Press release -
To boldly Linlith-gow!
A legendary Hollywood writer has welcomed an historic Star Trek screening at Linlithgow Palace to celebrate the town’s links to Montgomery “Scotty” Scott on the 50th anniversary of the science fiction franchise.
In a free event organised by VisitScotland, Historic Environment Scotland, Linlithgow Town Centre Business Improvement District and Film Mobile, the screening of Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan on 10 September will be the first time in the monument’s 600-year history that a film has been shown at Linlithgow Palace.
From today, Trekkers can enter an online ballot for the chance to win a free pair of tickets to see one of the most acclaimed science fiction films of all time in the unique setting of the palace’s courtyard.
Linlithgow is the reputed future birthplace of Scotty, who was played in the original series and seven movies by the late Canadian actor James Doohan and is portrayed in the rebooted films by Simon Pegg. The chief engineer of the starship Enterprise is described as a son of the West Lothian town in the 1989 spin-off novel Vulcan’s Glory, written by Dorothy “DC” Fontana – a writer and story editor on the original series, which was first broadcast on American television on 8 September 1966.
Created by Gene Roddenberry and set in the 23rd century, the series follows the five-year mission of the Enterprise, with Captain James T. Kirk (William Shatner), Mr Spock (Leonard Nimoy) and Leonard “Bones” McCoy (DeForest Kelley) among the crew members seeking out new life and new civilizations and boldly going where no man has gone before.
DC Fontana said: “I’ve visited Linlithgow many times on trips to Scotland. It is a most beautiful place – and, of course, filled with history. Linlithgow Palace is stunning – a person can wander through and around it for hours and just drink in the spectacular scene and its haunting, stirring history. I thought it was a fitting reference for the character of Mr Scott and his family background.”
Released in 1982, The Wrath of Khan is often credited with reviving the Star Trek franchise following the disappointing reception to 1979’s The Motion Picture. Nicholas Meyer’s Director’s Cut, which will be shown at Linlithgow Palace, sees Scotty’s nephew Peter Preston join the crew, and also features the Scot playing the bagpipes at an officer’s funeral.
In addition to the screening, Linlithgow is also celebrating the 50th anniversary of Star Trek with a ‘Scotty Trail’, where prizes will be up for grabs for those who can solve various clues around the town centre, and the return of a special James Doohan exhibition at Annet House Museum from 5 to 30 September.
Malcolm Roughead, Chief Executive of VisitScotland, said: “Scotty is one of television and cinema’s most enduring characters. It’s been half a century since he first graced our screens and millions have been enthralled by his adventures aboard the Enterprise ever since. It is particularly apt that we celebrate the future legacy of ‘the Miracle Worker’ in Scotland’s Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design and the lucky Star Trek fans who are successful in our ballot will enjoy a cinematic experience like no other in Scotty’s beautiful home town.”
Stephen Duncan, Director of Commercial and Tourism at Historic Environment Scotland, said: “Linlithgow is widely thought of as the future birthplace of Scotty, one of Star Trek’s best-known characters, so it’s extremely fitting that half a century on since the iconic science fiction series first appeared on screen, that Trekkies, starship Enterprise super fans and other galactic enthusiasts will gather at Linlithgow Palace for a special screening next month. Audience members will be able to mark 50 years of Star Trek within the atmospheric surroundings of Linlithgow Palace’s courtyard area – it promises to make for a truly unique open-air viewing experience.”
Gail Boardman, Chair of Linlithgow Town Centre BID, said: “Linlithgow Town Centre BID is delighted to be working with partners to bring this fantastic cinematic event to the town. We are proud of our links with Star Trek and it is no wonder that Linlithgow was chosen as the birthplace for Scotty, given our breathtaking heritage and beautiful environment. We look forward to welcoming visitors and encourage them to visit the James Doohan Exhibition at Annet House and to take part in our fun Scotty Trail.”
Ian Brown, Managing Director of Film Mobile Scotland, said: “Film Mobile is honoured to be working with VisitScotland to bring to the big screen one of the most iconic science fiction films of all time, Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan. Having been digitally remastered for unrivalled sound and picture quality, this outdoor presentation at the majestic Linlithgow Palace to coincide with the 50th anniversary of Gene Roddenberry’s seminal series will celebrate the fictional character of Montgomery Scott, affectionately known as ‘Scotty’.”
Fiona Hyslop, Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Tourism and External Affairs, said: “This unique Star Trek screening belongs in Linlithgow – the home town of Montgomery Scott. It was James Doohan himself who suggested that he should play the part of the ingenious engineer as a Scotsman, which is a fitting tribute to our nation as we celebrate the Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design. Linlithgow Palace is the ideal destination for this special 50th anniversary screening.”
West Lothian’s Provost Tom Kerr said: “I’m delighted to welcome this special screening of the classic Star Trek II – The Wrath of Khan film to Linlithgow.
“Linlithgow is proud to be the future birthplace of Montgomery ‘Scotty’ Scott in 2222, and we were delighted to welcome the family of the late actor James Doohan, who played Scotty, to the town in 2007 to celebrate this fact.
“Annet House Museum in the High Street will also re-launch their James Doohan exhibition from 5 to 30 September to coincide with the 50th anniversary celebrations, and there’s a permanent tribute to Star Trek in the fireplaces at Linlithgow Burgh Halls for the eagle-eyed visitors to spot.”
Since it was first broadcast, Star Trek has become one of the biggest franchises of all time, spawning four subsequent television series and 13 films. Star Trek Beyond, which sees Simon Pegg assume the role of Scotty for the third time, was released in cinemas in July.
A new television series, Star Trek Discovery, is set to premiere in January 2017.
The event on 10 September is free but ticketed. To be in with a chance to see Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan at Linlithgow Palace, fans can enter the ballot (closing date is midnight on Sunday 4 September) at: www.startrekscreeningballot.eventbrite.co.uk
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