TV series
The Vital Spark
1965–1974, English, on BBC Scotland. Created by Neil Munro.
In the western isles of 1930s Scotland, Peter 'Para Handy' MacFarlane, captain of the puffer Vital Spark, treks around the coastal waters of west Scotland and variously schemes himself and his crew into mischief.
- Seasons
- 3
- Episodes
- 21
- Episode length
- 30 min
- Status
- Ended in 1974
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Where to watch The Vital Spark
The Vital Spark isn’t listed on any OTT platform in India yet.
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Latest episode
S3 E7: A Good Man Gone
Aired 24 October 1974
Seasons 3
Cast & crew
- Neil MunroCreator
- Roddy McMillanPeter 'Para Handy' MacFarlane · 21 ep
- Alex McAvoySunny Jim · 21 ep
- John GrieveDan Macphail · 21 ep
- Walter CarrDougie · 20 ep
- Hamish WilsonPC Fraser · 2 ep
- Douglas MurchiePiermaster · 2 ep
- Wallace CampbellBarman · 2 ep
- James GibsonMr Pringle · 2 ep
- Roy HanlonPC Brodie · 2 ep
- Russell HunterMcCluskey · 2 ep
- Phil McCallShooghie · 2 ep
- Fulton MackayReverend McGubbin · 2 ep
Details
- First aired
- 12 August 1965
- Last aired
- 24 October 1974
- Network
- BBC Scotland
- Language
- English
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Type
- Scripted
Check ratings elsewhere
News & fan talk
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The Vital Spark: quick answers
Is The Vital Spark worth watching?
The Vital Spark doesn’t have enough ratings for a verdict yet.
How many seasons of The Vital Spark are there?
The Vital Spark has 3 seasons and 21 episodes, about 30 minutes each.
Is The Vital Spark finished?
Yes. The Vital Spark ended in 1974, so you can watch the whole story.
Which OTT platform is The Vital Spark on?
The Vital Spark isn’t listed on any OTT platform in India yet. (Checked 9 November 2026.)
The Vital Spark parents guide: is it suitable for kids?
No age rating is listed for The Vital Spark yet.
What shows are like The Vital Spark?
If you liked The Vital Spark, try Who's the Boss?, Animaniacs, Coach.
Who created The Vital Spark?
The Vital Spark was created by Neil Munro and stars Roddy McMillan, Alex McAvoy, John Grieve.