Monarch of the Glen actor Alexander Morton dies aged 81

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.

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."

Gavin Mitchell, who plays Boaby the barman in Still Game, commented: "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."