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Martin Compston grew up in Greenock, Inverclyde, Renfrewshire. He spent his teen years going to see soccer (football) team Celtic with his brother Barry and dreamed one day he would play for them. He attended St. Columba's High School in Gourock, Inverclyde, where he passed through his Standard Grade Exams and obtained three As and two Bs in his Higher results. He left school after his fifth year to pursue his dream as a footballer and was soon signed by Morton Football Team.

In 2000, director Ken Loach discovered him at an audition at his old high school and gave him the lead role in Sweet Sixteen (2002). The movie was filmed in Martin's home area, including Greenock, Gourock, Inverkip, Kilmalcolm, and Wemyss Bay. The film was a huge success, which shot Martin into full view of the public and even gave some fame to Inverclyde. However, many counselors thought that this was bad publicity because the film has to do with drugs and underage drinking. However, Ken Loach then made a statement that the movie was not based on Greenock and Inverclyde - but was only filmed there, as that was where Martin was located.

Compston reunited with Loach for the omnibus film Tickets (2005)

Richard Wilson OBE (born Iain Carmichael Wilson) is a Scottish actor, theatre director and broadcaster. He played Victor Meldrew in the BBC sitcom One Foot in the Grave (1990). A later role was as Gaius, the court physician of Camelot, in the BBC drama Merlin (2008).

Wilson was born in Greenock, Scotland. He studied science in Greenock, and did National Service with the Royal Army Medical Corps, serving in Singapore. He worked in a laboratory at Stobhill Hospital in Glasgow as a research scientist before switching to acting when he was 27. He trained at RADA and then appeared in repertory theatres in Edinburgh (Traverse Theatre), Glasgow and Manchester (Stables Theatre).

He initially turned down the role of Victor Meldrew and it was almost offered to Les Dawson before Wilson changed his mind.

Wilson was awarded the OBE for services to drama as a director and actor in 1994. In April 1996, he was elected Rector of the University of Glasgow for a term of three years.

Wilson's biography, One Foot on the Stage: The Biography of Richard Wilson, was written by James Roose-Evans.

Wilson has worked for the gay rights campaign group Stonewall, and is one of the patrons of Scottish Youth Theatre. He is also a long-time supporter of the charity Sense, and in 2007 hosted their annual award ceremony. He is also one of the honorary patrons of the London children's charity Scene & Heard.

The narration of "The Man Who Called Himself Jesus", from Strawbs' eponymous first album, was performed by Wilson.

He is a major supporter of the Labour Party, and he recorded the party's manifesto for the 2010 General Election.

In March 2011, Wilson presented an edition of the Channel 4 current affairs programme Dispatches (1987) entitled Train Journeys from Hell (2011), with transport journalist Christian Wolmar highlighting the failings of the British rail network.

Wilson was a supporter of his local football club, Greenock Morton, but he has come to lend greater support to English club Manchester United. He is a patron of the Manchester United Supporters Trust. Wilson has been a campaigner for gay rights for many years, and he came out as gay in a Daily Mail interview in March 2013. He is good friends with his One Foot in the Grave (1990) co-star Angus Deayton, and is godfather to Deayton's son.

It was reported on 12 August 2016 that Wilson had suffered a heart attack. He had been due to reprise the role of Victor Meldrew in a one-man show at the 2016 Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

Stella Gonet was born on 8 May 1960 in Greenock, Scotland, UK. She is an actress, known for Nicholas Nickleby (2002), Spencer (2021) and How I Live Now (2013). She has been married to Nicholas Farrell since 2005. They have two children.

Declan Michael Laird is an actor, producer & writer who was born in Greenock, Scotland.

In 2011, Declan relocated to study at the world renowned "Stella Adler Academy of Acting" in Los Angeles, California. Upon graduation, he has continued his career across all creative mediums between the USA & UK.

David Ashton was born on 10 November 1941 in Greenock, Scotland, UK. He is an actor and writer, known for The Last King of Scotland (2006), Tomorrow Never Dies (1997) and Eye of the Needle (1981).

Charles Houston was born in 1931 in Greenock, Scotland, UK. He was an actor, known for The Avengers (1961), Department S (1969) and The Queen's Traitor (1967). He died in 2006 in the UK.

Bill Bryden was born on 12 April 1942 in Greenock, Scotland, UK. He was a producer and director, known for Ill Fares the Land (1983), Aria (1987) and The Play on One (1988). He was married to Angela Douglas and Deborah Morris. He died on 5 January 2022 in the UK.

Ian Burns was born on 10 February 1957 in Greenock, Scotland. He is an actor, known for A Beautiful Life (2023), Pigerne fra Englandsbåden (2023) and Absalons hemmelighed (2006).

Lena Zavaroni was born on the 4th of November in the town of Rothesay, on the Isle of Bute, just off the West coast of Scotland. Although Scottish, her family was of Scottish and Italian descent and she grew up in a musical environment, performing at an early age. As a ten year old, she appeared on the Thames Television talent show Opportunity Knocks (1956) at the end of 1973 where she topped the viewers voting polls for five weeks. Her recording of 'Ma, He's Making Eyes At Me' was rush released and early in 1974 reached #10 in the British charts as well as making the US charts. This secured her a place as the youngest-ever artist to appear on BBC Television's Top of the Pops (1964) show. Other singles such as '(You've Got) Personality' (#33 on the UK chart), 'Some of These Days'and 'Smile' as well as albums followed. Notable LPs included 'If My Friends Could See Me Now' and 'Presenting Lena Zavaroni', released in 1977 and including her versions of Dawn's 'Say Has Anybody Seen My Sweet Gypsy Rose' and the Lynsey de Paul song 'Won't Somebody Dance With Me'.

Live performances quickly followed, including a show-stopping performance in a Hollywood charity show starring Frank Sinatra and Lucille Ball as well as guest-starring on the The Carol Burnett Show (1967). She was even invited to go to the White House to sing for President Gerald Ford in 1974 and performed in the 1976 'Royal Variety Show'.

Notable TV appearances included The Morecambe & Wise Show (1968), Hi! Summer (1977), The Val Doonican Show (1970) and her own TV series called 'Lena Zavaroni and Music', the first of which was screened on BBC Television in May 1979. Sadly, Lena developed anorexia and spent many years fighting this devastating disease until she died in 1999.

Geoffrey Wansell was born on 9 July 1945 in Greenock, Inverclyde, Scotland, UK. He is a producer and writer, known for When the Whales Came (1989), Memories of a Murderer: The Nilsen Tapes (2021) and Killing Fred West (2021). He is married to Jan ?. They have two children.

Barlowe Borland was born on 6 August 1877 in Greenock, Scotland, UK. He was an actor, known for The Hound of the Baskervilles (1939), The Little Minister (1934) and A Tale of Two Cities (1935). He was married to Francesca Redding. He died on 31 August 1948 in Woodland Hills, Los Angeles, California, USA.

Chic Murray was born on 6 November 1919 in Greenock, Scotland, UK. He was an actor and writer, known for Casino Royale (1967), Gregory's Girl (1980) and The Chic Murray Collection (2009). He was married to Maidie Dickson. He died on 29 January 1985 in Edinburgh, Scotland, UK.

Robert Harrison grew up and went to school in Greenock, Scotland in the 60s. With a keen interest in music from an early age he lists Pink Floyd as one of his favourite artists and a big influence in his music career. Robert joined his 1st band, Tut Ka Mun in the early 80s. Tut Ka Mun toured Scotland throughout the 80s before splitting up. However, Robert gained a lot of experience and found himself in studios such as; Park Lane, Riverside and Sava Studios where he bumped into the likes of Texas, Gun, Del Amitri and Wet Wet Wet. He moved on by trying out with various bands to find the right one for him. Eventually he came to a band called, The Promise. He stayed with them throughout the 90s. In '98 they wrote and recorded a song that was entered to be the Official song for Scotland in the World Cup. Craig Brown loved the song and hoped it would be picked, but it was Del Amitiri's "Don't Come Home Too Soon" that won it. The song is still sitting, waiting for the next time Scotland makes it to the world cup.

To help pay the bills Robert worked as a Swimming pool manager at Wemyss Bay Holiday Park. He was required to become a qualified lifeguard for this job, which was perfect for Robert who was an avid swimmer. To maintain the pool he had to use Sub Aqua Equipment.

Robert's journey into acting is as lucky as any mans. One day he received a phone call from the researcher, Pamela Marshall, for a film being produced by Parallax Pictures (now Sixteen Films). They were looking for someone to play the part of a granddad in their film and their search had not been going well. Robert was asked to help them as he was a man of many contacts. Four days later he got back to them with a man whom they auditioned and found was perfect for the part.

Pleased with the result they asked if he could help them out with a few other things and he was happy to help. Ken Loach, the director of the movie Sweet Sixteen (2002), wanted to meet with him. Robert was unaware of the scale of the film but was happy to meet with director Ken Loach, whom he had not heard of before. They chatted about the film and he did a little improvisation scene for the director. Ken then offered him the part of a gangster in the film. After Sweet Sixteen many doors were opened for Robert thanks to Ken, Rebecca O'Brien and Paul Laverty.

Robert went on to work on various TV productions including stints on Rockface (2002), Taggart (1983), Monarch of the Glen (2000) as well as a role in _The Planman (2003) (TV)_ starring Robbie Coltrane. His feature film work has included Dear Frankie (2004) starring Gerard Butler, historical movie Man to Man (2005), starring Joseph Fiennes and Kristin Scott Thomas, which he loved as it was a chance for him to travel back to 1860. In 'Cape Karma' he was the 1st Scotsman to be cast as a henchman in a Bollywood film.

His recent productions have seen him cast as Kenny in short film, Trawler, by Digi-Cult and the villainous henchman, Aspirin, in Scottish Sci-Fi short Night is Day by Silly Wee Films. He will be seen later in the year as a Terrorist on a Channel 5 game show called Commando VIP.

Ernest Gordon was born on 31 May 1916 in Greenock, Scotland, UK. He was a writer, known for To End All Wars (2001). He was married to Helen. He died on 16 January 2002 in Princeton, New Jersey, USA.

Roy Hanlon was born on 30 June 1938 in Greenock, Scotland, UK. He was an actor, known for Department S (1969), Dr. Finlay's Casebook (1962) and Killer (1983). He died on 19 April 2005 in East Sussex, England, UK.

Born in Greenock, McDougall's early years were spent working in the shipyards. In his early twenties he moved to London and worked as a housepainter, and when painting Colin Welland's house talked of his days swinging the mace in the Orange Parades. Welland suggested he write a play about this. Never having even read a book in his life, McDougall set to work on Just Another Saturday, a remarkable drama which studies sectarian divide, family loyalties, machismo and growing up. The BBC bought the play but political pressure forbid production for a couple of years. In the meantime McDougall penned Just Your Luck for the BBC's Play For Today, which again used the themes of Catholic and Protestant division in its story of a Greenock teeenager who is made pregnant by a Catholic boy. It caused a massive reaction in Scotland, both of praise and outrage. When Just Another Saturday was finally transmitted in 1975, McDougall found his first drama had scooped the revered Prix Italia. He subsequently penned the charming half hour play A Wily Couple and in 1976 his most unusual work, The Elephants' Graveyard. Featuring a delicious performance from Billy Connolly, who had cameoed in Just Another Saturday, the 50 minute two hander was a poetic and philosophical study of two men who meet one day while hiding from the wives they have told they are working. Beautifully directed by John MacKenzie, this is 50-minutes of television magic. McDougall's next work, Just A Boy's Game, is his most dazzling piece, a shocking and yet strangely endearing drama which followed Jake McQuillan, a young Greenock hard man. Featuring an astounding performance from soul singer Frankie Miller, this was one of the most violent and dark dramas television ever produced, liberally sprinkled with McDougall's trademark brilliant one-liners and grimly honest observations on life. A move to STV to make the enormously controversial A Sense of Freedom (1981), based on the story of Jimmy Boyle, was the final collaboration of the writer with director John MacKenzie. His works in the Eighties included a study of Edinburgh in the grip of heroin, Shoot for the Sun (1986), and his most difficult work, Down Where The Buffalo Go. The later starred Harvey Keitel in the story of an American solder based at Holy Loch whose marriage is crumbling. McDougall's only produced work for television in the 90s was Down Among The Big Boys, another study of family loyalties disguised as a crime thriller, starring Billy Connolly and Douglas Hentschel.

Aside from his outstanding achievements in television, McDougall has worked in film, amongst his many scripts rewrites of The Long Good Friday. It is in his television work that he is best showcased, having created his own world of thick accents, brutal violence and gallows humour. Jeremy Isaccs described him as having imported the western into British filmmaking, but his influence gores further, as the new wave of Scottish films like Trainspotting and Bumping The Odds can see. Television has been a great deal less interesting without him in recent years.

Rosé was born on 26 May 1989 in Greenock, Renfrewshire, Scotland, UK. He is an actor, known for iCarly (2021), Maxxie LaWow: Drag Super-shero (2024) and RuPaul's Drag Race (2009).

Neil Kenyon was born on 8 October 1873 in Greenock, Scotland, UK. He was an actor, known for The Great Game (1930), The Girl Thief (1934) and The Loves of Robert Burns (1930). He died on 1 June 1946 in Golders Green, London, England, UK.

Neil Paterson was born on 31 December 1916 in Greenock, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK. He was a writer, known for Room at the Top (1958), The Woman for Joe (1955) and Man on a Tightrope (1953). He died on 19 April 1995.

Played guitar for Magazine, Siouxsie and the Banshees, Visage, Armoury Show and Public Image Ltd.. He has been credited as an inspiration by U2 and most of the world's biggest rock bands. The Red Hot Chili Peppers' John Frusciante recently said that he taught himself to play "learning all John McGeoch's stuff in Magazine and Siouxsie and the Banshees". In the mid-90s he worked on more dance-oriented material with Heaven 17's Glenn Gregory and a projected band, Pacific, with Spandau Ballet's John Keeble, came to nothing He qualified as a nurse in 1995, but had lately been writing music for television as subsequent generations of guitarists hailed him. Siouxsie Sioux once described McGeoch as "my favorite guitarist of all time". He is survived by his partner Sophie and daughter Emily.

Duncan Lamont was born on July 4, 1931 in Greenock, Scotland. Lamont began his career in the music industry leading his own band as a trumpet player in Scotland, which won him recognition from the illustrious publication Melody Maker in 1951. Following a stint with Kenny Graham's Afro Cubists in London, Duncan eventually switched from playing the trumpet to tenor saxophone and soon established himself as a highly proficient jazz studio player. Besides working with numerous popular British dance bands and jazz groups, Lamont has worked with a slew of top musical artists who include Paul McCartney, Mel Tormé, [error], Peggy Lee, Nelson Riddle, Rosemary Clooney, Fred Astaire, Count Basie, Bing Crosby, Benny Carter, Frank Sinatra, Benny Goodman, Gil Evans, Spike Milligan, and Willis Holman. Among the songs that Duncan has composed are "Carousel," "I Told You So," "Not You Again," and "Manhattan in the Rain." Moreover, Lamont has not only worked as both a conductor and arranger for the BBC for many years, but also led a dance band for eleven years to raise money for cancer research as well as served as music editor for Crescendo & Jazz Magazine. Duncan won the John Dankworth Jazz Award for Longstanding Talent in 1999.

Danny McCahon was born in Greenock, Renfrewshire, Scotland, UK. Danny is known for Emmerdale Farm (1972), Doctors (2000) and Casualty (1986).

Paul Barnett was born on 23 January 1963 in Greenock, Scotland, UK. He is a producer and director, known for Pride of Ireland (2000), Confessions of a Burning Man (2003) and Teknolust (2002).

Lee McKellar was born on 5 September 1987 in Greenock, Strathclyde, Scotland, UK. He is an editor and producer, known for Dirt (2013), Dying Light (2013) and Run (2019).

Lisa Gardner was born on 9 September 1980 in Greenock, Renfrewshire, Scotland, UK. She is an actress, known for Sea of Souls (2004), Battlestar Galactica: By Your Command (2008) and River City (2002).