11 May 2005

Student creates video documentary of Black Watch

Twenty-five-year-old Louise Davidson from Arbroath has spent her final year at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design in Dundee creating a documentary on the Black Watch, which will be on display at this year's Degree Show.

With a cousin who serves in the Black Watch, Time Based Art student Louise became deeply interested in the plans to amalgamate the six Scottish regiments and her video creates a record of the immense emotion felt across Scotland at the proposed changes.

Louise met with politicians and celebrities as well as following the Black Watch on their many rallies across Scotland, interviewing soldiers and their families to capture the profound effect the Black Watch story has invoked.

Through her video interviews, Louise has successfully conveyed the emotional angles to the planned regiment changes, which until now have been rarely documented. Her documentary flags up the historical importance of the regiment and the personal loss and dismay felt by the people.

Louise commented, "I have really enjoyed this year at DJCAD working on this project and having the opportunity to meet members of the Black Watch and see first hand the support the regiment has from the Scottish public. The real test will be the public reaction at the Degree Show. I hope the video encourages the public to think long and hard about how the Scottish regiments, including the Black Watch have been treated."

Following her experience of making this documentary, Louise wants to embark on a career in journalism after graduating.

The annual Degree Show at Duncan Of Jordanstone College offers an outstanding range of work from this year's graduates. The show is open to the public from Saturday 21 May to Saturday 28 May at Duncan of Jordanstone College.

By Roddy Isles, Head of Press 01382 344910, out of hours: 07968298585, r.isles@dundee.ac.uk