MEMBERS of the public who have ever appeared in or been involved in an episode of Taggart are being asked to come forward as part of the show’s 40th anniversary.
Taggart: The People’s Archive is being launched by Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) as a way of recognising the role the public have played in one of the world’s longest-running crime dramas.
Created by Glenn Chandler and produced by STV over its 27-season run, Taggart has chronicled the vast changes to Glasgow over the decades.
Now, members of the public who were involved in location shoots, worked as extras, provided props, or even played a corpse are being urged to contact the team at GCU so their stories can be documented.
A team of retired detectives are due to host drop-in sessions at the GCU Archive Centre in September in a mock police station to take “witness statements”, which will result in the creation of a new archive.
Taggart actress Dr Blythe Duff – who donated all of her scripts from the show to the GCU archives in 2018 – is set to join volunteers over three days from September 6-8.
Blythe, who played Jackie Reid in the show and is an honorary graduate and cultural fellow of GCU, said: “Everyone I meet has a Taggart story: ‘Oh you filmed in my auntie’s house’ or ‘in our street’, or ‘I was an extra for the day’.
“I’ve worked with so many people who watched us film and it inspired them to become directors, writers or join the police.
“It made me realise how important these stories are to the fabric of the series.”
When Blythe donated her scripts to the archive in 2018 she also handed over a vast treasure trove of Taggart material including still photographs, awards, memorabilia and press cuttings.
A selection of the items will be on display during the drop-in sessions.
Some of the stories shared by contributors to the archive will be added to displays boards and maps in an “incident room” on campus.
Blythe added: “The police were always incredibly supportive of the series when we filmed and they are ready to step up to the mark and have some fun as we recreate an incident room where the public can give us witness statements and hopefully some memorabilia, which will be used as evidence to corroborate their story.”
Taggart’s pilot Killer was first screened on STV on September 6, 1983. Locations featured in Detective Chief Inspector Jim Taggart’s first outing include a riverbank, off Kelvindale Road, a canal bank off Maryhill Road, the Botanic Gardens, Partick Cross, and Sighthill Cemetery.
Carole McCallum, Archivist at Glasgow Caledonian University, said: “What better way is there to give Glasgow, and Scotland, a voice in the Taggart story than through the people who loved and supported it?
“Giving people the chance to add their stories to the programme’s legacy ensures they too have ownership of Taggart’s proud heritage. It also gives us a chance to break barriers and show that archives are for everyone.
“Blythe’s vision is completely aligned with our ethos so we are delighted she has chosen us as her partner in the creation of this people’s archive.
“We are interested in every story, big and small, but our success in creating this new collection depends on people coming forward. Don’t be shy – step forward as a witness so current and future generations better understand this iconic crime drama.”
Sarah Brown, Creative Director of Drama at STV, said: “We’re so proud of Taggart and the legacy the series has left behind after 28 years on air.
“The show was a rich training ground for so many production crew, writers and actors in Scotland who have gone on to have successful careers in television; and the storylines, characters and murders continue to be watched by fans all around the world.
"We’re thrilled that Glasgow Caledonian University is launching its special Taggart archive on its 40th anniversary and can’t wait to hear people’s stories of how the drama impacted their lives.”
Drop-in sessions will take place at the Glasgow Caledonian University Archive Centre at the following times:
Wednesday, September 6 – 11am – 4pm
Thursday, September 7 – 11am – 7pm
Friday, September 8 – 10.30pm – 3pm
