THE life story of the Glasgow Celtic player and manager Tommy Burns is to be made into a documentary for the BBC.
Production company purpleTV, which specialises in programmes about Scottish football, will begin shooting “Tommy Burns” this year.
It will reflect on his upbringing in Glasgow, his time as a player and manager , his passion for Scotland, and reflect on his final playing days – and the start of life as a manager – with Kilmarnock.
The latest documentary follows a series of acclaimed, award winning purpleTV films in recent years, including Gothenburg 83, Jock Stein, Famous Five, Jim Baxter, Jimmy Johnstone Tannadice 87, and Third Lanark.
Of these films, Tannadice 87 was shortlisted for this year’s RTS Scotland Awards; Jock Stein previously won an RTS Scotland Award for Best Sport Programme in 2015; and Jimmy Johnstone was shortlisted for a Celtic Media Festival Award, last year (2017).
PurpleTV director Margot McCuaig, who will write, produce and direct the film, revealed her own emotional connection to Tommy Burns:
"I was working at Celtic Park on the day Tommy Burns returned to the club as manager and I continued to have a working relationship with him until he sadly died.
“He was an inspirational figure and it was always a pleasure to be in his company. I’m honoured to be telling his remarkable story and I’m delighted that his family, colleagues and friends are being so supportive and willing to share their memories."
The programme will appear on BBC Alba some time in the autumn.
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