ONE of Scotland's most successful acting exports tells how High Road kickstarted his career in a brand new documentary marking 40 years since the launch of the much-loved soap.
Alan Cumming appeared in the show as chainsaw-wielding Jim Hunter before graduating to star as political strategist Eli Gold in US show The Good Wife.
Now he revists his turn as a Glendarroch local as STV marks 40 years since the long-running lochside series first aired.
In a special tribute, presenter Emma Cameron takes viewers to Luss, which doubled as the fictional village until 2003.
Reliving the shock of landing the part in the 1980s, Cumming tells the show : "It was huge. It was a long time ago now but I do remember it was like, 'what the hell, I'm going into Take the High Road?'. It was like being in a Hollywood film."
More than 1500 episodes of the soap aired from 1980 to 2003 and 5.5 million viewers tuned in at its 1985 peak.
It cost £40,000 to make each episode in the 1990s, when a mooted cancellation in 1993 drew 500 protestors to George Square to save their favourite series.
STV launched the vintage content on its STV Player portal in April, and since then 960,000 people have viewed the archive episodes.
James Cosmo, Natalie Robb and Joe McFadden were amongst the cast.
Gwyneth Guthrie, who played Mrs Mack right until the end, commented: “I thoroughly enjoyed my years on High Road.
“I worked with an array of talented actors and had wonderful storylines. The programme showed Scotland in a great light – there’s no doubt the natural Scottish scenery sold itself.
“I wouldn’t have said Mrs Mack was a loveable character but she was unique. People I met loved to talk about Mrs Mack and what she was up to – I suppose we all know someone a bit like her.”
Bobby Hain, managing director of Broadcast at STV, said: “The incredible response we’ve had to Take the High Road on the STV Player highlights the fondness that the people of Scotland still have for this special programme all these years on.
“The antics of the residents of Glendarroch captured the hearts of the nation and made High Road an integral part of STV’s history, so it’s only right that we celebrate its 40th anniversary by treating viewers to a warm dose of nostalgia.
“Scotland Loves High Road will not only remind us all of the drama, wit and stunning scenery that made this show a hit the world over, but also recognise the key role it played in nurturing young talent and boosting the tourism industry throughout Scotland.”
Scotland Loves High Road airs at 8pm tomorrow and will also be available on the STV Player across the UK.
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