HIGH ROAD FOR HAMISH
“Playing a kilted hero in BBC1 blockbuster MOTG is a dream job for Hamish Clark, but the midges are a killer”
DAILY RECORD (GLASGOW, SCOTLAND)
31 AUGUST 2002

Everyone is after a piece of Hamish Clark - the film crew, his fans, but most of all the midges.

Filming in the Highlands might sound idyllic but the Monarch of the Glen star has some minor irritations to deal with when he’s there.

The lengthy film schedules aren’t a problem, neither is the thought of living out of a suitcase - it’s the bloodthirsty midges of Laggan, Strathspey, which are proving hard to handle for Hamish.

“They get everywhere and I mean everywhere,” says Hamish. “It feels like you’re being eaten alive and I’m hoping they’ll get bored with my blood sooner rather than later.”

Of course, Hamish is at something of a disadvantage as playing the role of kilted gamekeeper Duncan means he’s a little more exposed than the rest of the cast.

“Ah yes, the less said about that the better,” he says, laughing nervously. “But let’s not go into where they manage to bite. Still you learn to love them after a while.”

While Hamish bonds with midges, fans of Monarch Of The Glen can look forward to reacquainting themselves with the faces of Glenbogle as the fourth series starts this week.

And after years of missing the romantic mark it looks as though Duncan will finally find love in the shape of the new housekeeper of Glenbogle, Irene (Rebecca Lacey).

“In the past he’s been like a rabbit in the headlights and looks bamboozled by the whole love and romance thing,” says Hamish.

“This is the first time a girl has come along who doesn’t just see him as the sort of bloke you have fun with but never take seriously. Duncan has become a viable option as a boyfriend.”

Although it looks like Cupid has Duncan firmly in his sights, Hamish thinks love will prove a heart- breaking affair for the naive Highlander.

“It’s almost certain Duncan will face his share of heartache before he finds true love. When Duncan’s up in the hills he can cope with life and while those all around struggle with a big schedule of worrying, Duncan muddles his way forward. He seems to spend all his time playing catch- up.”

The new series of the drama continues as Lexie’s (Dawn Steele) romantic dreams come true and she finds happiness with Archie (Alastair Mackenzie).

Meanwhile, the estate faces financial trouble after the death of Hector, and wild wolves cause chaos for the inhabitants of Glenbogle, including Molly (Susan Hampshire), Golly (Alexander Morton) and Kilwillie (Julian Fellowes).

The series has fast become one of Britain’s most successful exports, having been sold to more than 20 countries, including Australia and New Zealand and is showing on BBC America.

The international acclaim the series has received comes as no great surprise when you watch the skill and effort the cast and crew put into filming each episode.

Huddled in the cold kitchen of Glenbogle, I was given a front row seat to witness Hamish in the midst of filming a flirty scene with his new on- screen love interest Rebecca.

“That was super sexy wasn’t it?” jokes Hamish. “I don’t want to be too full- on because that’ll just frighten the viewers at home.”

The demands of filming required re-shoot after re-shoot in cold, cramped conditions but Hamish remained remarkably upbeat, keeping the cast and crew entertained.

It comes as no surprise to learn that 36-year-old Hamish, who is originally from Broughty Ferry, tried his hand at stand- up comedy before turning his attention towards acting.

His erratic chit-chat has echoes of Eddie Izzard, with his habit of taking the conversation off in different directions at the drop of a hat.

Hamish got into acting after joining a theatre group while studying at Edinburgh University. It was there he met fellow thespians Angus Macfadyen (of Braveheart and Soldier, Soldier fame) and Greg Wise (Sense And Sensibility) and the trio have been firm friends ever since.

“I never made a conscious decision to act,” he says. “It just evolved and by the time I came out the other end I found out I was an actor.”

While Angus and Greg quickly embraced the acting way of life, it was some time before Hamish landed parts in My Wonderful Life and Bring Me The Head Of Mavis Davis, alongside Rik Mayall.

However, it was a mobile phone commercial which was to become the answer to Hamish’s acting prayers. As the frontman for the adverts, Hamish’s face became famous literally overnight.

“I’ve been lucky,” he says. “I’ve never been the sort of actor who plays the bloke with the broken leg in Casualty or a drug addict in The Bill. Long may it continue.”

Back on the Monarch of the Glen set, it’s time for a break and Hamish can be found deep in conversation with one of the crew.

On the set he is well-known as someone who enjoys a good chat and, boy, can this bloke talk - no matter how tired he feels.

“I’m beginning to wilt a little,” he says. “I was up at 6am today and it’s been a long day. Still working in a place like Laggan is amazing.”

Hamish is acutely aware that Duncan’s bumbling antics have endeared him to viewers.

“The comedy comes from the fact that Duncan is an exaggeration of how we all feel,” says Hamish. “We all want the perfect life, perfect partner, perfect job but ultimately nothing ever goes according to plan.”

He may behave like a buffoon but, according to Hamish, Duncan is no fool. He says: “He is more than capable of any challenge at work, but it’s everyday life that’s a problem for Duncan.”

While Hamish is in no doubt about why his on-screen character has become so loved, he does find it puzzling that off-screen he’s considered one of Scotland’s most eligible bachelors.

“That’s absolutely hilarious,” he giggles. “It’s amazing how running about in a kilt with your hair all over the place, bumping into things makes me eligible.”

So who would he like to date?

“Oh that’s a tough one, there are so many wonderful women out there,” he ponders.

What about Monarch’s very own pin-up Dawn Steele, I suggest.

“Oh no,” he says. “She’s like a wee sister to me. I think Susan Hampshire’s stunning - the older woman that’s what you want.”

Monarch of the Glen, Sunday, BBC1, 8.00pm