Hamish Henderson - An Artist's Inspiration

In this new film, artist Charles Nasmyth looks at the man behind the legend and asks who was he, really? Why was he inspired to paint his portrait?Perthshire-born Hamish Henderson was a colourful character.

Multi-talented, he was the only British soldier well enough versed in Italian to take the surrender of the fascist armies in Italy in 1944.

He also helped Jewish children to escape Nazi Berlin.

He went on to help found the School of Scottish Studies and recorded hundreds of songs and ballads from rural Scotland, preserving them for posterity.Growing up under influences from all shades of society left Hamish free to navigate Britain’s class-based culture without feeling out of place in any company.

Paradoxically, he didn't let his socialist internationalism stand in the way of a passionate belief in self-determination for Scotland.

He didn't raise Scotland above its merits, but valued the country for what it really is.

In this film, Fife artist Charles Nasmyth meets many of Hamish's friends and collaborators and explains why he felt so strongly that Hamish should be commemorated in a painting.This event is part of the Carrying Stream Festival.