From Stage To Sea

Scotland's funniest couple trade scripts for swimsuits as they dive into Scotland's cold waters this winter

- by BRIAN McIVER

WHEN the nights start to draw in and the chill factor builds, most Scots button their jackets tighter and pull woolly hats a wee bit lower.

But when autumn and winter arrive for Scottish actors Greg Hemphill and Julie Wilson Nimmo, they strip down to their swimsuits and head for the nearest river, loch or rugged coastline to dive right in.

And they are doing their best to bring the rest of Scotland along with them.

Famed as some of Scotland's best-loved actors for their respective work in Still Game and Balamory amongst others, the husband and wife have become Scotland's highest-profile wild swimmers thanks to a hugely successful TV show following their attempts to splash their way across the country.

BBC Scotland series Jules And Greg's Wild Swim has been a massive hit since it was launched in early 2024, and they have just returned to the road to shoot a third season in their trusty campervan.

Now, the couple are expanding their wild-swimming output with new book Jules & Greg’s Wild Swim, taking a deeper dive into their adventures over the past three years, sharing more stories, tips and advice from their travels and the incredible people they have met while soaking wet and chilly.

Greg and Julie first began wild swimming, like many others across the country, in the wake of the Covid pandemic and lockdowns.

Julie was first inspired by acting pal Dawn Steele of Granite Harbour and River City fame, who had been posting social media videos of herself looking super fresh and healthy.

Dawn gave Julie some tips on getting in about it, and Julie later went splashing with another acting pal, Gayle Telfer Stevens, also of River City fame, then eventually dragged her husband along, having impressed him with her healthy glow.