Album Notes

A compilation of some of the best tracks from the original soundtrack to the landmark BBC series, A history of Scotland . Composed and conducted by Paul Leonard-Morgan and performed by the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, these tracks feature in the first half of this pivotal ten part television series produced by BBC Scotland and the Open University.

The dramatic score that accompanies this series helps to bring alive Scotland s rich and eventful past. The soundtrack features some of Britain s finest musicians, including the haunting whistles and bodhran of Marc Duff (founder member of legendary Scottish folk band Capercaillie), Uillean Pipes solos by three times all Ireland champion Jarlath Henderson and the stunning vocals of Ann de Renais (as featured in the Lord of The Rings Symphony tour).

The series gives a grand but in-depth sweep of more than 2,000 years of Scottish history, casting a fresh perspective on the mythology and characters of Scotland s rich and eventful past. The series uses dramatic photography to capture the best of Scotland s varied and breath-taking landscapes, iconic landmarks, monuments and historic architecture.


The Scotsman - ....engrossing, atmospherically shot and scored, this was history taught with real verve and momentum....

Scotland On Sunday - ...the pace and presentation are breathtaking.....

Sunday Times - .....leaves you wanting more....


Artist biography:

Paul Leonard-Morgan is a BAFTA award winning, Ivor Novello nominated composer and producer for Film and Television.

He has previously composed soundtracks to a number of popular television dramas (Spooks, Silent Witness, The Brief) as well as documentaries (Galapagos, Bodyshock, Dispatches, 10 Days That Shaped The Queen, A Year In The Life Of...J K Rowling).

Paul is also in high demand for his production and arrangements and was honoured by the U.S Olympic Committee when he was asked to compose the new musical anthem for the U.S Olympic Anthem whose previous anthem had been written by John Williams.

The special edition of his debut album, Filmtales, has just been released and features two exclusive bonus tracks - the US Olympic Anthem Glory Of Pursuit and Symbiotic which was used to accompany the Chevron global advertising campaign.






The BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra are regarded as one of the UK's finest orchestras and one of Britain's most versatile ensembles.

The award winning 90 piece orchestra were recorded for the History of Scotland soundtrack in the spectacular Grand Hall of Glasgow s City Halls, the home of the BBC SSO since 2006.