Hamish Wilson 1942 – 2020
From Lorne Boswell of Equity…
“Sorry to hear of Hamish’s death last Thursday.
He led a full life and touched many people. He was one of life’s enthusiasts and succeeded at most everything he turned his hand to. Trained at the RSAMD, his early career as an actor included Greyfriars Bobby (1961), Vital Spark (‘66), Softly Softly (‘67), Dr Who (‘68) The Mind Robber. He worked for Equity for a bit in Glasgow and London. His latter working years were as a Radio Drama Producer for the BBC where he produced hundreds of network dramas for Radio 3 and 4. He returned to acting after retiring from the BBC and appeared in Taggart, Monarch of the Glen and many others. Time in his company was always enjoyable and often informative.
He succumbed to this dreaded virus. We won’t be able to gather for his funeral. Remember that mischievous grin and raise a glass to him. RIP.”
I met Hamish while I was working at Radio Clyde and after I went out on my own during 1988 Hamish did a lot of our early voice overs. It was during 2005 when we produced Type 2 Diabetes the No Nonsense Guide that I am about to preview below. Hamish was a stickler for correctness and if something wasn’t right he would do it again. I got Hamish to read the whole script so we could use it as a guide track.
Unfortunately the last time I spoke to Hamish was about a year ago, I say unfortunately because I wish it had not been so long ago. Hamish used to stay about 5 minutes along the road from me till he and his lovely wife Dianna retired to Newton Stewart near Wigtown which is 95 miles away.
The Mind Robber took place in June 1968, during production of the Mind Robber actor Frazer Hines contracted chickenpox and was hurriedly replaced by Hamish Wilson for episode 2.
His nom de plumb was the “arm chair general” as he was very much into virtual war on his computer and a ton of books on the subject. Its very sad to think I will no longer to be able to pick up the phone to my old friend who had the richest, warmest, chocolatey voice in the world of voice over artists. God bless you Hamish.
Hamish leaves a lovely wife Dianna and three very loving girls Emma, Alice and Abigail.
Firstly, May I express my deepest sympathy to all who mourn Hamish Wilson’s premature departure from this life. We all in one way or the other are affected by it and we all can help win this battle, such action would be a tribute to loved ones lost. Keep safe.
A lovely tribute to a very talented man, much underrated by the bean counters. I am very sad that he has gone, far too early and my thoughts are very much with Di and his beloved girls.
One of the most gentle, kind and encouraging human beings I ever worked with.
My condolences to his friends and family. One of too many that must be mourned in isolation, but not by only one.
Dear Hamish we were classmates at outthe drama college he was already a seasoned actor and I had just came in aff the streets. He was kind supportive and taught me a lot including Irish Rebel songs his family battle cry and how to stay out of trouble .Alas I didn’t always heed his advice.He had a wise old head a kind and generous spirit.Iwas enriched by his timem in my life His family have my sincere best wishes and condolences .
I have only just learned of the death of Hamish. I was listening to an old radio drama on BBC Sounds and he was referred to as the producer. It reminded me of a course he ran on radio drama at Moray Firth Radio in Inverness which I attended back in around 1989, so I Googled him only to find he had died of COVID earlier this year. He was a great teacher and was very inspirational. I ended up producing a radio play for MFR which was hugely enjoyable, and I must admit I used many of the tricks he taught me. I have gone on to act and direct numerous plays on stage in Inverness but have never forgotten his talent and enthusiasm. And yes, he had a great voice too!
Hamish was a stickler. I recall being told to, “do it properly!” whilst fumbling with a Uher recorder at Radio Forth. But he was also a funny, kind and highly talented man, with a deep sense of humanity. He was respected internationally for his work and was a regular judge/jury co-ordinator at the Prix Futura, Prix Italia and Prix Europa. Much missed.