SCOTLAND’S most famous Star Trek fan yesterday called for a “five-year mission” to prepare for the birth of one of science fiction’s favourite characters as plans were unveiled for a landmark screening.
Historic Linlithgow Palace will turn into a cinema for the first time in its 600-year history with a free screening of Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan next month.
The event will be held to celebrate the West Lothian town’s links to engineer Montgomery “Scotty” Scott as the futuristic franchise turns 50.
The 1982 movie will be shown in the courtyard of the royal seat, birthplace of Mary, Queen of Scots, on September 10, with organisers running an online ballot to distribute the tickets.
The location was chosen to honour Scotty’s links to the town – while scriptwriters did not pinpoint his roots on screen, 1989 spin-off novel Vulcan’s Glory revealed the character, originally portrayed by late Canadian actor James Doohan, was born in Linlithgow in the year 2222.
A “Scotty Trail” will also be set up around the town centre, with an exhibition dedicated to Doohan shown at Annet House Museum.
Last night self-confessed “Trekkie” Alex Salmond MP, who has used the alias James T Kirk while travelling and was made an honorary Starfleet Admiral in 2010, welcomed the news.
The ex-First Minister, who was also born in Linlithgow, told The National he would not be able to attend due to prior commitments, but added: “Speaking not just as a former First Minister but also as a Starfleet Admiral, I’d like to congratulate Visit Scotland, Historic Scotland and their local partners in the Town Centre Business Improvement District and Annet House Museum on their imaginative Scotty Trail around his home town of Linlithgow.
“I am sure that everyone will be looking forward to the golden anniversary of The Wrath of Khan at Linlithgow Palace.
“I think that we should also launch a five-year mission to ensure that we mark the year Scotty will be born, in 2222, in proper fashion.
“I have no doubt that this combination of black bitches born within the sound of St Michael’s bells, Trekkies born everywhere and Montgomery Scott – yet to be born – will be a resounding success.”
Launched on US TV in 1966, Star Wars follows the continuing voyages of the USS Enterprise as it embarks on a five-year mission “to boldly go where no man has gone before”.
A string of big-budget spin-offs followed, including the current series of reboots, in which Scotty is played by English actor Simon Pegg.
Doohan, who died in 2005, tried out seven different accents for the part, eventually choosing a Scots brogue because it was “the most commanding”.
DC Fontana, a writer on the original series and the author of Vulcan’s Glory, said: “I’ve visited Linlithgow many times on trips to Scotland. It is a most beautiful place – and, of course, filled with history.
“Linlithgow Palace is stunning. I thought it was a fitting reference for the character of Mr Scott and his family background.”
The ballot for the September 10 screening runs until midnight on September 4. Fans can enter their names at www.startrekscreeningballot.eventbrite.co.uk.
Organisers promise a “truly unique open-air experience” and VisitScotland head Malcolm Roughead said: “Scotty is one of television and cinema’s most enduring characters. It’s been half a century since he first graced our screens and millions have been enthralled by his adventures aboard the Enterprise ever since.
“It is particularly apt that we celebrate the future legacy of ‘the Miracle Worker’ in Scotland’s Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design, and the lucky Star Trek fans who are successful in our ballot will enjoy a cinematic experience like no other in Scotty’s beautiful home town.”
Salmond’s Starfleet honour came after news of his love for the series reached the offices of the International Star Trek Fan Association in America.
At the time, a spokesperson said: “Mr Salmond is delighted to boldly accept what no First Minister has accepted before. As a devotee of Star Trek since its earliest episodes, and a fan of Captain Kirk and Lieutenant Uhura in particular from the original series, he is happy to add his name to the ranks of Starfleet members worldwide.”
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