Still Game stars Ford Kiernan and Greg Hemphill expressed their love for West Dunbartonshire as they visited the area to promote their new whisky.
The Glaswegian comedy duo took Balloch by storm last Wednesday as they headed to the Carrochan Road Co-op to sign bottles of their new Jack and Victor Blended Scotch Whisky and Still Gin.
Locals queued up around the perimeter of the store in a bid to meet the famous pair, who were only too happy to pose for pictures with the fans.
Still Game returned to our screens in 2016 after a nine-year hiatus, with seasons six, seven and eight filmed at the BBC’s studio in Dumbarton.
The pair spoke exclusively to the Lennox Herald on their love for West Dunbartonshire.
Greg said: “We filmed the last three seasons down in Dumbarton. We have a lot of great memories here. The setup there is fantastic.
“It was especially great because we spent six years moving around Glasgow and working in a warehouse that was not great, to then going to Dumbarton where you feel like you are in Hollywood. It was great – a well-oiled machine.
“I love this area anyway, and I go cold water swimming all year round down in Luss.”
Ford added: “Dumbarton is great. Being from Glasgow, places like Dumbarton, Helensburgh and Balloch were all places we would come to during the summer holidays. We are no strangers to the area, and it has given us some great memories.”
The guys met hundreds of locals from 11am to 3pm on the day, exchanging in some great patter.
One punter who met the guys was Duncan McLennan, who works for the submarine service.
He commented: “I watch these guys all year round, I’ve even gone to their live shows. When I am in need of a smile, I stick them on.
“I was on a patrol once for three months, and all we did was watch these two constantly.
“I have tried their whisky, and it is very good. I always wear a bunnet anyway, it keeps the head warm, but it was especially fitting today.”
Ford and Greg have admitted that they could never have foreseen themselves having an alcohol range.
Greg added: “It’s been a pleasant source of surprise. We never thought we would have half the things we have done from when we started; from this line to the Hydro show. It is mental.
“The response has been massive. We got a real surprise in Elgin with the response. It’s amazing to see people turning up in absolute droves to meet us. Yesterday we were in Inverness, and we were thinking that it might be getting a bit quieter the closer it gets to Christmas, but it wasn’t.”
“Even today, the queue is crazy.”
Jokingly Ford added: “We are even going to get measured up to do our very own ABBA-inspired hologram show.”
