549: Scots of the Spanish Civil War

Incorporating songs and storytelling, 549 is a timely insight into one of Scotland’s almost-forgotten conflicts: the volunteers who, in 1936, travelled to the valleys of Spain to join the Spanish Civil War’s legendary International Brigade.

YOU CAN GO PROUDLY.YOU ARE HISTORY.YOU ARE LEGEND. 1936. In villages, towns and cities across Scotland, 549 lives are gradually intertwining. People of contrasting backgrounds, ideologies and religions. Spurred on by their burning passion for equality and freedom, they will form the Scottish ranks of the Spanish Civil War’s legendary International Brigade. 2022. The country is in crisis. In a small pub in Prestonpans, East Lothian, four millennials are told a story. The true story of four local miners who, over 80 years ago, travelled from the streets of Prestonpans to the valleys of Spain. They gave up everything that was familiar: for a land that was not; for a people they had never met; and for a cause they believed was right. 549: Scots of the Spanish Civil War, a play with songs and storytelling, is a timely insight into one of Scotland’s almost forgotten conflicts and was first performed 7 February 2018 at Prestonpans Town Hall.