Ep 1. The Great Lochdubh Salt Robbery

Hamish Macbeth is a British mystery television show that premiered on BBC in 1995. The show, based on a series of novels by M.C. Beaton, follows a police officer named Hamish Macbeth who works in the small Scottish town of Lochdubh. The first episode of season 1, titled "The Great Lochdubh Salt Robbery," introduces viewers to the character of Hamish and his unique approach to policing.

The episode begins with Hamish Macbeth (played by Robert Carlyle) waking up in his remote cottage in the Scottish Highlands. He receives a phone call from his boss, Chief Inspector Blair (played by Stuart Davids), informing him that there has been a break-in at the local salt mine. Hamish is hesitant to get involved, as he believes the robbery is a minor issue that can be dealt with by the local constable. However, Chief Inspector Blair insists that Hamish investigate the crime, as the mine's owner is a wealthy and influential figure in the town.

As Hamish begins to investigate the robbery, he quickly realizes that there is more to the crime than meets the eye. He discovers that the salt mine's owner, Charles Frazer (played by Julian Fellowes), has been involved in a bitter feud with a neighboring farm family, the Macraes. Hamish believes that the Macraes may be responsible for the robbery, as they stand to benefit financially from the theft of the salt.

As he continues to dig deeper, Hamish discovers that there are several other suspects with motives for the robbery. These include a young man named Daniel McGregor (played by Michael Fenton Stevens), who works at the salt mine and suspects Charles of wrongdoing, as well as an eccentric artist named Effie (played by Annette Crosbie), who has a grudge against Charles for destroying one of her sculptures.

Throughout the episode, Hamish employs a unique and unconventional style of policing. He uses his knowledge of the town and its inhabitants to gather information and make connections between seemingly unrelated events. He also relies on his intuition and common sense, rather than traditional police methods, to crack the case.

Along the way, Hamish faces several obstacles and challenges. He is initially met with resistance from the local constable, who resents Hamish's presence and insists on handling the investigation himself. Hamish must also navigate the complex web of secrets and lies that exists in the town, as he uncovers hidden relationships and long-standing grudges that contribute to the crime.

In the end, Hamish is able to solve the case and identify the perpetrator of the robbery. However, his unorthodox methods and disregard for hierarchy and authority leave him at odds with Chief Inspector Blair and the traditional structures of law enforcement.

Overall, "The Great Lochdubh Salt Robbery" serves as an engaging and entertaining introduction to the character of Hamish Macbeth and his unique approach to policing. The episode highlights the idiosyncrasies and quirks of small-town life in Scotland, while also exploring themes of power, class, and morality. Fans of British mystery shows and those who enjoy unconventional and offbeat protagonists will find much to enjoy in the world of Hamish Macbeth.