The BBC has commissioned a documentary film to tell the story of Britain’s gun culture, on the 30th anniversary of the Dunblane school shooting.
Dunblane: The Shooting that Changed Britain (w/t) is produced by IWC Media and will tell the lesser-known story of Britain’s gun culture at the time.
On the 13th of March 1996, a lone gunman walked into a primary school in Dunblane, near Stirling, and shot dead 16 pupils and their teacher in a Primary 1 gym class. To date, it is the deadliest firearms atrocity in the UK.
The 60 minute film explains how legislative decisions made in the aftermath of the Hungerford shooting in 1987 led to an atrocity which shocked the world.
“By focusing on the 18 months that followed a terrible tragedy, this film sheds new light on a pivotal moment in British history, demonstrating how moments of despair can inspire movements of profound social change,” said Simon Young, Head of Commissioning, History, BBC.
“We are privileged to be working with our colleagues at BBC Scotland and with IWC Media to show how the events of 30 years ago continue to shape Britain today.”
It will examine the wave of public anger following Dunblane, including The Snowdrop Campaign founded by Ann Pearston, Jacqueline Walsh and Rosemary Hunter, and supported by many of the grieving parents including Mick North. They campaigned to introduce a total ban on handguns for private citizens.
The production will reveal evidence from the government archives and examine both sides of the debate around Britain’s gun laws in the 90’s and include contributions from high profile figures who joined the calls for change.
READ MORE – IWC moves onto season eight as BBC crowns seventh Scotland’s Home of the Year in Glasgow
“Scotland and the world was shocked by what happened in Dunblane nearly 30 years ago,” said Louise Thornton, Head of Commissioning at BBC Scotland.
“Whilst much has been written and broadcast about the terrible events of that morning, our film will seek to shine a light on the courageous story of those who campaigned to get Britain’s gun laws changed forever.”
Mark Downie, Creative Director of IWC Media, and co-Executive Producer added:
“The horrific events of Dunblane almost 30 years ago will forever be one of the worst tragedies to happen in the UK. The fight for change and justice is an important story to tell; we are incredibly grateful to the people who have agreed to take part in the film and honoured that a Scottish filmmaker of the calibre of Steve Condie has returned to make this with us.”
It will be broadcast on BBC Scotland, BBC Two and BBC iPlayer in 2026.
IWC Media is a Banijay UK company.
