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Radical Reekie

About this Resource

A video chronicle of social and political developments in Edinburgh from 1900 to 1940, looking at the rise of Labour and the city's many protest movements. Using photos from Edinburgh People's Story and National Museums, it also reviews the Temperance Movement, Women's Suffrage, World War I, the General Strike, hunger marches, the rise of Fascism, the Spanish Civil War and "Protestant Action" - a sectarian party which took 9 seats on the city council before the war. The production ends at WWII. Scottish Labour History advised on the script; there are no talking heads. Made in 1990, it lasts 23 mins.

The video (originally a multiprojector slide-tape presentation) was produced jointly by The Slide Workshop and Commedia with facilities from the Film & Video Access Centre (FVA). The People's Story Museum provided many of the images. Scottish Labour History advised on the script.

It dispels the myth of Edinburgh as a staid tourist resort, reflecting on national and world events and looking at Edinburgh's contribution.

The Rt Hon Eric Milligan observed in 1997 “As Edinburgh’s Lord Provost I would urge citizens to view and discuss this video that charts the radical movements that have taken place here. People sometimes forget that Edinburgh has not always been a political city.”
View it at www.tiny.cc/RadicalReekie

Organisation

This resource is held by:
Commedia

Contacts

  • Mr Pete Gregson
    Producer
    peter.n.gregson@outlook.com
    Tel: 07584722191

Resource Details

Resource Type

Primary
Secondary
Online/Digitised
Sound
Images/Photographs
Film

Subject

Education
Gender & Women
Political & Diplomatic
Social Movements
Urban History

Geographical Coverage

Edinburgh

Era

1900 - 1945

Access

Open to public: see website for opening hours

Online Availability

Onsite access only
Resource Link: 
https://rumble.com/v75k6qq-radical-reekie.html

Official Records

Electoral Roll
School

Location

View larger map

27 Riversdale Grove
Edinburgh
EH12 5QS
Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
Question about the event
EH12 5QS

Other Information

Entry last updated: July 4th, 2026

Source URL:https://www.slhf.org/directory-resource/radical-reekie