News.Scotland.Org

Scotland, Nov 8: A caricature is a powerful weapon against the higher authorities. It is capable of conveying the message more easily than what hundreds of words can do. Frank Boyle’s cartoons have for years ridiculed the authorities in and out of power in the capital city. Several councillors and MSPs have been fallen prey to his cartoons regularly published in the Evening News’ daily cartoon.

After a long time the city council has now granted permission to exhibit his art work. It is considered as an effort to honour his sharpest cartoon work. The exhibition displaying more than 60 favourite cartoons of Boyle will be held at the City Art Centre, one of the biggest art galleries in Edinburgh.

The rare collection of cartoons includes those published in the Evening News since 1999. The rise and fall of Tony Blair, the trails and troubles of the city football rivals Hearts and Hibs, and the controversies and speculations that hit the Scottish Parliament, the exhibition will include all those rare moments. The exhibition will give a clear picture about the observation skill and the artistic skill of frank Boyle. Some of the original works will also be kept for display.

While commenting on this Boyle said: “I contacted the council officials and asked about their willingness in an exhibition of the cartoons and was obviously overjoyed when they gave me the sanction. I opt for the City Art Centre gallery in Edinburgh because it is the council’s main art gallery and gains more exposure. The speciality of this exhibition is that this is the first attempt by any cartoonist in Scotland has had their own exhibition. I’m expecting more feedback from the people about the cartoon and I’ve always tried to make sure that they appeal to people sitting in the pub, or taxi drivers.”

Councillor Burns also expressed his happiness over the exhibition of Boyle to be held in Edinburgh. The exhibition is expected to draw more people including those from the higher level of powers and the common man.

November, 8

The Scottish television industry is all set for a revival; this glossy nation has witnessed a sudden fall in the television production in recent years. With many famous prime-time dramas like Dr Who and Life on mars doing great, the time has come for this industry to come up with such new drama series to boost the television industry on the north of the border. Commenting in this regard the Chairman of a commission set up to save Scots broadcasting said, Scotland has moved to a slower side in the television production part, which has to be revived soon.

This downward trend in the Scottish television production sector has also influenced the viewers a lot with lowering their interest to watch the programs. Even the new broadcasting commission, set to monitor and enhance the standard of the Scottish television industry has agreed to the fact that these dramas are a key element to revive this sector. This concept is clearly proved by the way viewers appreciated and liked the Dr Who series which got a huge success.

The Chairman of the Broadcasting commission, Blair Jenkins said dramas are the souls of the television industry, the way these dramas have flourished in our industry tell the importance of them in the lives of viewers. “If you look at the north-west of England, there is now a halo effect from dramas like Life on Mars.” This helps in both way from the financial front and talent front, such things keeps the industry going. He also felt the need to revive the news coverage in Scotland, this industry has also seen a set back in recent years.

The Scottish television industry’s quest for this revival could place this industry again in the main stream. Hope soon Scottish TV will regain its form and get more space in the hearts of viewers and becomes more economically strong.