Ramsay MacDonald film review
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Written by Lossie resident David Page
A documentary telling the amazing story of Ramsay MacDonald, a Moray loon who rose from poverty to become Britain's first ever Labour Prime Minister, has had an exclusive preview in his hometown.
'From the Darkness into the Light' received a great reception at Lossiemouth Town Hall where it was screened on Friday evening.
It was the film's first showing, with six more planned so far for 2024 which will be the centenary anniversary of Britain’s first Labour Government.
Yvonne Findlay was not just the organiser of the preview event, but also the film's director.
She's done a great job of providing a more complete and balanced view of someone who remains a controversial figure.
Her film also tells a really compelling personal story.
Iona Kielhorn, Ramsay’s granddaughter, is one of several local contributors who appear on screen, and she was at the town hall on Friday to introduce the film.
Also included is home movie footage of Ramsay, which was recently discovered.
Ramsay was born in Seatown, Lossiemouth, in 1866 and moved into Number 10 Downing Street in 1924.
His mother later married and was taken back into the church, but Ramsay never lost the stigma of being illegitimate.
He was born poor but clever. He loved studying science, first at Lossiemouth Free Church of Scotland school then at nearby Drainie parish school.
One of his first projects was to translate the Latin Bible into modern Greek.
But for his excellent schooling he would have remained a poor fisherman destined to have a typical lifespan of 38 years.
Instead he travelled to London and was soon helping the unpaid MPs behind the scenes in Westminster.
He joined the Fabian Society, Britain’s oldest 'think tank' and met up with George Bernard Shaw, the playwright and political activist who influenced his thinking from an early age.
While studying hard for a science degree at Birkbeck University he lived on oatmeal, but his health suffered. However, Margaret Ramsden was so impressed by his lectures she decided to marry him. Her income renewed his health and strength.
The couple went on to have five children, who were cared for mostly by their grandmother back home in Lossiemouth.
They wanted to build a family house on Prospect Terrace, which Ramsay thought was the best view in the world, but with his growing reputation as a socialist, some local residents opposed him.
The house was built down below instead near Seatown.
Moray Golf Club also opposed his anti-military views during the First World War and withdrew his membership.
Ramsay's first term as Prime Minster only lasted a year.
A false rumour circulated that Britain was at risk of coming under the control of Russian Communists, resulting in the Labour Party losing the next general election.
His next term coincided with the Wall Street Crash.
The political situation was chaotic and Ramsay decided to go to Buckingham Palace to hand in his resignation.
King George V refused to accept it and from then on became a firm friend.
However many of Ramsay’s political friends deserted him and his health deteriorated once again.
Ramsay was expelled from the Labour Party for having agreed to head up a National Government that included both Conservatives and Liberals.
In the last years of his life Ramsay spoke up for peace during the lead-up to the Second World War.
He also spent more time back home in Lossiemouth, where he was now viewed much more favourably.
Ramsay died in 1937 on a sea trip to South America. His body is buried at Spynie Church.
'From the Darkness into the Light' will be screened at:
Eden Court, March 1
Forres Tollbooth, April 18
Aberdeen, Arts Centre, May 1.
