A Hollywood star has led tributes to a familiar face from some of the UK’s best-loved TV dramas following his death at the age of 81.
Best known for his role as Golly Mackenzie in Monarch of the Glen, he was a familiar face across British screens for more than 40 years.
Alexander “Sandy” Morton, the Glasgow-born actor, appeared in all 64 episodes of the BBC Scotland hit between 2000 and 2005, playing the loyal ghillie of the fictional Glenbogle estate.
While that role made him a household name, his career stretched far beyond one defining part.
Morton built a reputation as a versatile character actor, often cast as hard-men and villains in productions including Get Carter, The Silent Scream and Valhalla Rising.
He was also a familiar figure on Scottish television, most notably during a 14-year run as Andy Semple in Take The High Road, as well as appearances in River City and Shetland.
Trained at London’s Central School of Speech and Drama, Morton began his career in the 1970s, working across both London and Scotland, and went on to enjoy a long and varied career on stage, television and film.
He also co-founded the Raindog Theatre Company alongside Robert Carlyle and Caroline Paterson, helping to support new productions and emerging talent.
Tributes have poured in from across the industry following news of his death.
Carlyle wrote: “So sad to hear of the passing of the great Sandy Morton. Not only a brilliant actor, but one of the kindest men I ever knew. Working with him through the years with Raindog Theatre Company was an education.
“His unique, naturalistic style was a thing of beauty. So real that you would forget he was even acting at all. I’ve never seen anyone do it better than Sandy.”
Actor Gavin Mitchell said the news was “devastating”, describing Morton as “warm, wise, encouraging, generous and gentle” and “an exceptional talent”.
Meanwhile, Tom Urie added: “Sad to hear about the passing of Sandy Morton. Our paths crossed briefly on River City and he was an absolute gentleman.”
