Alexander Morton obit

Tributes paid to Scots BBC Monarch of the Glen actor Alexander Morton

 He was not on the list.

Actor Alexander "Sandy" Morton, who played Golly Mackenzie in the TV series Monarch of the Glen, has died aged 81.

The Glasgow-born actor played the loyal ghillie of the fictional Highland estate Glenbogle in all 64 episodes of the popular BBC Scotland series between 2000 and 2005.

He was also known for playing hard-men and villains in films and series as diverse as Get Carter, The Silent Scream, Valhalla Rising, and Take The High Road.

Morton, who trained at the prestigious Central School of Speech and Drama in London, was also a noted stage actor who founded the Raindog Theatre Company with fellow actors Robert Carlyle and Caroline Paterson.

Morton began working in the 1970s in London and Scotland and he built a long and varied career on stage and screen.

He made an impact as the villain Andy Semple in the Scottish Television soap opera Take The High Road, a part he played for 14 years between 1980 and 1994.

His stage roles included Macbeth, Robert Burns and William Wallace.

He also appeared in River City and Shetland.

Louise Thornton, head of commissioning at BBC Scotland, said: "We're saddened to hear the news about Alexander Morton who made a significant contribution to Scottish television and theatre.

"His portrayal of Golly Mackenzie in Monarch of the Glen was a key part of the long-running drama's success.

"He will be remembered fondly for the depth and authenticity he brought to one of BBC Scotland's most cherished dramas."

Paying tribute to Morton on social media, Robert 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.

"He taught me so much. I owe him so much, and he will forever be in my heart. RIP Alexander Morton."

'Exceptional talent'

Gavin Mitchell, who plays Boaby the barman in Still Game, said: "Such devastating news to hear of the passing of Sandy Morton today from his son Jamie.

"He taught and gave me so much. Warm, wise, encouraging, generous and gentle. An exceptional talent. I was lucky enough to work with him on various things over the years, from the inception of Raindog Theatre Company and One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest, panto, radio, Monarch of the Glen, of course, and much more.

"His door was always open and always tales to share. He loved music, history, politics, radio, and remained eternally curious.

"I loved him dearly and I owe him a lot. I'll miss our chats and I'll miss catching him off guard and making him chortle. We've lost one of the best . All my love. Travel well Sandy".

Actor and singer Tom Urie, who played Big Bob O'Hara in River City, wrote: "Sad to hear about the passing of Sandy Morton. Our paths crossed briefly on River City and he was an absolute gentlemen."

 

Film and television credits

1971: Get Carter (film) Hubert – directed by Mike Hodges

1971: Manipulators (TV) written and directed by Mike Hodges

1979: Play for Today (TV): Ploughman's Share – Dave

1980–1994: Take the High Road (TV) – Andy Semple

1981: Play for Today (TV): The Good Time Girls – Alec Park

1984: Minder (TV): Windows – Alex

1985: Taggart (TV): Dead Ringer – David Balfour

1986: Waiting for Elvis (TV) Ike Morrison – directed by Hal Duncan

1987: Extras (TV) – Frank Riley – directed by David Andrew

1987: Bookie (TV) – Ross

1989: Winners and Losers (TV) – Ross

1990: Silent Scream – Don Winters

1992: Rab C. Nesbitt (TV) – Police Inspector Mccrae

1992–1994: Firm Friends (TV) – D.I. Hogg

1993: Between the Lines (TV) – Superintendent Tyrell

1993: Taggart (TV): Death Benefits – John Fraser

1994: Jolly a Man for All Seasons – Police Sergeant Watson

1994: Crime Story – John McVicar

1994: The Tales of Para Handy – John Cruickshank

1996: Bad Boys – Dick

1996: The One that Got Away – Big Bob (credited as Sandy Morton)

1996: Nightlife (TV movie) – D.C.Dave

1997: Looking After Jo Jo – DS Alistair Wright

1997: Bombay Blue – Jack Grey

1997: Love Me Tender (TV) – Tommy

1998: Croupier (film) David Reynolds

1999–2000: Second Sight (TV) – DS Julian

1999: Life Support (TV) – Alan Carswell

2000–2005: Monarch of the Glen (TV) – Golly Mackenzie in all 64 episodes

2005: The Man-Eating Wolves of Gysinge (TV) – Malmberg Nilsson

2006: Casualty (TV)

2006: London to Brighton (film) – Duncan Allen

2007: Kitchen (TV) – Mr. Glasgow

2008: Casualty (TV)

2009: Valhalla Rising (film) – Chieftain Barde

2010: Taggart: (TV) The Rapture – James Hardie

2010: Luther (TV) – Bill Winingham

2012–2015: River City (TV) – Billy Kennedy

2013: Shetland (TV) – Joseph Wilson

2022: River City (TV) – Billy Kennedy

Selected theatre credits

Selected stage productions

Year     Play     Role     Notes

1976    An Me Wi a Bad Leg Tae       Peter    Original production of Billy Connolly's first play, directed by Stuart Mungall

1979    Slab Boys Trilogy       Mr. Curry/Workman    John Byrne's critically acclaimed series of stage plays

1984    William Wallace          William Wallace          Borderline Theatre Company, Directed by Stuart Mungall.

1985    The Bruce       Robert the Bruce         Edinburgh Festival

1986    Robert Burns   Robert Burns   By Joe Corrie, Scottish Theatre Company; Directed by David Hayman

1986    The Gorbals Story       Peter Reilly     By Robert Mcleish. 7:84 Theatre Co. Directed by David Hayman

1989    The Sash         William MacWilliam   By Hector MacMillan. 7:84 Theatre Co. Directed by Gerard Kelly

1991    Red Riding Hood: The Sequel            Wolverine        Directed by Andy Gray.

1991    One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest      R.P.McMurphy            Raindog Theatre Company. Directed by Robert Carlyle

1992    Macbeth: In the Scots Tongue Macbeth          Raindog Theatre Company. Best Director Award: Robert Carlyle

1994    Dick Wittington           King Rat          With Christopher Biggins. King's Theatre, Glasgow

1995    Follow Follow: The Rangers Story     Max Factor      King's Theatre Glasgow/Glasgow Rangers FC; Directed by Ron Bain

1996    The Architect   Leo Black        Directed by Philip Howard, Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh

1998    Buried Treasure           Frank McCoig Directed by Robin Lefevre, Lyric Theatre, London

Radio credits

Selected BBC Radio plays

Year     Title     Role     Notes

1982    The Thirty Nine Steps Franklin P. Scudder     Considered the most faithful adaptation of John Buchan's book.

1988    Death of a Fly Alec Bodine    Murder mystery told from the perspective of a fly.

1995    The Serpent's Back     Cully   First adaptation of Ian Rankin's Cully series

1998    Tunes of Glory            Basil Barrow  

1999    Let It Bleed     DI John Rebus First adaptation of Ian Rankin's Rebus books

2004    Dr Korczak's Example            Dr. Janusz Korczak     BBC Radio 4 Saturday Play directed by Lu Kemp

2005    The Tragical Comedy or Comical Tragedy of Mr. Punch  Swatchell         BBC Radio 3 The Wire directed by Lu Kemp

2007    Voyage of the Demeter           Count Dracula Morton offers a terrifying rendition of the Prince of Darkness

2008    They Have Oak Trees in North Carolina   Ray      BBC Radio 4 Friday Play directed by Gaynor Macfarlane

2011    Occupation Kenny Gall      BBC Radio 4 Afternoon Play directed by Gaynor Macfarlane