Thursday, August 23, 2007

Publican Relations

Scotland, for one reason or another, always seems to be defined in one of two ways: as the tartan, shortbread, Highland cows and kilts stereotype or as the violent, drunk, socially-deprived slums as portrayed in Taggart, Trainspotting and most other television and movie dramas filmed in Scotland over the last couple of decades.

The latter depiction of Scotland always focuses on one of two cities: Glasgow (Taggart) or Trainspotting (Edinburgh). Which is a wee bit unfair. The rest of Scotland can be just as rough as the country's first and second cities.

Take Aberdeen for example. Per capita, probably Scotland's most salubrious city, thanks almost entirely to the money derived from North Sea oil. A city where young single men who have spent five weeks at sea arrive home with the best part of five thousand pounds in their bank accounts. A city full to the brim with seamen.

Sure, Aberdeen's wide, tree-lined, granite streets look very grand and refined. But venture down to the docks at night time, and you'll see man's base instincts rear their ugly heads in two forms. Drink and hookers.

For a first-hand account of a night in one of Aberdeen's seamier holes, check out this post over at The Misssy M Misssives. Or watch the video below. (Ignore the plummy-voiced twat from Front magazine who speaks at the start).

6 comments:

the tomahawk kid said...

Just round the corner from my lovely office...

Misssy M said...

It is safe to say that me and my gang will not be frequenting Peep Peeps. Or the Schooner. Or the Drift Inn. Or the Moorings

In fact the production team could have chosen any Market Street or harbour bar and got primo material for that show.

But I have to say, I quite warmed to Chris, the landlord. It was his Abdn Casuals customers that made me cringe.

Erica said...

One of these days, when I am wealthy and can afford to hang with you & Mrs. Wife, we SO have to go to that pub in Aberdeen. It's exactly my kinda place. The video was terrific. So was the phrase "plummy-voiced twat." I must figure out a way to fit that into my repertoire.

mirk said...

You would think you would learn ;)

Can you imagine the hits you will get now with "A city full to the brim with seamen." not to mention "Drink and hookers" they won't know you are just talking about rugby:)))

Ole Blue The Heretic said...

I want to go to the Peeps!

Anonymous said...

... and hey, don't forget Dundee.... there are definitely some seedy spots there.....

Eric