Scotland's Moving Image Archive at National Library of Scotland preserves over 100 years of Scottish filmed history reflecting 20th century social, cultural and industrial heritage. The films capture the lives of ordinary people across the generations and celebrate the achievements of Scottish based film-makers.
This film is currently unavailable
Welcome Spring
Spring comes to Scotland in the 1950s: feed playful lambs, pick a host of glorious daffodils, and harness your faithful horse to the plough in this lovely amateur colour film.
From the collection of:
Overview
Shrug off the winter blues and bring some spring colour into your life. Take a stroll through the woods as trees return to life, or watch the swans gliding on the pond. Feed some playful lambs, pick a host of glorious daffodils, and harness your horse to the plough, as spring comes to Scotland in the 1950s. A lovely amateur film from David Sime for the Scottish Countryside Commission.
David Sime was a pharmacist, photographer and President of the Scottish Countryside Club, which promoted the enjoyment of nature and the outdoors, hillwalking and rambling, as well as holding social events such as an annual concert and garden parties, with much hilarity in evidence. The club travelled all over Scotland, but many walks were held near to the central belt, with outings to locations such as the Trossachs and Loch Lomond proving popular. Mr Sime’s films depicted traditional industries such as farming and fishing, as well as scenic landscapes and walks. Many of these landscapes remain unchanged, but the style and the gear of the walkers is very different to the equipment of today’s adventurers.
Related
Coming soon
20th Century Women 20th Century Women
Drama 2016 118 mins Director: Mike Mills
Annette Bening stars as a mum enlisting two friends (Greta Gerwig and Elle Fanning) to help her son navigate adolescence in Mike Mills’s comedy-drama.
Watch for free
Mirror Mirror Mirror Mirror
Amateur film 1969 8 mins Location: Eastbourne
A haunted mirror is the gateway to Halloween horror in this eerie tale from the Eastbourne Cine Group
Currently unavailable
The Orchid The Orchid
Drama 2015 3 mins
A man has something important to tell his son, but can only get through to his voicemail.
Currently unavailable
Breathe Breathe
Drama 2015 14 mins
An Irish traveller is increasingly concerned that his son is soft, so sets about toughening him up.
Currently unavailable
Pria Pria
Drama 2016 22 mins
A young man in rural Indonesia struggles with the impending reality of his arranged marriage.
Watch for free
Nursing in the NHS: Spanish Nurses Recruitment Nursing in the NHS: Spanish Nurses Recruitment
Promotional 2002 8 mins
Nurses needed: this early 21st century recruitment video makes fascinating viewing today.
Watch for free
New Perspectives: La Haine New Perspectives: La Haine
Short documentary 2025 4 mins
Charlie Hammersley, a student from Northumbria University, explains how Mathieu Kassovitz's 1995 film holds up a mirror to society.
Watch for free
Dreamers Q&A Dreamers Q&A
Inside Film 2025 30 mins
The film-makers behind a haunting tale of love and community within a UK immigration detention centre visited the BFI Southbank to discuss their film.
Watch for free
Paul Thomas Anderson and Leonardo DiCaprio in Conversation Paul Thomas Anderson and Leonardo DiCaprio in Conversation
Inside Film 2025 50 mins
Paul Thomas Anderson and Leonardo DiCaprio in Conversation at BFI Southbank, discussing the making of One Battle After Another.
Watch for free
Laura Mulvey in Conversation Laura Mulvey in Conversation
Inside Film 2025 76 mins
Laura Mulvey in conversation, following her BFI Fellowship Award.
Watch for free
George Clooney in Conversation George Clooney in Conversation
Inside Film 2025 74 mins
George Clooney visited BFI Southbank to look back on his life and career.
Watch for free
Chloé Zhao Screen Talk | BFI London Film Festival 2025 Chloé Zhao Screen Talk | BFI London Film Festival 2025
Inside Film 2025 65 mins
The Oscar®- winning director of Nomadland discusses her unique approach to filmmaking and the inspiration behind the adaptation of Hamnet.