As a Scot living in England, I am only too aware of the taunts to which I leave myself open. Ironically, they come from north of the Border and not from the English side! In viewing ‘No Holds Bard’, a superb BBC TV Scotland production, it was obvious that the enchanting Scottish ‘narrow-mindedness’ would be brought into play.

From the land of the oft-questioned haggis, the swirl of the kilt (and the notable lack of underwear), the skirl of the bagpipes, an inadvertent turn of Tourette’s Syndrome, the swill of a Single Malt and the legend of Bonnie Prince Charlie, this film deals with the Bard of Alloway, the sometimes coarse poetic legend, Robert Burns. To be specific, it is about an annual event that takes place in Ayrshire to celebrate the late January, 250th Anniversary of the birth of the bard.

As is typical, a recital of Burns’ works engages people from several walks of life, both children and adults. In this film, a stellar cast of Scottish actors and actresses, many of whom are household names, including Denis Lawson, Bill Paterson, Ashley Jensen, Tony Curran, Laura Fraser and Forbes Masson, work tirelessly to provide the laughs and gaffs of a ‘mock-umentary’ that follows five of them as they vie to win the coveted 2009 Cup o’ Kindness. Mind you, it is essential to look and listen closely, not because the accents are difficult to decipher but in case you miss the innumerable, all-too-familiar Scottish-isms, such as the little be-kilted laddie lifting his (ahem) ’skirt’ to annoy and shock ageing aunties and grannies, the underhand insults directed at almost anybody, or the raising of glasses at every available opportunity to toast Burns.

Of particular amusement is the naïve English couple (Felicity Montagu, Vincent Franklin), who, having relocated to Scotland, wish to join in as many of the local pursuits as possible. In between removing graffiti indecencies from the end wall of their cottage, to being all-but-ignored in their local pub, they appear to be practically impervious to the antipathy shown towards them, which just adds to the comedic value.

Laughing at other people’s misfortunes is central to this hilarious production as it follows the five main characters progressing through rehearsals, to acquiring appropriate Highland attire and builds to the final tempestuous recital and the crowning of the champion. Just over one hour in length and produced by Scottish comedy legend, Jack Docherty, you will find that laughing aloud is allowed.

However, the fact that one of the leading characters, Struan Robertson (Paul Higgins), shares two of this reviewer’s names is a pretty good reason for me to give it a top rating!