Glasgow Guardian Newspaper article by Chris Watt
Eight hundred and sixty-seven people actually wanted me to be an MSP," muses twenty-four year old Euan MacInnes, star of documentary short Following the Ghost Road.
"That’s quite a scary thought." And he’s not wrong. In an age where politics and apathy go together like fish and chips, rhubarb and custard, or student journalism and hackneyed clichés, getting 900-odd people (and presumably they were very odd people) to stick a cross in a box for any cause is no laughing matter. But managing it in a national election while dressed as a deceased highway robber really does require that special something.
Since the foundation of the Scottish Parliament in 1999, the Witchery Tour Party – led by the inimitable Adam Lyal (deceased) – has been a fixture of the country’s political scene. Founded by Edinburgh ghost tour operator turned-filmmaker Robin Mitchell, the party has put forward a candidate for each of the last three elections – all three running in the guise of Mr Lyal, and all pledging to turn up to parliament in full costume and make-up every day. And now, for those unlucky enough to have missed the action the first time round, Robin has put together a documentary film made up of original footage from the campaign trail.
The Scottish Parliament: Following the Ghost Road charts the progress of the three Witchery Tour candidates so far – Robin himself, succeeded by party faithfuls Robin Bankhead and Euan MacInnes – as they struggle to win over voters in the Lothian area
"In 1999 the whole thing was evolving," says Robin, "And the reason I wanted to take part was because it was history, it was the Scottish Parliament. "I thought it was a time of political change, and anything was possible. I began to think I had a genuine chance of being elected, with the new system of proportional representation. I was convinced that would give me a big enough share of the second vote."
Unfortunately for the ghosts the party has never drawn more than a thousand or so votes, with the threshold for election as a Lothian list MSP sitting at around 14,000. Nonetheless, young tour guide Euan MacInnes was happy to follow his boss’s footsteps on the road to Holyrood, and he maintains that the campaign – which cost several thousand pounds to run – was more than just a stunt
He tells me: "I just thought that if people were disillusioned with the larger parties, it would be great for them to have a real alternative to vote for. We were going for the intelligent protest vote – people who maybe wouldn’t have voted otherwise could vote for us instead, and make parliament a slightly more interesting place."
Deciding early on that the campaign deserved serious commitment, Euan spent several weeks donning the dinner suit and cape each morning before canvassing voters around the Lothian area, along with a team of helpers dressed as witches and deranged monks. Party literature was posted to every one of the 367,000 households in the Lothian area, and recent graduate Euan found himself conducting daily interviews with media such as the BBC and the Scotsman.
But even if they didn’t make it into Holyrood, the individuals behind the Witchery Tour Party project have a fair chance of getting into this year’s Edinburgh Film Festival. The finished documentary has been submitted for selection at the world famous event, and director Robin Mitchell – whose previous work has been shown on BBC Scotland, and earned a Scottish Bafta into the bargain – is hopeful that Festival bosses will give a ghost a chance.
Sunday, 27 July 2008
Monday, 7 July 2008
Robin Mitchell on BBC Film Network
Robin Mitchell is a Director of Cadies Productions Ltd, and a partner in Edinburgh's Witchery Walking Tours – a business he created in 1984.
He has written one novel – GRAVE ROBBERS (1999) - and the top selling Scottish guidebook WHAT’S UNDER THE KILT? (2000).
As a writer/producer, Robin has produced four fifty-minute Scottish documentary films – ADAM LYAL’S ROYAL MILE (1994), GEORGIAN EDINBURGH (1995), ST. ANDREWS (1996) and GHOSTS OF SCOTLAND (1997).
AND SO GOODBYE (2004), the documentary Robin produced for STV/Scottish Screen, won the Saltire Society Grierson Award at the Edinburgh International Film Festival for Director Jim Hickey.
In 2005 Robin was producer with Jim Hickey on the 10-minute documentary (dir: Andrew Henderson) THE REST IS SILENCE (BAFTA nominated for best first-time Director, short-listed for Grierson 2006 in the best newcomer documentary Category, and winner of best first time Director at the 2006 Celtic Film & TV Festival).
Also, Robin produced (with Laura Binnie) the 25-minute drama - DREAMS ARE NOT ENOUGH (2005) and the mockumentary STRAIGHT LINES (2005).
Robin spent 2006 shooting & editing the feature film -FINDING BOB MCARTHUR (Dir. Jim Hickey). The film is presently on the film festival circuit.
Robin & Jim returned to produce the 10-minute documentary BREADMAKERS (2007) for director Yasmin Fedda. The film, about a unique community with learning disabilities in Edinburgh, won the Baillie Gifford Short Scottish Documentary award at the 2007 Edinburgh International Film Festival and has been nominated by BAFTA Scotland in the best short film category.
Robin's directorial debut was the 35-minute documentary THE SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT - FOLLOWING THE GHOST ROAD (2007) and he recently took the part of Geoffrey in the horror feature - THE DUNGEON MOOR KILLINGS (2008)
http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/filmnetwork/U1714906
He has written one novel – GRAVE ROBBERS (1999) - and the top selling Scottish guidebook WHAT’S UNDER THE KILT? (2000).
As a writer/producer, Robin has produced four fifty-minute Scottish documentary films – ADAM LYAL’S ROYAL MILE (1994), GEORGIAN EDINBURGH (1995), ST. ANDREWS (1996) and GHOSTS OF SCOTLAND (1997).
AND SO GOODBYE (2004), the documentary Robin produced for STV/Scottish Screen, won the Saltire Society Grierson Award at the Edinburgh International Film Festival for Director Jim Hickey.
In 2005 Robin was producer with Jim Hickey on the 10-minute documentary (dir: Andrew Henderson) THE REST IS SILENCE (BAFTA nominated for best first-time Director, short-listed for Grierson 2006 in the best newcomer documentary Category, and winner of best first time Director at the 2006 Celtic Film & TV Festival).
Also, Robin produced (with Laura Binnie) the 25-minute drama - DREAMS ARE NOT ENOUGH (2005) and the mockumentary STRAIGHT LINES (2005).
Robin spent 2006 shooting & editing the feature film -FINDING BOB MCARTHUR (Dir. Jim Hickey). The film is presently on the film festival circuit.
Robin & Jim returned to produce the 10-minute documentary BREADMAKERS (2007) for director Yasmin Fedda. The film, about a unique community with learning disabilities in Edinburgh, won the Baillie Gifford Short Scottish Documentary award at the 2007 Edinburgh International Film Festival and has been nominated by BAFTA Scotland in the best short film category.
Robin's directorial debut was the 35-minute documentary THE SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT - FOLLOWING THE GHOST ROAD (2007) and he recently took the part of Geoffrey in the horror feature - THE DUNGEON MOOR KILLINGS (2008)
http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/filmnetwork/U1714906
Festival Focus Entry
A ghost stands for the Scottish Parliament
The Scottish Parliament - Following the Ghost Road is an accessible and entertaining documentary film that shows a candidate's progress to election day.
In an era when the electorate grows more apathetic and cynical towards the politics and elections, this 35-minute film shot over 8 years during three Scottish Parliamentary elections is a unique insight into the practicalities of political campaigning.
The film's candidate, a pale-faced ghost, Adam Lyal, has stood in three consecutive Scottish Parliamentary Elections in 1999, 2003 & 2007. By following a candidate who is not a member of any major party, the film is able to strip away some of the mystique surrounding parliamentary elections.
This documentary goes behind the scenes of the campaign and features unique historic footage of three election-night counts in Edinburgh. It also reveals the unfolding drama of 2007 when an automated count replaced the manual system with far-reaching consequences.
The Scottish Parliament - Following the Ghost Road will engage audiences with the issues in a way that is politically empowering.
http://www.festivalfocus.org/film_view.php?uid=2401
The Scottish Parliament - Following the Ghost Road is an accessible and entertaining documentary film that shows a candidate's progress to election day.
In an era when the electorate grows more apathetic and cynical towards the politics and elections, this 35-minute film shot over 8 years during three Scottish Parliamentary elections is a unique insight into the practicalities of political campaigning.
The film's candidate, a pale-faced ghost, Adam Lyal, has stood in three consecutive Scottish Parliamentary Elections in 1999, 2003 & 2007. By following a candidate who is not a member of any major party, the film is able to strip away some of the mystique surrounding parliamentary elections.
This documentary goes behind the scenes of the campaign and features unique historic footage of three election-night counts in Edinburgh. It also reveals the unfolding drama of 2007 when an automated count replaced the manual system with far-reaching consequences.
The Scottish Parliament - Following the Ghost Road will engage audiences with the issues in a way that is politically empowering.
http://www.festivalfocus.org/film_view.php?uid=2401
Brit Films Entry
Brit Films entry -
Adam Lyal (a pale-faced ghost) has stood in three consecutive Scottish Parliamentary Elections. This documentary follows his progress to Election Day 2007, when an automated count replaced the manual system with far-reaching consequences.
http://www.britfilms.com/britishfilms/catalogue/browse/?id=50B1031D055301B8C8pYK31DFC22
Adam Lyal (a pale-faced ghost) has stood in three consecutive Scottish Parliamentary Elections. This documentary follows his progress to Election Day 2007, when an automated count replaced the manual system with far-reaching consequences.
http://www.britfilms.com/britishfilms/catalogue/browse/?id=50B1031D055301B8C8pYK31DFC22
Ghost Standing for Scottish Parliament
A pale-faced phantom is to stand for the Scottish Parliament in May. Euan MacInnes - the 'soul' candidate of Adam Lyal's Witchery Tour Party - will stand at the Scottish Parliamentary Elections on 3rd May 2007 in the guise of pale-faced phantom - Adam Lyal (deceased).
His policies range from campaigning for the minimum wage for MSPs, to sending MSPs out on work placement to help them see what the real world is like. If elected he'll donate his annual salary above the minimum wage to three local charities of his choice. Tour Guide Euan said, "I'm looking for the 'intelligent protest vote' wooing people fed up with politics & politicians.
If elected I will take my place in the debating chamber in a white face and black cloak. I reckon this pledge alone is worth a vote!" Edinburgh based Euan is looking for the electorate's second vote in Lothian. "Scotland's unique electoral system makes it possible for myself and other candidates representing smaller parties to become MSPs. Said Euan. "A good strategy to adopt is to give your second vote to a smaller party or independent candidate while still casting your first vote to your preferred party".
As part of Euan's campaign, he is appearing in a number of short films. His inaugural film PEELIE-WALLY has been a great success with over 17 000 views on MYSPACE. "If everyone who watched Peelie-Wally votes for me, I'm in", said Euan.
Euan has already built up a good support for his campaign, and if the word continues to spread for the next month, it is conceivable he could become the first elected pale-faced phantom. You can view PEELIE-WALLY on Euan's MYSPACE election page. www.myspace.com/adamlyal
His policies range from campaigning for the minimum wage for MSPs, to sending MSPs out on work placement to help them see what the real world is like. If elected he'll donate his annual salary above the minimum wage to three local charities of his choice. Tour Guide Euan said, "I'm looking for the 'intelligent protest vote' wooing people fed up with politics & politicians.
If elected I will take my place in the debating chamber in a white face and black cloak. I reckon this pledge alone is worth a vote!" Edinburgh based Euan is looking for the electorate's second vote in Lothian. "Scotland's unique electoral system makes it possible for myself and other candidates representing smaller parties to become MSPs. Said Euan. "A good strategy to adopt is to give your second vote to a smaller party or independent candidate while still casting your first vote to your preferred party".
As part of Euan's campaign, he is appearing in a number of short films. His inaugural film PEELIE-WALLY has been a great success with over 17 000 views on MYSPACE. "If everyone who watched Peelie-Wally votes for me, I'm in", said Euan.
Euan has already built up a good support for his campaign, and if the word continues to spread for the next month, it is conceivable he could become the first elected pale-faced phantom. You can view PEELIE-WALLY on Euan's MYSPACE election page. www.myspace.com/adamlyal
A 'Partly' Political Broadcast?
Euan MacInnes - the 'soul' candidate of Adam Lyal's Witchery Tour Party - will stand at the Scottish Parliamentary Elections on 3rd May 2007 in the guise of pale-faced phantom - Adam Lyal (deceased).
He has recorded a 'partly' political broadcast called 'Lyal's Boot Camp'. "Adam Lyal (deceased) aka Euan MacInnes - of Adam Lyal's Witchery Tour Party - is put through his paces by Boot Camp trainer, Cameron Pirie. If elected to the Scottish Parliament in May 2007, Euan promises to donate his salary above the minimum wage to charity. Will the 'ghost' survive this workout or is he just a good dancer?"
Euan decided to make another film on the back of PEELIE-WALLY - a pre-campaign film with over 17 000 views on MYSPACE.
He has recorded a 'partly' political broadcast called 'Lyal's Boot Camp'. "Adam Lyal (deceased) aka Euan MacInnes - of Adam Lyal's Witchery Tour Party - is put through his paces by Boot Camp trainer, Cameron Pirie. If elected to the Scottish Parliament in May 2007, Euan promises to donate his salary above the minimum wage to charity. Will the 'ghost' survive this workout or is he just a good dancer?"
Euan decided to make another film on the back of PEELIE-WALLY - a pre-campaign film with over 17 000 views on MYSPACE.
Ghost in the Machine
It's often said that you should always practice what you preach. Well, this is exactly what Euan MacInnes of Adam Lyal's Witchery Tour Party has been doing this week.
Standing in Lothian at the Scottish Parliamentary Elections on 3rd May in the guise of pale-faced phantom Adam Lyal (deceased), Euan has just spent two days packing election literature at Ivanhoe Printers in Musselburgh. When the main political parties have staff to undertake such tasks, Euan has been counting, packing, boxing and labelling 367,000 of his own election leaflets. "One of my campaign pledges is to send MSPs out on work placement so they can experience the real world", said Euan. "Spending two days at Ivanhoe has given me a good grounding on how printers operate on a day-to-day basis".
Adam Lyal's Witchery Tour Party is sending a leaflet out to every household in Lothian as part of their election campaign. "I have great admiration for postal staff at election time but for small parties and independents it's our only chance to reach the whole region". Edinburgh based Euan is looking for the electorate's second vote in Lothian. His policies include campaigning for the minimum wage for MSPs, and donating his annual salary above the minimum wage to three local Lothian charities of his choice. He also vows - if elected - to take his place in the Scottish Parliament's debating chamber in a white face and black cloak.
Standing in Lothian at the Scottish Parliamentary Elections on 3rd May in the guise of pale-faced phantom Adam Lyal (deceased), Euan has just spent two days packing election literature at Ivanhoe Printers in Musselburgh. When the main political parties have staff to undertake such tasks, Euan has been counting, packing, boxing and labelling 367,000 of his own election leaflets. "One of my campaign pledges is to send MSPs out on work placement so they can experience the real world", said Euan. "Spending two days at Ivanhoe has given me a good grounding on how printers operate on a day-to-day basis".
Adam Lyal's Witchery Tour Party is sending a leaflet out to every household in Lothian as part of their election campaign. "I have great admiration for postal staff at election time but for small parties and independents it's our only chance to reach the whole region". Edinburgh based Euan is looking for the electorate's second vote in Lothian. His policies include campaigning for the minimum wage for MSPs, and donating his annual salary above the minimum wage to three local Lothian charities of his choice. He also vows - if elected - to take his place in the Scottish Parliament's debating chamber in a white face and black cloak.
NEVER GIVE UP THE GHOST
Some people believe a ghost can be in two places at once and this may be true if Euan MacInnes of Adam Lyal's Witchery Tour Party is anything to go by. Standing in Lothian at the Scottish Parliamentary Elections on 3rd May in the guise of pale-faced phantom Adam Lyal (deceased), Euan has been campaigning hard throughout Lothian from dawn til dusk.
Euan vows - if elected - to take his place in the Scottish Parliament's debating chamber in a white face and black cloak. "I've been in Linlithgow, Livingston, South Queensferry, Dalkeith and Musselburgh to name but five", said Euan. "The response on the doorstep has been one of surprise followed by a genuine interest in my campaign. "You can't do any worse is a common theme". "It's tough going being a solitary ghost on the campaign trail. A guy the other day called me a numpty. I've put him down as undecided."
Edinburgh based Euan is looking for the electorate's second vote in Lothian. His policies include campaigning for the minimum wage for MSPs, and donating his annual salary above the minimum wage to three local Lothian charities of his choice.
Euan vows - if elected - to take his place in the Scottish Parliament's debating chamber in a white face and black cloak. "I've been in Linlithgow, Livingston, South Queensferry, Dalkeith and Musselburgh to name but five", said Euan. "The response on the doorstep has been one of surprise followed by a genuine interest in my campaign. "You can't do any worse is a common theme". "It's tough going being a solitary ghost on the campaign trail. A guy the other day called me a numpty. I've put him down as undecided."
Edinburgh based Euan is looking for the electorate's second vote in Lothian. His policies include campaigning for the minimum wage for MSPs, and donating his annual salary above the minimum wage to three local Lothian charities of his choice.
Adam Lyal's Witchery Tour Party on the BBC
Euan MacInnes the 'soul' candidate of Adam Lyal's Witchery Tour Party is to appear on the BBCs daily election webcast from Monday 30th April 2007.
Standing in Lothian at the Scottish Parliamentary Elections on 3rd May in the guise of pale-faced phantom - Adam Lyal (deceased), Euan is delighted to get a chance speak to a wider audience. "Okay, I've done fairly well in the press recently but overall it is a real struggle for smaller parties and independents to get decent media coverage" said Euan. "The daily BBC election webcasts by Maggie Sheils are giving smaller parties and independents a big chance to air their opinions."
Edinburgh based Euan is looking for the electorate's vote in Lothian. His policies include campaigning for the minimum wage for MSPs, and donating his annual salary above the minimum wage to three local Lothian charities of his choice. He also vows - if elected - to take his place in the Scottish Parliament's debating chamber in a white face and black cloak. "I must take this opportunity to apologise to BBC Scotland for getting white make up on the headphones," added Euan. "Unlike other politicians I accept full responsibility".
Standing in Lothian at the Scottish Parliamentary Elections on 3rd May in the guise of pale-faced phantom - Adam Lyal (deceased), Euan is delighted to get a chance speak to a wider audience. "Okay, I've done fairly well in the press recently but overall it is a real struggle for smaller parties and independents to get decent media coverage" said Euan. "The daily BBC election webcasts by Maggie Sheils are giving smaller parties and independents a big chance to air their opinions."
Edinburgh based Euan is looking for the electorate's vote in Lothian. His policies include campaigning for the minimum wage for MSPs, and donating his annual salary above the minimum wage to three local Lothian charities of his choice. He also vows - if elected - to take his place in the Scottish Parliament's debating chamber in a white face and black cloak. "I must take this opportunity to apologise to BBC Scotland for getting white make up on the headphones," added Euan. "Unlike other politicians I accept full responsibility".
Grateful Dead
Euan MacInnes of Adam Lyal's Witchery Tour Party, who stood in Lothian at the Scottish Parliamentary Elections on 3rd May 2007 in the guise of pale-faced phantom Adam Lyal (deceased), has produced a 4th film in his election series.
DEAD GOOD ELECTION NIGHT 2007 is a short film produced as a thank you to the 867 people of Lothian who voted for him. This can be viewed on his MySpace site at www.myspace.com/adamlyal
Euan's vow - if elected - was to take his place in the Scottish Parliament's debating chamber in a white face and black cloak, campaign for the minimum wage for MSPs, and donate his annual salary above the minimum wage to three local Lothian charities of his choice.
"I was bitterly disappointed not to be elected. I reckon that if there hadn't been so many spoilt ballot papers, I might have received another 8 votes," said Euan. "Mind you, 867 people wanted me to be their MSP, and I'd like to thank them all for making the effort to vote.
DEAD GOOD ELECTION NIGHT 2007 is a short film produced as a thank you to the 867 people of Lothian who voted for him. This can be viewed on his MySpace site at www.myspace.com/adamlyal
Euan's vow - if elected - was to take his place in the Scottish Parliament's debating chamber in a white face and black cloak, campaign for the minimum wage for MSPs, and donate his annual salary above the minimum wage to three local Lothian charities of his choice.
"I was bitterly disappointed not to be elected. I reckon that if there hadn't been so many spoilt ballot papers, I might have received another 8 votes," said Euan. "Mind you, 867 people wanted me to be their MSP, and I'd like to thank them all for making the effort to vote.
Synopsis (short)
Adam Lyal (a pale-faced ghost) has stood in three consecutive Scottish Parliamentary Elections. This documentary follows his progress to Election Day 2007, when an automated count replaced the manual system with far-reaching consequences.
Synopsis 1
The Scottish Parliament - Following the Ghost Road is an accessible and entertaining documentary film that shows a candidate's progress to Election Day.
In an era when the electorate grows more apathetic and cynical towards the politics and elections, this 35-minute film shot over 8 years during three Scottish Parliamentary elections is a unique insight into the practicalities of political campaigning.
The film's candidate, a pale-faced ghost, Adam Lyal, has stood in three consecutive Scottish Parliamentary Elections in 1999, 2003 & 2007. By following a candidate who is not a member of any major party, the film is able to strip away some of the mystique surrounding parliamentary elections.
This documentary goes behind the scenes of the campaign and features unique historic footage of three election-night counts in Edinburgh. It also reveals the unfolding drama of 2007 when an automated count replaced the manual system with far-reaching consequences.
The Scottish Parliament - Following the Ghost Road will engage audiences with the issues in a way that is politically empowering.
In an era when the electorate grows more apathetic and cynical towards the politics and elections, this 35-minute film shot over 8 years during three Scottish Parliamentary elections is a unique insight into the practicalities of political campaigning.
The film's candidate, a pale-faced ghost, Adam Lyal, has stood in three consecutive Scottish Parliamentary Elections in 1999, 2003 & 2007. By following a candidate who is not a member of any major party, the film is able to strip away some of the mystique surrounding parliamentary elections.
This documentary goes behind the scenes of the campaign and features unique historic footage of three election-night counts in Edinburgh. It also reveals the unfolding drama of 2007 when an automated count replaced the manual system with far-reaching consequences.
The Scottish Parliament - Following the Ghost Road will engage audiences with the issues in a way that is politically empowering.
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