Duncan Macrae


1905 - 1967

Actor. Born in Maryhill, the son of a policeman, Macrae was educated at Allan Glen's School in Glasgow and went on to work as a teacher. He began in amateur dramatics and was closely associated with the Citizen's Theatre in Glasgow. His repertoire ranged from the classics to comedy, on stage, radio, television and screen. His films include Tunes of Glory (1960) and the classic Ealing comedy Whisky Galore (1948), based on Sir Compton Mackenzie's novel set in Eriskay. The film was actually made on Barra.

Macrae is also remembered for his portrayal of the captain of the disaster-prone Clyde puffer in the classic BBC television comedy Para Handy - Master Mariner (1959).

Macrae had a second home in Millport (Great Cumbrae) where his wife was a teacher and town councillor. He died at Killearn Hospital and his funeral was held at Linn Crematorium. His papers are held by the National Library of Scotland.


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