An actor’s life for me with...Scott Kyle

As an actor I am fortunate to get to play many different parts. Some are fun and frivolous while others require a degree of responsibility that goes far beyond merely putting in an entertaining performance.

Outlander was obviously extremely enjoyable. As Ross the blacksmith I got to play alongside some fantastic actors, such as Stephen Walters, Sam Heughan and Catrionna Balfe. It was an amazing time in my life. I learned a lot working with such a terrifically talented cast and crew and had a wonderful experience.

As with any role I had a duty to play my character to the best of my ability but as he was purely fictional there was a lot of latitude I could bring to the part. I spent a lot of time preparing by reading up on history and drawing on personal experiences to get into the right mindset, especially the scenes around the Battle of Prestonpans, But, it didn’t ultimately matter because Ross wasn’t real. Creating a character from a page or your own imagination is far easier than playing a living person.

One of the most daunting tasks I’ve ever faced was getting cast in Kajaki / Kilo Two Bravo and playing the part of soldier Stu Pearson.

Although he would deny it Stu is, without a doubt, a real live hero. He’s got the Queen’s Gallantry Medal to prove it. What he did and endured as a soldier in Afghanistan is the stuff of nightmares.

Having to portray him on the big screen, without falling in to the trap of doing a bad impersonation or creating a caricature, was a nerve-wracking task, especially when he was ultimately looking over my shoulder. I must have done okay though as we became great friends and still meet up for a drink occasionally.

Getting to know Stu, talking with him and some of the men he served alongside, was an education. These were ordinary guys in an extraordinary situation who looked after one another in the face of great personal danger and suffering - a masterclass in selflessness.

Stu lost his leg in combat yet he continues to do his best to help others. Drawing on his own experiences he has often appeared as an ambassador for the army’s medical rehabilitation services and regularly does events to raise money for charities. He uses his experience to coach others on enduring physical hardship and the importance of perseverance, determination and resilience to overcome adversity.

One of the reasons, I think, Stu and I get along so well is that we both share an optimism for life and we look for lessons from our personal experiences that we can share with others.

As mentioned in a previous column I’ve been fortunate to have spent some time during the Covid-19 lockdown working for a charity that helps people to live independently in their own homes. It’s been a great experience and has got my wife Karen and I thinking.

We realise we are very fortunate to have a nice house, garden and the time to devote to helping others when we can.

I know that when I was a younger I was really grateful for help when it was needed. As a result I’ve always tried to give something back by paying it forward, it’s a philosophy for life that has served me very well.

When I sponsored a youth football team it was because somebody did it for me when I was a wee boy playing for a team. I could never have been able to afford to buy a football shirt myself back then.

It’s the same with a lot of the acting workshops I do for youngsters. I do them because somebody took time to do it for me. I firmly believe that if I can return the favour, even after all these years, then I should.

Finally, some more exciting news! I got another new role in June when I became an uncle for the seventh time.

My younger brother Steven and his partner Hayley had a 7lbs 15oz baby girl on 8 June. I’m glad to say Gabriella and her mum are doing really well.

Karen and I have not been able to go and see her just yet because of the lockdown restrictions but we will as soon as we can. We are both really looking forward to getting that first cuddle.