Brassica Rapa That!

Owen Laird - Email

Synopsis

Our small documentary crew went up north to document one of Scotland’s premier turnip growing events. However, what we captured in amongst the hype and hysteria of the event was nothing short of spectacular. What made this years event so special was that expert neep grower Brian Thurman was set to win his 10th title in a row of the Scottish Association of Turnip Growers ‘Largest Turnip of the Year’ award. When it comes to growing turnips Brian is untouchable. His life is dedicated to the cause and it shows in his work, after all, you don’t win 9 titles in a row with out knowing the ins and outs of growing neeps do you? What we witnessed was that when it comes to growing turnips, everything else goes out the window… even family. This film shows how turnip growing can be one of the most competitive and dangerous past times on this planet.
What was planned to be a simple shoot turned out to be more dramatic and eventful than we had bargained for.

Our film was meant to be about a simple man battling with the elements to be the best at growing big massive turnips. But what we found was a man battling with a lot more than just a bit of wind and rain.

Owen Laird - Producer/Director

Brian Thurman

Rachel Anderson & Billy 'Wee Billy' Turner

Angela and John Gray (Turnip Judges)

The Cast and Crew

Created for Rave on Air 2009