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Dr. Who Day
Nov 23
Other Scottish Country Dances for this Day
Today's Musings, History & Folklore
“Wibbly wobbly, timey wimey... stuff.”
Who cares, you say? Well, if you are a Whovian, a Dr. Who fan, you just might care a lot! Hop in the TARDIS and make your way to the ceilidh of your choice for this 32-bar five couple jig, because today is the "Day of the Doctor"! Doctor Who is a science fiction phenomenon that has captivated audiences across generations with its mix of time travel, alien worlds, and human drama. First aired in 1963 and still running, the series follows the Doctor, a mysterious Time Lord from the planet Gallifrey, who roams the universe in the TARDIS—a ship that looks like a blue British police box on the outside but is infinitely vast within. Each incarnation of the Doctor brings a unique personality and perspective, thanks to the show’s ingenious concept of regeneration, which allows the character to “renew” with a new actor when necessary. From Scottish doctors (the tenth, twelfth, and fourteenth), Scottish actors, and episodes steeped in Scottish lore, Doctor Who has celebrated Scotland in many ways. Even the Loch Ness Monster has made a guest appearance twice in Doctor Who! In Terror of the Zygons (1975), the monster is revealed to be a Skarasen, a biomechanical creature used by the Zygons! Who knew? And Dr. Who's robot dog companion, K-9, even has his own official tartan! Got a favourite doctor? "Allons-y!" 😮 ❓ ⌛ 🧣
Who Cares?
Scottish references in Dr. Who abound:
Doctor Who has often embraced Scottish references, reflecting the heritage of many of its actors and writers. Here are some notable moments and connections to Scotland in the series:
Scottish Actors and Accents
David Tennant (Tenth and Fourteenth Doctors): Although he used an English accent as the Tenth Doctor, his Scottish accent appeared in specials like Tooth and Claw, where Queen Victoria mocks his feigned Englishness by noting, “A man of your talents speaks with a Scotch accent.”
Peter Capaldi (Twelfth Doctor): Capaldi proudly used his natural Scottish accent for his Doctor, famously declaring in Deep Breath, "I'm Scottish. I can complain about things."
Scottish Historical Episodes
"Tooth and Claw" (2006): This episode is set in 1879 Scotland, featuring Queen Victoria and a werewolf. It also introduces the Torchwood Institute, a nod to Scottish history and lore.
"The Eaters of Light" (2017): Set during the Roman occupation of Scotland, the episode explores the mysterious disappearance of the Ninth Legion, incorporating Pictish culture and legends.
Scottish Lore and Creatures
The Loch Ness Monster has appeared twice in Doctor Who. In Terror of the Zygons (1975), the monster is revealed to be a Skarasen, a biomechanical creature used by the Zygons.
The Scottish Highlands have been referenced as areas of mystery, often connected to folklore and alien activity.
Scottish Themes in Characters
Amy Pond (Karen Gillan): As the Eleventh Doctor's fiery companion, Amy brought her Scottish heritage front and center. Her Scottish accent and personality often clashed humorously with the Doctor, adding charm to their dynamic.
Jamie McCrimmon (Frazer Hines): A companion of the Second Doctor, Jamie was a Highlander from the 18th century, bringing Scottish wit and bravery to the TARDIS.
Humorous Scottish References
In The Beast Below (2010), the Eleventh Doctor jokes about Scotland being its own kingdom on a spaceship, quipping, "They wanted their own ship."
The Twelfth Doctor humorously describes the TARDIS as a "grumpy Scottish car" in The Pilot (2017).
For more on the Dr. Who universe, click K-9! "Affirmative, Master!"
Click the dance cribs or description below to link to a printable version of the dance!
