Tributes to Still Game and Trainspotting actor as Scots star passes away

Vincent Friell has passed away at the age of just 64. The actor was well known for roles in Trainspotting and Still Game, as well as cult film Restless Natives.

Tributes have now been paid to the Glasgow-born film and TV legend after his death was confirmed by his agent. He rose to prominence when he portrayed Edinburgh tour bus robber Will in 1985 hit Restless Natives.

In cult classic Trainspotting he played the dad of Kelly Macdonald's character Diane, the love interest of Hollywood star Ewan McGregor's Mark Renton.

In Still Game, he had a role in the episode "Who's the Daddy", playing property developer Chris, who planned to shut down Jack and Victor's favourite Craiglang haunt - The Clansman.

Award-winning playwright and theatre director Liam Rudden, who spent 19 years as the Entertainment Editor of the Edinburgh Evening News, posted on X, formerly Twitter.

He wrote: "Sad to read that Vincent Friell, a star of the brilliant movie #RestlessNatives, has died aged 64. #RIPVincentFriell #RIP." Carter Ferguson also shared his heartache on the platform.

The Fight Director, who has over 900 film, television and theatre credits, posted: "I'm so sorry to hear that Vince Friell has passed away. What a lovely, funny, talented guy.

"He joined us on my feature film, @Fast_Romance. A homage in many ways to films like #RestlessNatives, for which he was so famous. What a legend. #RIPVinceFriell #VincentFriel"

And radio presenter Ronnie McGhie said on Facebook: "I'm totally shocked to hear that Scottish actor Vincent Friell has passed away. He was in many programmes, but it's his performance in the movie Restless Natives that he'll be remembered for. A wonderful film.

"When I was at Irvine Beat FM, Claire Gray-Wilson from the Harbour Arts Centre brought Vincent to be interviewed on my show. At that time he was promoting his one man play 'Linwood No More'.

"Of course I had to chat about Restless Natives too. We had a natural rapport. My thoughts are with his family and friends. Vincent, you shall be missed."

And BBC Scotland's arts correspondent, Pauline McLean, tweeted: "Sad to hear that Vincent Friell has died.

"He appeared in Trainspotting, River City, Taggart, The Angels’ Share, Still Game and Rab C Nesbitt but he’ll be best remembered for the comedy Restless Natives. Condolences to his family and friends."

Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - Sign up to our daily newsletter here.