'Fresh reimagining' of iconic Highlands-set series Monarch of the Glen, with a new twist

Now Monarch of the Glen, which told the story of the struggles of the new heir to the Glenbogle estate, is to return to the small screen with a “fresh reimagining” of the story.

The BBC One show, broadcast for seven series between February 2000 and October 2005, starred Alastair Mackenzie as Archie MacDonald, a young restaurateur trying to restore his childhood home in the Highlands.

Now, the new series, commissioned by Channel 5 and produced by Ecosse Films, which was also behind the original version, sees a female heir, London lawyer Isla Campbell, return to her family’s crumbling home to find she has inherited a million-pound debt.

The six part series, which will run to 60 minute episodes, has been written and executive produced by Jeremy Brock, who also worked on A Very Royal Scandal, The Last King of Scotland and Mrs Brown, alongside writer Stephen Greenhorn, whose credits include Sunshine on Leith, Dept. Q and River City.

Mr Brock said: “When I was offered the chance to re-imagine Monarch of the Glen, I leapt at it. I’m hugely excited by the opportunity to tell a story of family life and finding your place in our hectic world - one that celebrates the warmth, humour and eccentricities of a special community, with both optimism and authenticity.

“Hope and joy are a currency in short supply right now, and the Highlands - one of the most magical places on Earth - felt like exactly the right home for them.”

Sebastian Cardwell, deputy chief content officer and head of scripted at Paramount UK, who commissioned the production alongside Channel 5, said: “Monarch of the Glen is a much‑loved series, and this reimagining brings it back to life for a new generation. It’s a rich family saga with heart and humour at its core.”

While the fictional Glenbogle estate in Compton Mackenzie's Highland novels place the estate near Ben Nevis, the original TV series - which also starred Richard Briers and Susan Hampshire as Archie’s parents, Hector and Molly and Dawn Steele as Lexie Macdonald - was filmed in the Badenoch and Strathspey area of the Scottish Highlands, in particular at Ardverikie House, which was the location for "Glenbogle House".

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However, while some filming will take place in Scotland later, other scenes are to be shot in Northern Ireland.

Produced by Ecosse Films, the project has been supported by further funding from Northern Ireland Screen, with development assistance from The National Lottery through Screen Scotland.

The title of the show is named after the Monarch of the Glen painting by Sir Edwin Landseer, which is on display at the Scottish National Gallery.

Further details about the show including cast details will be announced in due course.