Monarch of the Glen

Monarch of the Glen is a British television drama, produced by Ecosse Films for BBC Scotland and transmitted on the BBC One network in the UK. The series premiered in 2000, and transmission of its sixth season ran from September 2004 until November 2004. A seventh and final series began broadcasting in September 2005. Transmitted on Sunday evenings, each episode is one hour long. The first two seasons comprised of eight episodes each, season three eleven episodes, and seasons four and five ten episodes each, plus a special New Year's Eve edition transmitted after the end of the fifth season. The series is also shown abroad, running successfully on BBC America and on various PBS affiliates in the United States, ABC in Australia, and several mainland European broadcasters.

Plot overview

The plot of the early series involves young laird Archibald "Archie" MacDonald trying to run the fictional Glenbogle Estate in the Scottish Highlands - the 'Glen' of the series' title. His father, Hector, is not keen on any modern development, and his mother Molly and his (future) wife Alexandra "Lexie" support him. Their neighbour is Hector's best friend, Lord Kilwillie. The ghillies, Golly and Duncan, also help run the Estate. Justine is Archie's girlfriend in series 1, Katrina in series 3. In series 3, the Lascelles Bank sends Stella Moon to get Glenbogle back on its feet. She tries to win Archie's heart, but he realises he loves Lexie.

Related Topics:
Laird - Glenbogle - Scottish Highlands - Ghillie

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In a later episode, Hector dies after his new puppy, "Useless," retrieves a toy boat filled with several sticks of plastic explosives he had thrown into a river whilst fishing (the puppy was unharmed). In series 4, Archie marries his housekeeper, Alexandra "Lexie." The new housekeeper, Irene Stuart, breaks Duncan's heart after their relationship ends. Duncan gets together with Golly's daughter in series 5.

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In series 6, Archie and Lexie move to New Zealand, and Archie's illegitimate older brother, Paul Bowman, becomes the new laird. At the same time, Hector's disreputable younger brother, Donald MacDonald, arrives on the Estate. Paul's love interest is local farmer and preserve manufacturer, Isobel Anderson. Golly and his girlfriend, Meg, announce their pregnancy.

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