Scotland – the love hate relationship
Pair join Hollywood stars in new TV ad
An Ayrshire duo are sharing the limelight with A- list celebrities in a new TV advert.
Joining Hollywood actors Brian Cox and Gerard Butler on the big screen is 11- year- old Orla Watkins from Holmston Primary and Big Sparra Vinyl record shop owner Ian Wallace.
The pair star in the advert as part of the National Trust for Scotland’s new campaign, For the Love of Scotland – asking Scots what they love and hate about their country.
The three- minute long ad aims to boost member numbers and increase donors for the conservation charity.
The film features TV favourites and sports stars like Sir Chris Hoy, Judy Murray, Alex McLeish and TV presenter Andrea McLean.
Sir Chris reveals he hates potholes but loves how Scots can be the best in the world, while Gerard loves mountains, lochs and Robert Burns, but hates midges. The ad, which made its debut last month, is thought to be the longest Scottish TV advert ever made.
Orla, who was picked after the crew stayed at her mum’s guest house in Ayr, said “I love the food– my mum and gran make the best mince and tatties. “Most of all, I love where we live. “We are close to the beach so I can go for long walks whenever I want and get an ice- cream.” Ian, whose shop, Big Sparra Vinyl, was one of the main locations in the film, said: “I’d do anything to publicise Scotland – Ayr in particular.
“Anything that can encourage people to come here is my cup of tea.
He added: “I’ve lived all over the world – LA, Hong Kong, you name it – but that’s the thing about Scots – the further we get away, the more we love it.”