The Tales of Para Handy

The Tales of Para Handy

The Tales of Para Handy is a Scottish television series set in the western isles of Scotland in the 1930s, based on the Para Handy books by Neil Munro. It starred Gregor Fisher as Captain Peter "Para Handy" MacFarlane, Sean Scanlan as first mate Dougie Cameron, Rikki Fulton as engineer Dan Macphail and Andrew Fairlie as Sunny Jim. These four made up the crew of the puffer 'Vital Spark' which was employed by the Campbell Shipping Company, headquartered in Glasgow and run by Andrew Campbell

DramaComedy

Seasons

1. Para Handy, Master Mariner

Air Date: 1994-07-31

The crew of the Vital Spark are entrusted with transporting some queer cargo including a double bed and a prize Highland Bull - and trouble is never too far away.

2. Para Handy, Poacher

Air Date: 1994-08-07

A spot of poaching lands Para Handy and his unfortunate crew in jail but also reunites Para with his childhood friend, Lady Catherine Ramsey.

3. Salvage!

Air Date: 1994-08-14

In the aftermath of a storm Para Handy and his hapless crew rescue a drifting boat intending to claim salvage. But the abandoned vessel contains a very nasty surprise.

4. A Night Alarm

Air Date: 1994-08-21

A spot of engine trouble sees the luckless crew marooned in a small island village, where Para tangles with the drunken town bully and indulges in a spot of matchmaking.

5. The End Of The World

Air Date: 1994-08-28

After reading his tea leaves, Dougie predicts doom and disaster for those on board the Vital Spark. Para dismisses his predictions until one by one the omens start coming true.

6. Treasure Trove

Air Date: 1994-09-04

Threatened by the march of modern technology it takes all of Para’s cunning, plus the help of a large beached whale, to keep him and his disaster prone crew in steady employment.

1. The Fortune Teller

Air Date: 1995-07-31

Lured by a gypsy's prophecy of Spanish gold from a wrecked galleon, the crew embarks on a hunt for the treasure - with literally explosive consequences.

2. Para Handy's Piper

Air Date: 1995-08-07

When the crew are entrusted with delivering a piper to a wedding, they pick up an imposter who wants to elope with the bride and the course of true love doesn't run smoothly.

3. The Malingerer

Air Date: 1995-08-21

After bragging his boat can out-run any other, Para Handy is tricked into a race at sea with a rival shipping company. Once again he proves it's savvy, not speed, that counts.

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Rating

5.0/10

Release Date

1994-07-31

Episodes

9 (2 seasons)

Status

Ended

Cast

Gregor Fisher

Gregor Fisher

Para Handy

Rikki Fulton

Rikki Fulton

Macphail

Sean Scanlan

Sean Scanlan

Dougie

Andrew Fairlie

Andrew Fairlie

Sunny Jim

Paul Young

Paul Young

Andrew Campbell

Sally Howitt

Sally Howitt

Miss Kelly