Glasgow-born actor Brian McCardie, best known for his commanding performances in Line of Duty (as Tommy Hunter) and Outlander (as Dougal MacKenzie), passed away suddenly on 28 November 2025 at the age of 59. The news sent shockwaves through the acting community and fans alike, with tributes pouring in from co-stars, directors and viewers who remembered him as both a formidable talent and a deeply private, kind-hearted man. Now, just days after his funeral, the contents of his will have been made public — offering a profoundly moving insight into the life he built away from the spotlight.
McCardie, who never married and had no children, left the bulk of his estate — valued at an estimated £1.8 million — to his younger sister Fiona and her two adult children. The will, drawn up in 2022 and recently probated, is strikingly simple and personal. Beyond standard bequests (including modest gifts to several charities supporting actors and mental health), Brian included a handwritten codicil dated just three months before his death. In it, he asked that £50,000 be set aside to fund an annual bursary for young Scottish actors from working-class backgrounds — a cause close to his heart. “I was lucky,” he wrote. “Not everyone gets the chance. I want someone else to have it.”
Perhaps the most emotional element is a short letter addressed to Fiona, included with the will. In it, Brian expresses gratitude for her lifelong support, especially during his quieter years after stepping back from the spotlight. “You were my family when the industry was loud and lonely,” he wrote. “Make sure the kids know their uncle loved them, even if he wasn’t always around to show it.” The letter concludes with a simple request: that Fiona scatter a small portion of his ashes in the River Clyde — the waterway that runs through Glasgow, the city that shaped him.
Friends and former colleagues have described the will as “classic Brian” — understated, generous, and focused entirely on others. Line of Duty creator Jed Mercurio called him “a gentleman who never forgot where he came from.” Outlander co-star Sam Heughan posted: “Brian was the kind of actor who made every scene better just by being in it. His kindness off-screen was even greater.” Fans have echoed the sentiment, with thousands sharing memories of his warmth during stage-door encounters and his quiet support for younger actors.
McCardie’s death was sudden — he suffered a fatal heart attack at his home in Glasgow. He had recently completed filming on a new Scottish crime drama and was planning a return to the theatre. Colleagues say he had been in good spirits, looking forward to spending Christmas with Fiona’s family.
The bursary, to be administered through the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, will be named the Brian McCardie Emerging Talent Award. Applications open in spring 2026.
In an industry often defined by ego and spectacle, Brian McCardie’s final wishes speak volumes: family first, kindness always, legacy through lifting others. His work will live on in the roles he played — but his true legacy may be in the lives he quietly helped along the way.
Rest in peace, Brian. The stage lights may have dimmed, but the impact remains bright.