Fans of Scottish-set programmes or simply a heartwarming comedy-drama shouldn’t overlook this beloved BBC series that proved a triumph throughout the 2000s.

For those enamored with stories set against the picturesque backdrop of Scotland or those yearning for a heartfelt blend of comedy and drama, there’s a BBC series from the early 2000s that fits the bill perfectly. “Monarch of the Glen” captivated audiences with its delightful narrative and endearing characters.

Debuting at the dawn of the new millennium, “Monarch of the Glen” quickly became a fan favorite. The show follows the life of Archie MacDonald, portrayed by Alastair Mackenzie, a young restaurateur who finds himself drawn back to his roots in the Scottish Highlands. According to the Manchester Evening News, Archie’s journey begins when he unexpectedly inherits his family’s ancestral estate, along with the title of Laird of Glenbogle.

Archie’s return to his childhood home marks a significant shift from his fast-paced London lifestyle. Faced with the daunting task of revitalizing the dilapidated estate, Archie must tackle mounting debts while managing a quirky staff who are resistant to change. His decision to leave London is not made lightly, as he is joined by his supportive girlfriend, Justine, played by Anna Wilson-Jones. Together, they navigate the challenges of making Glenbogle a thriving enterprise.

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Another highly-rated review declared: “Amazing, makes you fall in love with Scotland and its people.”

The viewer continued: “I love the values expressed through the show: honesty, faithfulness, character, faith, friendship, hard work, dependability, and above all forgiveness and reconciliation. I love how the themes are developed and I love the beautiful Scottish scenery.”

In a third glowing review, one fan described Monarch of the Glen as a “great series” and summarised: “Overall I’d give it 10/10 though for the drama/acting and of course Scottish scenery.”

Another admirer declared: “The series, “Monarch of the Glen” is the best that telly has had to offer in a very long while.”

They added: “The scenery is just as much the star of the show yet it is not used as an excuse for slack plot standards. Indeed it is part and parcel of the plot.”

Whilst the programme drew very loose inspiration from Sir Compton Mackenzie’s Highland Novels, there was a notable temporal shift – the original books were situated in the 1930s and 1940s, whereas the BBC adaptation adopted a more modern setting.

However, the series takes its name from the inaugural book in the collection, The Monarch of the Glen, which is a nod to the renowned painting bearing the same title by Sir Edwin Henry Landseer.

Monarch of the Glen graced our screens for seven series in total, filmed against the stunning backdrops of locations such as the Cairngorms, Badenoch and Strathspey.

Ardverikie House, situated on the south-east bank of Loch Laggan, was the main filming location, doubling as the castle in the show.

The cast of Monarch of the Glen included not only Mackenzie and Wilson-Jones but also legendary actor Richard Briers of The Good Life fame, Emmy award-winning Susan Hampshire, Human Traffic’s Lorraine Pilkington, Alexander Morton from Taggart, Dawn Steele of Holby City, fellow Holby City alumnus Hamish Clark, and Downton Abbey creator and actor Julian Fellowes.

In what remains his most significant acting role to date, Fellowes portrayed Lord Kilwillie in Monarch of the Glen, appearing in 24 episodes.

Fellowes’ previous acting credits include roles in Aristocrats, Sharpe, Our Friends in the North, and Kavanagh QC.

Monarch of the Glen is streaming on BBC iPlayer now

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