Scotland and the Eurovision Song Contest

A History of Scottish Involvement

From Lulu to Daði Freyr

Scotland has a long and storied history with the Eurovision Song Contest. The country first competed separately from the United Kingdom in 1972, when Monaco, the winners of the previous year's Contest, were unable to host. For several years, the Scottish National Party (SNP) campaigned for a place in the Eurovision Song Contest for Scotland, but had been rejected.

In 1999, Scotland finally got its wish when it was announced that the country would be competing in the Eurovision Song Contest 2000. The Scottish entry was "All or Nothing" by Fran Healy, the lead singer of the band Travis. The song finished in 9th place, giving Scotland its best result in the Contest to date.

Moira Shearer and the Red Shoes

Scotland has also been involved in the Eurovision Song Contest behind the scenes. In 1948, Moira Shearer, a Scottish ballet dancer, starred in the film The Red Shoes. The film's soundtrack included a song called "The Red Shoes Polka", which was used as the interval act in the 1957 Eurovision Song Contest.

In 1972, the Scottish Media Group (STV) was the host broadcaster for the Eurovision Song Contest. STV did an excellent job of hosting the Contest, and its production was widely praised.

A Lasting Impression

Scotland's involvement in the Eurovision Song Contest has been a source of pride for the country. The Contest has helped to raise Scotland's profile on the international stage, and has given Scottish artists a platform to showcase their talent. Scotland's Eurovision journey is a story of perseverance and determination, and it is a testament to the country's rich musical heritage.