The New Road

BBC Scotland's adaptation of The New Road stands as one of the corporation's most ambitious and rewarding literary serials, bringing Neil Munro's acclaimed 1914 novel vividly to the screen. Presented in five 45-minute episodes in the traditional Sunday teatime slot, the series combines historical adventure, murder mystery, romance, and political drama against some of the most breathtaking scenery in Scotland.

Although Neil Munro is today best remembered for creating the comic seafaring character Para Handy, The New Road represents the finest achievement of his serious fiction. Adapted by Cliff Hanley, directed by Moira Armstrong, and produced by Pharic Maclaren, the serial captures both the excitement of Munro's narrative and the deeper historical themes that distinguish the novel from more conventional costume dramas.

Set in 1733, between the two Jacobite rebellions, the story follows Aeneas Macmaster (David Ashton), a young tutor to Margaret (Christine McKenna), the daughter of Sandy Duncanson (John Grieve), the laird of Drimdorran. After being dismissed in a fit of rage, Aeneas embarks on a journey to Inverness alongside Ninian Campbell (Tom Watson), who is secretly carrying out a mission for the Duke of Argyll. Their route follows General Wade's newly constructed military road through the Highlands, a symbol of the British state's determination to pacify the region and integrate it into the emerging modern nation.

What begins as a journey narrative soon unfolds into a richly layered thriller. At its heart is Aeneas's quest to uncover the truth behind the death of his Jacobite father, Paul Macmaster. The investigation gradually reveals the corruption and villainy of Sandy Duncanson, who not only murdered Paul's father but manipulated events to deprive Aeneas of his inheritance. The resulting conflict gives the story a powerful emotional core while providing the suspense expected of a first-rate historical mystery.

The serial succeeds particularly well because it never allows its adventure elements to overshadow its historical complexity. Munro's final novel was a revisionist interpretation of Highland history, rejecting romantic stereotypes about clan society and Jacobitism. Like his earlier John Splendid, it challenges the popular notion of noble Highland chiefs and instead presents a morally ambiguous world where loyalty, ambition, and survival frequently clash.

Aeneas's personal development mirrors the wider transformation of the Highlands themselves. His journey from innocence to experience reflects a society undergoing profound change. Initially drawn to romantic ideals, he gradually recognises both the failings of the old clan order and the cost of the new one. General Wade's road becomes a potent symbol throughout the series: it brings commerce, communication, and stability, yet also heralds the decline of traditional Gaelic culture. The drama's greatest strength lies in its refusal to offer easy answers. Progress appears necessary, yet it comes at a devastating cultural price.

The production values are exceptional. Filming took place at many of the actual locations featured in the novel, including Glencoe, Loch Tulla, Bridge of Orchy, and beneath the imposing presence of Buachaille Etive Mòr. These locations are not merely picturesque backdrops but integral elements of the storytelling. The landscape conveys both the beauty and the harshness of eighteenth-century Highland life, while the newly built military road cutting through the wilderness serves as a constant visual reminder of the historical forces reshaping Scotland.

David Ashton gives a convincing and sympathetic performance as Aeneas, carrying the narrative with intelligence and emotional credibility. Christine McKenna brings warmth to the role of Margaret, while Tom Watson provides an effective counterpoint as the enigmatic Ninian Campbell. The supporting cast, including Iain Cuthbertson, Maev Alexander, Nigel Stock, and John Grieve, adds depth and authority throughout.

As a television adaptation, The New Road succeeds because it respects the intelligence of both its source material and its audience. It delivers adventure and suspense while engaging seriously with questions of history, identity, and cultural change. More than a period drama, it is a thoughtful examination of a society at a crossroads and of a young man discovering uncomfortable truths about both his family and his country.

Today, The New Road deserves recognition as one of BBC Scotland's finest literary adaptations: a compelling blend of thriller, historical drama, and political reflection that captures the richness of Neil Munro's most accomplished novel.