School, Cowdenbeath...
describes the book as 'good, unclean macabre fun from Robin Mitchell'.
What's Under the Kilt?. is a guidebook dealing with ten topics stereotypically associated with the Scots: being mean, ancestral research, the weather, kilts and tartan, bagpipes, language, whisky, football (and pubs), haggis and the Loch Ness monster.
Published books include About a Mile: Alternative Guide to Edinburgh's Historic Way (Duncan Priddle), The Secret Life of Edinburgh Castle: Facts, Funnies and Fables (Gavin Wallace) and What Time Does Edinburgh's One O'clock Gun Fire? (Tam McKay MBE
Thomas McKay (gunner)
Staff Sergeant Thomas McKay MBE , known as "Tam the Gun", was the District Gunner with 105th Regiment Royal Artillery from 1979 until 2005...
). He has also written comedy sketches for BBC Radio Scotland.
Film Producer
Adam Lyal's Royal Mile: (1994, Dir: Laurence Wareing). The distinctive character of Edinburgh's most historic thoroughfare is vivdly brought to life in this exciting and unusual film. Our guide through the closes and wynds of the mile is Adam Lyal (deceased), hanged in the Grassmarket in 1811. Adam is now the city's most (in)famous and charismatic ghost. He introduces us to the grandeur of the Royal Mile architecture, regales us with tales of execution, witchcraft, plague and torture. We meet intriguing characters from Edinburgh's colourful and eventful past - from John Knox to the Foule Clenger.Georgian Edinburgh: Tales of the New Town: (1995, Dir: Laurence Wareing). Edinburgh - world renowned for its stunning beauty: the Athens of the North. Adam Lyal (deceased) continues his exploration of Edinburgh’s rich past. Guiding us through Edinburgh's Georgian New Town, he brings to life all the splendour, elegance and sophistication of a world of wonderful architecture, famous characters and intriguing stories.
St. Andrews: Ghost, Gowns & Golfers: (1996, Dir: Ted Brocklebank
Ted Brocklebank
-Career:Brocklebank was previously a journalist and a television producer, having been Head of News and Current Affairs at Grampian Television. He stood for the Fife North East constituency in the 1999 election for the Scottish Parliament, coming second to Liberal Democrat Iain Smith. This was...
). This amusing 50-minute film explores the rich heritage and diverse history of St Andrews - the home of golf. There are ghostly encounters with Old Tom Morris, a legend in the town and four times winner of the British Open, and Paul Craw, a very bitter 15th century martyr who has returned to re-write the history books. Adam Lyal (deceased) also has time to visit the University of St Andrews and The Byre Theatre Watch out, too, for an over exuberant tourist played by the broadcaster Scottie McClue.
The Ghosts of Scotland: (1997, Dir: Pete Wolsey). A collection of ghostly tales from all over Scotland. Ghosts, ghouls, tombs and graves, and things that go bump in the night. From the Gothic ambience of the Inner Sanctum, Mr Lyal regales, expounds and embroiders a selection of supernatural tales. Many sinister happenings are uncovered in the never-ending library of Scottish legend, including the Grey Man of Ben Macdhui, A Pharaoh's Curse in Scotland, The Phantoms of Hoolet Ha, The Green Lady of Huntingtower, and a Lost City buried underground.
And So Goodbye (2004, Dir: Jim Hickey). Finding some hand-made film magazines at home, Robin Mitchell learns about a film that his father starred in and produced in 1943. His search leads him to the film and to its extraordinary director Robert Edwards. At an emotional screening, he eventually reunites the filmmakers after 60 years.
The Rest is Silence (2005, Dir: Andrew T. Henderson). The Rest is Silence follows the course of an unclaimed body through its progress from discovery to burial. It focuses not on the body, but on those who guide it through the processes and rituals preceding its interment.
Finding Bob McArthur (2007, Dir: Jim Hickey, starring Bob Edwards, Alan Bell, Maureen Beattie and John Stahl). A mockumentary which traces the life of Scottish director Bob McArthur who worked in Hollywood until the early 1970s. His career as a director was effectively ended in 1974 when production of his South American film was halted by its producer. He returned to Scotland to research and develop a film project about Robert Louis Stevenson. Following in the author's footsteps, McArthur disappeared for years in the South Seas. Now McArthur is being honoured in Scotland with a lifetime achievement award. As the award ceremony approaches, his story is uncovered through archive material and the memories and opinions of those who have known him.
Breadmakers: (2007, Dir. Yasmin Fedda). Revealing intricate social relationships that operate in a community of workers with learning disabilities making a variety of organic breads for daily delivery to shops in Edinburgh. In what can seem a chaotic workplace, there is a mix of sounds approaching white noise amidst the carefully structured everyday process of bread production.
The Scottish Parliament: Following the Ghost Road: (2007, Dir: Robin Mitchell). In an era when the electorate grows more apathetic and cynical towards politics and elections, this 35-minute film shot over 8 years during three Scottish Parliamentary elections is a unique insight into the practicalities of political campaigning. The film's candidate, a pale-faced ghost known as Adam Lyal, has stood in three consecutive Scottish Parliamentary Elections in 1999, 2003 and 2007. By following a candidate who is not a member of any major party, the film is able to strip away some of the mystique surrounding parliamentary elections. This documentary goes behind the scenes of the campaign and features unique historic footage of three election-night counts in Edinburgh. It also reveals the unfolding drama of 2007 when an automated count replaced the manual system with far-reaching consequences.
William McLaren - An Artist Out of Time (2009, Dir: Jim Hickey): A film about the Scottish artist and illustrator William McLaren. This film is the first to document the life and work of the Scottish painter, illustrator and decorative artist. From humble beginnings in the 1920s in Cardenden, a mining town in Fife, McLaren went on to produce work in some of the finest houses in the UK. His illustrations appeared regularly in the 1950s and 1960s in the BBC's Radio Times. He became a prolific book illustrator and designer of dust jackets for over 150 books. In 1966 a commission to create a series of paintings for Hopetoun House near Edinburgh was the breakthrough for McLaren, leading to decorative commissions in private houses and public buildings where he developed his trompe l'oeil style.
The film was shown at the 2010 Glasgow Film Festival
Glasgow Film Festival
Glasgow Film Festival is an annual film festival based in Glasgow, Scotland, started in 2005.-2010:2010's festival took place between 18-28th February. The opening gala featured Jean-Pierre Jeunet's latest film, Micmacs with the director there to present the film. Other guests included Peter...
, as part of their strand 'Great Scots' before touring regional cinemas.
About A Band (2010, Dir: Jim Hickey). The film features the Columcille Ceilidh Band, a band which includes musicians with learning disabilities. The film includes an interview with Ian McCalman of Scotland's folk band The McCalmans
The McCalmans
The McCalmans were a folk song trio from Scotland. Formed in 1964, they recorded and toured without interruption up until they disbanded in December 2010....
and a sequence where Scottish folk musician Phil Cunningham
Phil Cunningham (folk musician)
Phil Cunningham, MBE, born 1960 in Edinburgh, Scotland is a Scottish folk musician and composer.-Biography:Phil played accordion and violin from a very young age. He attended school in Portobello, and was raised Mormon, attending church regularly and playing organ...
plays with the band at a rehearsal. The documentary was premiered at the 2011 Glasgow Film Festival and was screened at the Picture This International Disability Film Festival, Calgary, Canada in February 2011.
Film Awards
- And So Goodbye: Saltire Society Grierson Award (Jim Hickey) at the Edinburgh International Film Festival (2004)
- The Rest is Silence: Winner of Frank Copplestone First Time Director Award (Andrew Henderson) at The Celtic Film and Television Festival (2006)
- Breadmakers: Best Short Scottish Documentary (Yasmin Fedda) at the 61st Edinburgh International Film FestivalEdinburgh International Film FestivalThe Edinburgh International Film Festival is an annual fortnight of cinema screenings and related events taking place each June. Established in 1947, it is the world's oldest continually running film festival...
(2007) - Breadmakers: Best Short Documentary at the 2nd Emotion Pictures International Festival on Disability, Athens (2008)
- Breadmakers: Best Short Documentary at the Middle East International Film FestivalMiddle East International Film FestivalAbu Dhabi Film Festival is an international film festival. Created in 2007, the ceremony is held annually in October in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates by the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage , under the patronage of Sheikh Sultan Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Chairman of the ADACH...
(2008) - The Rest is Silence: Best Cinematography in a Documentary (Andrew Henderson) at The International Festival of Cinema and Technology (2008)
- The Rest is Silence: Best Experimental Documentary (Andrew Henderson) at The International Festival of Cinema and Technology (2008)
- Breadmakers: Special Jury Distinction (Yasmin Fedda) at the Gdansk DocFilm Festival (GDFF) (2009).
Film Nominations
- The Rest is Silence: Best First Time Director (Andrew Henderson) at BAFTA Scotland (2005)
- Breadmakers: Best Short Film at BAFTA ScotlandBAFTA ScotlandBAFTA in Scotland is the Scottish branch of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts. Formed in 1997, the branch holds an annual awards ceremony, the British Academy Scotland Awards , to recognise achievement by performers and production staff in Scottish film, television and video games...
(2007)
TV & Radio Appearances
- Pebble Mill at OnePebble Mill at OnePebble Mill at One was a popular British lunchtime chat show broadcast live originally on BBC2 before transferring to BBC1. It was produced from the Pebble Mill facilities of BBC Birmingham, and uniquely was hosted from the centre's main reception area rather than a traditional studio...
(1984, BBC 1 TV) - The Jimmie MacGregorJimmie MacGregorJimmie Macgregor is a Scottish folksinger and broadcaster.He was born in Glasgow and studied at Glasgow School of Art, becoming a potter and teacher....
Show (1986, BBC Radio Scotland) - People Show (1988, BBC 1 TV)
- New Venturers (1991, BBC 1 TV)
- Eikon (1992, Scottish Television)
- Blue PeterBlue PeterBlue Peter is the world's longest-running children's television show, having first aired in 1958. It is shown on CBBC, both in its BBC One programming block and on the CBBC channel. During its history there have been many presenters, often consisting of two women and two men at a time...
(1992, BBC 1 TV) - Albatros (1994, WDR TV, Germany)
- Scot FM (1997)
- This MorningThis Morning (TV series)This Morning is a British daytime television programme broadcast on ITV. As of September 2011, its main presenters are Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby, and Ruth Langsford and Eamonn Holmes, with various other presenters standing in for illness or contributing to sections of the programme.The...
(1997 ITV) - The Big BreakfastThe Big BreakfastThe Big Breakfast was a British light entertainment television show shown on Channel 4 and S4C each weekday morning from 28 September 1992 until 29 March 2002 during which period 2,482 shows were produced. The Big Breakfast was produced by Planet 24, the production company co-owned by former...
(1997, Channel 4) - Attractions (1997, Channel 5)
- Noel's House PartyNoel's House PartyNoel's House Party was a BBC television light entertainment show hosted by Noel Edmonds that was broadcast live on Saturday evenings throughout the 1990s. It was set in a large house in the fictional village of Crinkley Bottom, leading to much innuendo. The show was broadcast during the...
(1998, BBC 1 TV) - Style Challenge (1998, BBC 1 TV)
- Holiday (1999, BBC 1 TV)
- Ready Steady CookReady Steady CookReady Steady Cook was a BBC daytime TV cooking programme it first debuted on 24 October 1994 and the last edition was broadcast on the 2 February 2010. The programme was hosted by Fern Britton from 1994 until 2000 when celebrity chef Ainsley Harriott became the new host...
(1999, BBC 2 TV)