When you put Miriam Margolyes and Alan Cumming in a campervan, you aren't just getting a travel show. You're getting a chaotic, foul-mouthed, and deeply moving masterclass in how to grow old without actually growing up. Miriam and Alan: Lost in Scotland is basically what happens when two of the most eccentric actors on the planet decide to stop acting and just be themselves while driving through the Highlands.
It's messy. It’s loud. It’s Scottish.
Most people expect a polished BBC-style documentary with soaring drone shots and a polite narrator. This is not that. Honestly, it’s better. The show originally aired on Channel 4 and later found a massive audience on PBS, capturing a vibe that is part "finding your roots" and part "two friends arguing about where to pee."
Why the Chemistry Works (and Why It Shouldn't)
On paper, they’re a weird match. Alan is the sleek, Tony-winning chameleon known for Cabaret and The Good Wife. Miriam is the unfiltered, BAFTA-winning force of nature who most kids know as Professor Sprout from Harry Potter.
But they share a massive connection: Scotland.
Alan grew up in Carnoustie, a place he has complicated feelings about. Miriam’s family has deep Scottish Jewish roots. They aren't tourists; they're returnees. The magic of Miriam and Alan: Lost in Scotland lies in the fact that they don’t just visit landmarks. They visit ghosts.
- Alan deals with the heavy shadow of his late father.
- Miriam tracks down the tenements where her ancestors lived.
- They create a custom tartan they call "Aliam."
What Really Happens in the Campervan?
The campervan is a character itself. It’s small. It’s cramped. Miriam—who is in her 80s and has some mobility issues—frequently complains about the logistics of living in a metal box.
One of the most talked-about moments involves a "bog-cam" (a camera in the bathroom) that Miriam nearly forgets about. It’s that level of raw honesty that makes the show rank so high in people's hearts. They aren't trying to look glamorous. They’re eating "Cullen Skink"—a thick Scottish fish soup—and arguing about Scottish independence.
Key Stops on the Journey
- Glasgow: This is where it starts. They visit the street where Miriam’s family first landed in Scotland. It’s gritty and real.
- Cawdor Castle: Alan has a theory he might be related to the aristocrats here. Spoiler: The DNA test results are a total highlight of the first season.
- Glencoe: They take a chairlift up the mountain. It’s stunning, but the conversation is what keeps you watching.
- Ullapool: They meet a Gaelic rapper. Yes, you read that right.
The Transition to "Lost in Scotland and Beyond"
By the second season, the show evolved. They didn't just stay in the Highlands. They eventually ditched the smaller van for a massive American RV and headed to California.
Why California? Because both of them have lived there. They trade the misty glens for Palm Springs drag bingo and a "drugs den" in Santa Barbara (Miriam’s words, not mine). Even with the change of scenery, the core remained the same: two old friends trying to figure out where they belong in the world.
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Addressing the Common Misconceptions
People often ask if the show is scripted. If you’ve ever watched a Miriam Margolyes interview, you know you can't script that woman. She says things that make producers sweat. When she’s offended, you know. When she’s moved to tears by a Jewish, vegan, anarchist café in Glasgow (which actually happened), it’s genuine.
Another thing people get wrong is thinking this is just a comedy. Sure, the banter is hilarious. But the show tackles heavy themes:
- Abuse: Alan is very open about the cruelty he faced from his father in the Scottish woods.
- Identity: What does it mean to be Scottish if you’ve lived in America or Australia for decades?
- Aging: Seeing Miriam navigate the rugged terrain while being "earthy, frisky, and fruity" (as The Independent once put it) is actually quite inspiring.
Is there more coming?
Right now, there are two seasons available. The first is a tight three-episode run focused purely on the Scottish odyssey. The second expands to four episodes, taking them from the Glenfinnan Viaduct (the Harry Potter bridge!) all the way to the neon lights of Las Vegas.
There hasn’t been a formal announcement for a third season lately, but the door is never really closed with these two. They seem to genuinely enjoy each other's company, even when Miriam is yelling at Alan for his "dramatic" hair choices.
Actionable Ways to Experience the Journey
If you’re a fan of the show and want to replicate the vibe—minus the celebrity status—here is how to do it:
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- Rent a Campervan: Don't go for the massive RV first. Try the small ones they used in Season 1 to get the true "Lost in Scotland" experience. Companies like Bunk Campers or Quirky Campers are great for this.
- Visit the "Aliam" Spots: You can actually visit the tartan mills in the Highlands and see where they had their custom cloth made.
- Try the Food: Don't just stick to shortbread. Look for Kosher Haggis or vegan white pudding, both of which the duo sampled to bridge their specific identities.
- Watch the Extras: Check out Alan Cumming’s social media or Miriam’s documentaries (like Almost Australian) to see the different sides of their travel personalities.
The real takeaway from Miriam and Alan: Lost in Scotland is that "home" isn't a fixed point on a map. It’s the people you’re willing to be cramped in a van with for three weeks.
To get the most out of the series, watch the episodes in order rather than jumping around. The emotional payoff regarding Alan's family history in Season 1 hits much harder if you've seen their initial bickering in Glasgow. You can find the full series on Channel 4's streaming service in the UK or via the PBS Masterpiece channel on Amazon Prime in the US.