Veteran Scottish film producer Paddy Higson has passed away at the age of 83 after a courageous battle with cancer, leaving behind a legacy deeply embedded in the fabric of Scottish cinema.
Her family announced the news on social media, sharing that she had been “surrounded by so much love” in her final moments.
Higson, widely respected for her tireless contributions to the film industry, played a pivotal role in shaping the careers of many and was often described as a nurturing force behind the scenes.
Her passing marks the end of an era for Scottish filmmaking, where she had become both a cornerstone and a guiding light.
Higson began her career in the 1970s as a production secretary with the BBC, where she quickly gained a reputation for her meticulous attention to detail and natural leadership.
She later rose to prominence through her collaboration with director Bill Forsyth, most notably producing the 1981 cult classic Gregory’s Girl, a film that remains a beloved part of Scottish cultural heritage.
Actor David Hayman, reflecting on her influence, remarked, “Paddy was the mother of the Scottish film industry. She nurtured us, challenged us, and always believed in the stories we had to tell.”
Over the decades, Higson became synonymous with quality Scottish storytelling. She collaborated with acclaimed filmmakers such as Peter Mullan, producing notable works like The Magdalene Sisters and Orphans.
On television, her influence was equally felt, with production credits on iconic Scottish series such as Taggart, Monarch of the Glen, and Cardiac Arrest.
Even after officially stepping back from her career, Higson continued to lend her expertise and passion to children’s television, working on the beloved show Katie Morag, which brought Scottish stories to a younger generation.
Her commitment to nurturing new talent went far beyond her own productions. Higson played a vital role at GMAC Film, a Glasgow-based filmmaking charity, where she mentored and inspired a new wave of Scottish creatives.
She spearheaded several training schemes aimed at giving young people—particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds—a pathway into the film industry. “Paddy didn’t just make films,” said one of her former mentees. “She made filmmakers.”
In recognition of her lifelong contributions, Higson was awarded a special Scottish BAFTA in 2018.
The award was presented by David Hayman, who paid a moving tribute to her enduring influence, stating, “This award is not just for a body of work—it’s for a body of love, commitment, and belief in Scottish talent. Paddy gave us more than films; she gave us a future.”
The moment was a culmination of decades of dedication to storytelling, mentorship, and community-building within the arts.
Her children, in a heartfelt statement shared online, expressed their grief and gratitude. “Not only have the three of us lost our amazing and extraordinary mother,” they wrote, “we as a wider community have lost a kind and generous, supportive and selfless pioneer. We are heartbroken but find comfort in knowing she is no longer suffering.”
They added that funeral arrangements would be made in due course, inviting those who knew her to remember a woman whose passion for film was only matched by her compassion for people.
