Person Biography:
Born in Greenock, Scotland, McDougall's early life was marked by his work in the shipyards. In his early twenties, he relocated to London and pursued a career as a house painter. During this time, he met Colin Welland, who encouraged him to write a play about his experiences in the Orange Parades. McDougall's lack of literary experience did not deter him, and he went on to write "Just Another Saturday," a groundbreaking drama that explored themes of sectarianism, family loyalty, and masculinity.
The BBC acquired the rights to the play, but it was not produced due to political pressure. Undeterred, McDougall wrote "Just Your Luck" for the BBC's "Play For Today" series, which also tackled the issue of Catholic and Protestant division. The play caused a significant reaction in Scotland, with both praise and outrage. When "Just Another Saturday" was finally broadcast in 1975, it won the prestigious Prix Italia.
McDougall continued to write for television, penning the charming "A Wily Couple" and the philosophical "The Elephants' Graveyard," which featured a standout performance from Billy Connolly. His next project, "Just A Boy's Game," was a dark and violent drama that explored the world of a young Greenock hard man.
In the 1980s, McDougall collaborated with director John MacKenzie on several projects, including the controversial "A Sense of Freedom," based on the story of Jimmy Boyle. He also wrote "Shoot for the Sun," a study of Edinburgh's heroin problem, and "Down Where The Buffalo Go," which starred Harvey Keitel.
In the 1990s, McDougall's television work slowed, but he continued to write scripts, including rewrites of "The Long Good Friday." His influence on British television and film is undeniable, with many regarding him as a pioneer of the gritty, realistic style that has come to define Scottish storytelling.
