Brian Carruthers

Born in November 1960, Brian Carruthers is a Scottish historian, filmmaker, and broadcaster. He began his career in television before founding Cromwell Productions Ltd, a company that specialized in historical and arts documentaries during the 1990s. Carruthers was involved in numerous historical series, earning an Emmy for "Dinosaurs: Myths and Reality." He also produced feature films, including "Chasing the Deer" and "The Bruce," and explored low-budget filmmaking with titles like "Steel Tempest."

In 2000, he established Classic Rock Productions Ltd, focusing on music documentaries and CD releases, and promoting rock groups. His work in this period included documentaries on artists like Jethro Tull and Jack Bruce. Carruthers also served as executive producer for albums by Mostly Autumn.

Carruthers later acquired Edinburgh Rugby, a professional rugby team, and documented its history. Since 2011, he has primarily focused on his writing career, with works published by major houses. His business dealings have also included a dispute over the trademark of the Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band name.

Brian Carruthers established himself in the film industry by founding Cromwell Productions Ltd. This company became a notable producer of historical and arts documentaries throughout the 1990s. Carruthers was instrumental as a writer and producer for several significant television series, including "The History of Warfare" and "Battlefield Series IV and V." His work gained international recognition when he received an Emmy Award for "Dinosaurs: Myths and Reality," a project voiced by Brian Blessed. This collaboration led to further joint ventures on documentaries and feature films. Beyond television, Carruthers also ventured into mainstream cinema, producing historical epics like "Chasing the Deer," which was a commercial success, and "The Bruce." He also demonstrated versatility by producing low-budget films such as "Steel Tempest" and "Zombie Driftwood," showcasing his ability to create content across different scales and budgets.

Transitioning into the music industry, Carruthers founded Classic Rock Productions Ltd in 2000. This venture saw the creation of hundreds of music documentaries and CD releases, catering to a wide audience interested in rock music history and performances. The company also actively engaged in touring and promoting established rock groups like Uriah Heep, Asia, and Focus. During this period, Carruthers produced significant documentary and concert films featuring artists such as Jethro Tull, Wishbone Ash, and Jack Bruce, contributing to the visual documentation of classic rock artists. Furthermore, he extended his involvement to album production, serving as the executive producer on several albums for the British progressive rock band Mostly Autumn, including their critically acclaimed "Passengers."

In 2006, Carruthers expanded his interests into professional sports by acquiring Edinburgh Rugby, a professional rugby team. His ownership period saw notable achievements, including the team's first-ever victory over Munster Rugby. This experience was later documented in the book and DVD "The Hard Yards." Since 2011, Carruthers has shifted his primary focus towards his writing career. His literary works have been published by prominent mainstream publishers such as Cassell, Carlton Books, and Pen and Sword Books, indicating a significant presence in the contemporary publishing market. His business activities have also included a notable legal dispute concerning the unlawful trademarking of the Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band's name, which concluded with a court ruling against his former directorship.