The WORST episodes of Monarch of the Glen

Every episode of Monarch of the Glen ever, ranked from worst to best by thousands of votes from fans of the show. The worst episodes of Monarch of the Glen!

Inspired by the highland novels of Compton Mackenzie, this show follows Archie MacDonald as he finds himself thrown into the role of the new Laird of Glenbogle, his family's financially failing Scottish estate. With the help, and sometimes hinderance, of his family and faithful retainers he works to get the noble estate back on its feet.

Last Updated: 12/6/2024Network: BBC OneStatus: Ended
Episode 3
star
6.64
11 votes

#1 - Episode 3

Season 7 - Episode 3 - Aired 10/2/2005

Paul’s dreams to turn Glenbogle into a luxury retreat are tested to the limit when a demanding potential investor and his spoiled wife come to stay, as the feel-good Highland drama continues. The family are less than supportive of Paul’s money-making idea but he insists this is a make-or-break venture – all he needs to do now is convince wealthy former Russian cosmonaut Viktor Zinchenko and his wife, Catriona. The rich couple arrive at Glenbogle, bringing with them their pet panther,Yuri, and a list of demands for the MacDonald family. Paul pulls out all the stops to make it a wonderful weekend for his important guests but things go awry after Golly is injured. While Molly becomes nursemaid to Golly, Jess is left to take her father’s place as ghillie on the all-important deer stalk. However, she inadvertently falls foul of Viktor’s unreasonable demands and the day ends in disaster. Golly finds it difficult being cared for by Molly, the women he has spent his life serving. Exasperated with her awkward patient, Molly walks out but is faced with more woes after Iona reveals Paul’s

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Episode One
star
7.33
43 votes

#2 - Episode One

Season 1 - Episode 1 - Aired 2/27/2000

Young restaurant owner Archie MacDonald is called urgently from London back to his ailing fathers bedside in the ancestral home in Scotland, Glenbogle. He soon discovers that Hector has nothing worse than a cold and his sweet but dotty mother Molly has called him home on a pretext and has worked events so he can't easily escape back to London.

Directors: Edward Bennett
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Episode Five
star
7.50
12 votes

#3 - Episode Five

Season 5 - Episode 5 - Aired 10/26/2003

An opportunistic Dorothy sets her sights on building an Eco-Dome in Glenbogle, but not everyone believes her business venture is honourable. The money-spinning tourist attraction, based on the Eden Project, requires an access road and the only viable route is through Paul's newly established Outdoor Activity Centre. Dorothy's smooth talking convinces Archie that the Eco-Dome will bring new jobs to the local area, but Lexie remains suspicious of her motives. With the Outdoor Activity Centre steadily building a strong reputation, Paul recruits local lad Ewan to help him with the day-to-day business. However, he is furious to find out that Archie has agreed to run the Eco-Dome's access road through his centre without even consulting him for his approval. In an attempt to turn the tables on Paul, Archie questions why he wasn't consulted before employing Ewan at the Outdoor Activity Centre. It seems the brothers can't find a way to work together. Out on the hills, Jess laments her unemployed status and makes the decision that she wants to work alongside her father, Golly, on Glenbogle Estate and when Duncan announces that he's going to work for Dorothy as the Eco-Dome's site manager, Jess sets her sights on the vacant position. But she soon discovers that Golly has other plans to fill the post. Encouraged by Hermione's ambitious plans for his future, Duncan embraces his new Eco-Dome role with great enthusiasm. However, his management skills fall a long way short as he finds it difficult to motivate his new workers and soon finds himself the victim of a cruel initiation prank.

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Episode Four
star
7.50
22 votes

#4 - Episode Four

Season 3 - Episode 4 - Aired 11/25/2001

Building supplier Stuart McIntosh arrives to repair the bridge and immediately starts flirting with Lexie. He has some big ideas for some of the derelict cottages on the estate but Archie pulls out of a deal when he realises that Stuart is not very trustworthy. Stuart however manages to wrangle a deal out of Hector behind everyone's back much to Archie and Stella's chagrin. In the meantime Golly has made a painful reunion with his daughter Jessica. She believed he had abandoned her but discovers that he tried to maintain contact but all his gifts to her were returned by her mother unopened.

Directors: Richard Signy
Writer: Andrew Taft
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Episode 9
star
7.54
13 votes

#5 - Episode 9

Season 6 - Episode 9 - Aired 11/14/2004

With only weeks to go before the end of his Glenbogle confinement, Donald eagerly looks forward to driving away in the Morgan he's lovingly restored with Ewan. The only trouble is, he can't fit into it any more. Lucy frets about her overbearing parents impending visit to Glenbogle, worried about how they'll react to Paul, the new man in her life. Meanwhile, Jess and Isobel jump to conclusions after they spot Lucy being measured for a dress in a wedding shop. Ewan visits his parents to give his dad, Ray, a birthday present, only to be told by his mother, Ros, that he's gone fishing with friends. Ever impulsive, Ewan decides to deliver his present in person and turns up at the fishing lodge unannounced. However, he is shocked after finding his dad with another woman. Devastated, he sees solace in the pub and forgets about his promise to cook dinner for Paul's guests. Donald saves the day by serving a meal of leftovers but an awkwardness remains between Paul and Lucy's father, Colonel Ford, who is unimpressed by the laird. To make matters worse, Lucy misleads her parents into thinking that marriage is on the cards for her and Paul, much to his surprise.

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Episode 5
star
7.55
11 votes

#6 - Episode 5

Season 6 - Episode 5 - Aired 10/17/2004

Having quit his job at the Ministry of Defence, Alex Faversham, settles into a quieter pace of life at Glenbogle. However, Alex's disciplined Army background soon rears its head after he voices his concerns that Paul's lairdship isn't as efficient as it could be - the staff at Glenbogle are too informal towards their laird and respect is required. He decides to take on the role of estate factor, allowing Paul to concentrate on the bigger picture. Insecure about his leadership skills, Paul reluctantly agrees to Alex's new regime but he's not alone in his doubts - Ewan and Jess are resentful of the changes. As Isobel puts her organic produce to the test at the local market, Golly has a chance encounter with Meg, Glenbogle's new dance teacher. Jess notices an instant attraction between the pair but Golly dismisses the chance of future romance. An old racing friend of Donald's, Jackie MacIntyre, turns up to Glenbogle for a stag party to celebrate his forthcoming wedding. Excited about the prospect of a wild get-together with old pals, Donald is disheartened when Jackie reveals they've all passed away.

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Episode 5
star
7.56
16 votes

#7 - Episode 5

Season 4 - Episode 5 - Aired 9/29/2002

Duncan accidently booked a group of naturists onto the campsite, and when a wolf escapes, there is havoc all around. Duncan is also in trouble when Golly finds out about his relationship with Irene. When the wolf is recaptured Golly explains about his recent lapses and his bad eye sight. He then resigns from Glenbogle and leaves.

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Episode 3
star
7.57
14 votes

#8 - Episode 3

Season 6 - Episode 3 - Aired 10/3/2004

It's the morning after the night before and an awkward atmosphere lingers between Paul and Lexie following their secret kiss. Paul tries to talk to Lexie but she is determined to act as though nothing has happened. Ewan may be content with his new-found independence at Glenbogle House but his mother, Ros, is less willing to let her son flee the nest. As a bribe to return home, she buys him a car but it doesn't live up to his expectations. After a heart-to-heart with Ros, Lexie reconsiders her decision to leave Glenbogle, however, her discussions with Paul are interrupted by Isobel. Back at the house, Donald and Molly finally reveal their hidden history to their shocked family. For over 40 years, they kept their past masked - a secret which threatened to rock the foundations of Glenbogle if it had ever been revealed. Their secret may be a painful reminder of the past but it fires a warning shot to Paul and Lexie.

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Episode Five
star
7.57
21 votes

#9 - Episode Five

Season 3 - Episode 5 - Aired 12/2/2001

With the bridge repaired, Archie plans an elaborate opening ceremony. He is horrified to learn that the council have approved Stuart McIntosh's proposal to turn Ben Bogle into a holiday village. Molly enlists Duncan's help to prove that the proposed site is actually a place of historical interest but they must work against the clock if they are going to save the mountain. All Stuart's plans are scuppered when Duncan finds a secret passage full of artefacts and Lexie discovers that Stuart made a pass at Stella.

Directors: Richard Signy
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Episode Eight
star
7.58
19 votes

#10 - Episode Eight

Season 3 - Episode 8 - Aired 12/23/2001

One of Hector's old army buddies called Toad, arrives at Glenbogle for a regimental reunion followed closely by his police tail. To his credit, he manages to point out that a valuable borrowed regimental painting that Lexie has managed to put a hole in, is in fact a fake, which saves the estate a huge insurance pay out. The whole thing ends with a huge Great Escape style exit with the veterans and Hector helping Toad escape the police again and fly off to freedom in a sea plane.

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Episode One
star
7.58
24 votes

#11 - Episode One

Season 3 - Episode 1 - Aired 11/4/2001

The bank sends a manager to oversee the daily running of the new business at Glenbogle and Archie soon discovers that Stella Moon is no push over. After everything they've been through Katrina announces her decision to take a job in London and she and Archie reluctantly agree to part. Meanwhile Hector and Kilwillie stand against each other to take over as new chairman of the golf club.

Directors: Rick Stroud
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Episode 2
star
7.62
13 votes

#12 - Episode 2

Season 7 - Episode 2 - Aired 9/25/2005

Paul's teenage goddaughter, Amy McDougal, turns up unexpectedly at Glenbogle, and chaos quickly follows. Paul is overjoyed to see Amy but, before they have time to get reacquainted, Golly has important news for the laird - Tam the poacher is back in the village. Claiming to be a reformed character, Tam lays claim to his late mother's croft, knowing that Paul can't ignore his rights. However, Tam has revenge on his mind - he blames the MacDonald family for his stint in jail and sets about maliciously disrupting estate business. Kilwillie returns from New York with push PA, Edith, in tow. While Kilwillie is delighted to see his dear friend Molly again, Edith is entirely underwhelmed. Molly suspects Edith may be a gold-digger and quickly discovers she has her sights firmly set on Kilwillie. Unaware that Amy has become a disruptive influence in the house, Paul also fails to realise his goddaughter is hiding the truth from him. Smitten by the new arrival, Ewan happily covers up Amy's mess but his jealous girlfriend, Zoe, is unimpressed. While her croft is being rebuilt, Iona moves into the big house but is ill at ease in her new grandiose surroundings. Paul is more than a little taken with his house guest and grows closer to Iona after they join forces against Tam. Could love be blossoming in Glenbogle? As Tam disrupts the first lucrative fishing party of the season, Paul and Golly realise that they need to find a way to stop him - and fast.

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Episode Eight
star
7.67
18 votes

#13 - Episode Eight

Season 2 - Episode 8 - Aired 2/25/2001

Just as Archie finally seems to have got Glenbogle back to it's feet as a fully functioning tourist attraction, a rich businessman from Atlanta USA, Joe MacDonald, makes a legitimate claim to the lands and title. Archie has to invoke the Chieftan's Challenge and battle Joe for the right to be Laird. Lexie has always had her eye on Archie and when Katrina leaves she plans her move. However Katrina returns to the estate, minus Fergal, and sees she has still got a fight on her hands if she really wants Archie back.

Directors: Rick Stroud
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Episode Two
star
7.68
25 votes

#14 - Episode Two

Season 2 - Episode 2 - Aired 1/14/2001

How will Golly and Duncan react to being passed over for the job of Head Ranger? Even Archie isn't sure that appointing dashing Irishman Fergal Mac Lure is a good idea. He has the right qualifications and determination but not only, will it upset the household, Katrina seems to have taken a real shine to the new guy and Archie can't help but worry.

Directors: Simon Massey
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Episode 7
star
7.70
10 votes

#15 - Episode 7

Season 6 - Episode 7 - Aired 10/31/2004

With Golly away on holiday, Jess's ghillie skills are tested after she suspects poachers are at large on the Glenbogle estate. Worried that the pochers are taking advantage of her inexperience, Jess's insecurities are further fuelled after Paul suggests they join forces with another local ghillie, Stuart, to catch those responsible. Despite Jess's protestations, Donald decides to take matters into his own hands and prepares to track down the poachers by typically unconventional means, with a little help from Ewan. Unsure about each other's feelings following their kiss, an awkwardness lingers between Isobel and Paul. However, their blossoming relationship takes a turn for the worse when Isobel jumps to conclusions over Paul's offer of financial help and advice. Elsewhere, Golly and Meg's relationship continues to bloom but a dark cloud looms over their happiness after Meg is forced to make a difficult decision about her future. When Paul and Jess pay a visit to a nearby estate to warn them about poachers they meet new neighbour Lucy. Instantly attracted to Glenbogle's Laird, Lucy invites Paul for drinks later that night. At the party, Lucy and Paul appear to hit it off, much to Isobel's chagrin. As Lucy plays hostess to her guests there's an unexpected arrival - Chester Grant, self made millionaire and Lucy's boss.

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Episode Two
star
7.71
17 votes

#16 - Episode Two

Season 3 - Episode 2 - Aired 11/11/2001

Stella implements a series of money saving cut backs which include laying off Golly, Duncan and Lexie until further notice, cutting back on amenities and even getting rid of Hectors dogs. Archie will only go along with her so far and eventually ends up going on strike with his friends until Stella agrees to an amicable compromise.

Directors: Rick Stroud
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Episode Ten
star
7.76
21 votes

#17 - Episode Ten

Season 3 - Episode 10 - Aired 1/13/2002

Molly is delighted to hear of Archie and Lexie's engagement but Hector declares the marriage doomed. Archie severs all ties with his father saying the marriage will go ahead with or without his approval. Molly's brother Jo arrives unexpectedly from Africa. Meanwhile Hector is horrified to find his trout are being decimated by a killer pike and he decides to take matters into his own hands, planning to get rid of the brute with plastic explosives. The inevitable happens and Hector manages to kill himself off in the most unusual circumstances.

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Episode 4
star
7.78
9 votes

#18 - Episode 4

Season 7 - Episode 4 - Aired 10/9/2005

Life in Glenbogle may never be the same again after Amy and Ewan make a startling discovery – a loch monster. Amy accidentally takes a photo of what appears to be a pre-historic water horse emerging from the depths of the water but while Ewan is quick to spot the commercial advantage of a Loch Bogle monster, Paul is sceptical about the apparition. He’s got bigger worries on his mind – money, or rather the lack of it. Marine biologists Dr Simon Cotter and his assistant, Bill, arrive to investigate the creature but Jess and Golly are worried the research will disturb the estate’s wildlife. Simon and Bill’s enthusiasm for the Loch Bogle monster proves infectious but Jess appears constantly irked by Bill. However, Molly spots potential in their relationship and uses reverse psychology to make Jess realise her true feelings for the charming researcher. Meanwhile, Ewan discovers he has a real flair for business and cashes in on Glenbogle’s new-found notoriety,much to Paul’s disapproval. But Paul’s financial woes are overshadowed by his hidden emotions for Iona.Work on her croft is nearing an end and soon Iona will leave the big house. In a vain attempt to delay her departure, Paul inspects the croft, coming up with non-existent faults. Elsewhere, Bill and Simon seem to have made a monumental breakthrough in their research but Iona grows suspicious of their findings and endeavours to uncover the truth.

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Episode Ten
star
7.80
15 votes

#19 - Episode Ten

Season 5 - Episode 10 - Aired 11/30/2003

An intruder in Glenbogle house turns out to be Lexie's estranged father, Alex, whom she hasn't seen in twenty years. He spins a lot of tall tales about his life working for royalty of various nations, and says he is in Glenbogle as he is on the run from the Russian Mafia. Lexie refuses to believe any of his stories and tells him to leave. He decides to stay, and gets a job as a chauffeur with Dorothy, who fancies him. Golly is still firmly against Duncan and Jess being a couple. Jess thinks he is being unreasonable and moves into the big house, but soon regrets it when Duncan tries too hard and she is unable to get any space. She goes to take a bath and when he proceeds to talk to her through the door, climbs out the window and down the drainpipe, and pitches a tent at the Outdoor Centre in search of solitude. Duncan finds her there and is hurt by her apparent rejection. Molly decides she wants to take up riding again and decides to buy a horse, so Golly accompanies her to a nearby f

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Episode Two
star
7.82
11 votes

#20 - Episode Two

Season 5 - Episode 2 - Aired 10/5/2003

Duncan is left in charge of his Auntie Liz's B&B. Archie and Lexie move in there because of the construction work happening at The Big House. Andrew helps Molly re-learn to drive. Golly helps duncan impress two food writers, who are not what they at first seem.

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Episode Three
star
7.82
17 votes

#21 - Episode Three

Season 3 - Episode 3 - Aired 11/18/2001

Stella puts a ban on anyone fishing in the Glenbogle river who doesn't pay. Hector and Killwillie are not impressed and defy her rule. They are arrested and find themselves in a cell next to Golly who Stella has reported fro poaching. Of coarse the whole thing is a huge misunderstanding and Molly defends the Glenbogle Three in court where the truth eventually comes out.

Directors: Rick Stroud
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Episode 4
star
7.83
12 votes

#22 - Episode 4

Season 6 - Episode 4 - Aired 10/10/2004

A day's fishing takes a dramatic turn for Donald and Ewan when, rather than landing a prize catch, Donald hooks a flying mask from the murky depths of the loch. The MoD arrives in force to retrieve the plane, led by Paul's old Army officer, Alex. Pleased to see his former friend, Paul offers to help in any way he can. However, Isobel is less welcoming, fearing the investigation will uncover the secret identity of the fighter pilot whom she knows is her godfather, Glenbogle's local butcher, Irvine Taylor. Isobel vows to protect his former wartime identity and, distrusting Paul's loyalties, urges Golly, Molly and Donald to help her keep the truth hidden. When she is left breathless following an afternoon cycle ride, Molly's health is cause for concern and, after she collapses, Golly urges her to see the doctor. Alex's investigations - and the attempts of eager reporter Janey to uncover the truth - are thwarted by Golly, Molly and Isobel. However, after Donald inadvertently gives the game away, Paul is left feeling excluded by his friends and family, and is stung by their conspiracy of silence.

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Episode Seven
star
7.83
18 votes

#23 - Episode Seven

Season 2 - Episode 7 - Aired 2/18/2001

Lizzie arrives at Glenbogle, heavily pregnant and abandoned by the baby's married father. She wants comfort and support but finds her father disappointed and disapproving. Lizzie plants doubts in Katrina's mind about leaving with Fergal to start a new life and as Archie battles to reconcile Lizzie and Hector before the baby is born, Katrina has some serious thinking to do.

Directors: Rick Stroud
Writer: James Mavor
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Episode Seven
star
7.84
19 votes

#24 - Episode Seven

Season 3 - Episode 7 - Aired 12/16/2001

While Duncan tries to impress his visiting pen-pal Marie-Helene by swapping places with Archie and becoming Laird for the day, Archie, now as Head Keeper, has to impress an inspector from the Health and Safety Directorate. Nothing goes right however and the inspector threatens to have the place shut down. Broken hearted, Duncan discovers that Marie-Helene is in love with another man but helps her get back together with him. Molly manages to get the estate a stay of execution by playing the sentimental card when she recognises the inspectors face from a visit he and his now ex-wife made to Glenbogle years before.

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Episode Six
star
7.85
20 votes

#25 - Episode Six

Season 2 - Episode 6 - Aired 2/11/2001

Lexie's estranged mother Pamela appears on the scene wanting to wed her millionaire boyfriend on the estate in a lavish ceremony. Her plans of mother daughter reconciliation don't go quite to plan as Lexie makes it clear that the past is not so easily put behind them. Archie is stuck in the middle trying to please both sides while Katrina is told that the local education authority plan to close her school. But Fergal is planning to leave Glenbogle for a new job in new Zealand and asks her to go with him.

Directors: Rick Stroud
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