CRIME SCENIC

Island's beautiful backdrop takes a starring role in big-budget series

- PAUL ENGLISH

He made the rank of detective inspector in the role in the legendary cop show which made his name.

Now Taggart start Colin McCredie is back on the beat - but he has been demoted.

The Perth actor, who played DC Stuart Fraser in the much-loved STV drama, is back with the boys in blue in the latest crime drama to be filmed in Scotland.

And even if he has been knocked down a rank or two, copper Colin is delighted with his part in new BBC4 and BBC Alba drama The Island.

He joked: "I never wore a uniform in Taggart. I have gone from a plain-clothed DC to a PC. So I've effectively been demoted. But I've no complaints.

"It's a brilliant drama and it gave me the chance to go and see parts of Scotland that I'd never been to before."

Colin plays a Glasgow cop based in the Outer Hebrides who is investigating a murder in a wealthy family.

And while it was a return to familiar procedure, there was plenty new ground for the star to cover.

He said: "I had never been to the Outer Hebrides before so it was fantastic to get up there for filming.

"I hired a car for a few days and toured around Lewis and south Harris. It was lovely. My eyes have absolutely been opened to these places,

"I'd definitely want to go back there. They're beautiful."