Home-again star takes on grand Tayside tour

Hollywood star Ewan McGregor has been reacquainting himself with home since returning to his native Perthshire.

The Obi-Wan Kenobi actor has wasted no time in getting to know the people and places around him after his move to the area.

From buying doughnuts in Dundee to reminiscing in Highland Perthshire with his brother, McGregor has become a familiar face in these parts of late.

McGregor, originally from Crieff, returned to Perthshire last summer after spending £2 million on a Carse of Gowrie mansion, which he is in the process of renovating.

The actor, 53, was spotted buying some doughnuts at Dundee Waterfront back in

January. Heather Street Food owner Chris Heather told The Courier at the time: “We get people from all over the world coming for a doughnut, coffee and bagel but it’s not every day a Hollywood A-lister comes to the van.

“He was very nice and looks just like he does in the movies.”

Days later, the actor stopped by family business Mae Ping Thai Dining on Perth’s South Street.

Restaurant boss Nongmay Buncharoen admitted “it didn’t click” who the familiar diner was.

She said: “When he came in I asked if he had been here before because I thought I recognised him.

“He had a massive smile and giggled. He said: ‘No, I’ve never been here before.’

“My mum’s friend, who was at the table next to him, messaged my mum later on asking if I knew who I was serving.

“I’m just gutted we didn’t get any photos.”

McGregor was said to have left a “generous tip” following the meal.

Later in January, he stopped by Balhousie Glazing to thank staff for installing windows at his new Perthshire home.

Jane Bertie, finance director at Balhousie, said: “He was friendly and very down to earth. He made time to talk to the staff.”

His visits continued when he popped into T Paterson Jewellers on Perth High Street. While it was not confirmed if the Trainspotting actor bought anything, the business said it was an “exciting” day.

McGregor and brother

Colin have also spent time in Highland Perthshire in recent months.

As part of promotional work for travel firm Expedia, the pair visited the Hermitage forest, Fortingall Hotel and Ewe Bar in Aberfeldy, Taymouth Marina in Kenmore – run by their childhood friend Eric Strickland – and Aran Bakery in Dunkeld.

Speaking to Architectural Digest magazine, McGregor said: “The Hermitage is beautiful and there’s paths and a beautiful walk through it, so you’re not out on your own on the side of a mountain like you would be if you went for a hike up at the Cairngorm Mountains – which is where we ended up going.”

After visiting the bakery, the pair reminisced about their younger days.

Colin said: “The last time we had a packed sandwich on a hill was in a mist – a total whiteout. We sat there looking at nothing.”

His celebrity brother added: “As kids we’d sit on top of hills having hoofed all the way up there, get the sarnies out.

“These are distinctly better sandwiches than we used to have. Then, it was a white roll with one lopsided cheese slice.”

Ewan with Balhousie staff.