Fred MacAulay


1956 -

Comedian and broadcaster. Born in Perth, the son of a policeman, MacAulay was educated at Killin Primary School, Rattray Primary School, Blairgowrie High School, Perth Academy and the University of Dundee, where he graduated in accountancy and jurisprudence in 1978. Beginning his career as an accountant, MacAulay moved to Glasgow in 1989 and made his television debut on The Funny Farm for Scottish Television. He became the first Scottish compere at the notable Comedy Store in London, and found himself the warm-up act for the likes of Rory Bremner and Paul Merton. He became a full-time entertainer from 1993.

MacAulay was a mainstay of Radio Scotland's morning schedules from 1997 to 2015. He hosted the popular chat show McCoist and MacAulay, with Ally McCoist (b.1962), for BBC television. He is also a regular on radio and television comedy programmes such as Have I Got News For You, They Think It's All Over, I'm Sorry I Haven't a Clue and Just a Minute. He also hosts a show on Radio Clyde.

MacAulay served as Rector of the University of Dundee (2001-04) and was awarded an honorary doctorate by that university in 2005.


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