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Robin Laing
Robin Laing
Robin Laing
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Robin Laing (born 1976) is a Scottish actor, best known for his portrayal of Edward Heffron in the HBO series Band of Brothers (2001) and as DI Craig Donald in River City (2012–17).

Born in Dundee,[1] Laing began acting at a young age, joining an Arbroath theatre company, the Angus Children's Theatre and then later the Carnoustie Theatre Club. While at school he landed his first professional role at Dundee Repertory Theatre, playing Young Steerforth in David Copperfield. After leaving school he studied Drama in Dundee and at Fife College.[2]

His first professional, adult role was playing Renton in the UK tour of Trainspotting in 1996. While on tour he was asked to cover the role in London's West End for four shows, during which time John Byrne saw him and asked Laing to screen-test for his upcoming film The Slab Boys. He was cast in the role of Phil McCann, and filming took place later that year in Glasgow.

Laing's participation in Band of Brothers led to a friendship with Heffron, lasting until Heffron's passing in 2013.[3] Laing played Martin Ness in 2004's "Shadowplay", part of Series 4 (episodes 11 and 12) of Waking the Dead.

He joined the cast of River City in 2012 as DCI Craig Donald, and would appear regularly on it until 2017, and also appeared on Waterloo Road in a recurring role. He also appears as Major Donald MacDonald in seasons six and seven of Outlander. Other appearances include in the films Filth (2013) and Outlaw King (2018).[4]

Laing resides in Scotland.[5]

Filmography

[edit]

Film

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
2000 Borstal Boy Jock
Beautiful Creatures Garage Attendant
2005 Joyeux Noël William
2013 Filth Rent Boy
2018 Outlaw King Bishop of St Andrews
Only You Private Doctor

Television

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
1997-1999 The Lakes Joey Main role, 14 episodes
1998 Cadfael Sulien Blount 2 episodes
1998; 2008 Taggart Mark Jackson/Sgt. Sean Mackay 2 episodes
2000 Murder Rooms: Mysteries of the Real Sherlock Holmes Arthur Conan Doyle Miniseries, 1 episode
2001 Band of Brothers Pfc. Edward Heffron Miniseries, 8 episodes
2004 Waking the Dead Martin Ness 1 episode
2005 Born and Bred Albert Tooley 1 episode
2006 Murder City Nathan Wallis 1 episode
2010 Garrow's Law Westminster Clerk 1 episode
2012-2017; 2022-2023 River City DI Craig Donald Main role, 66 episodes
2015 Waterloo Road Ronnie Fairchild Recurring role, 5 episodes
2016 One of Us Constable Hartley Miniseries, 1 episode
2016 The Coroner Eddie Landman 1 episode
2017 Casualty Robert Kearns 1 episode
2019 Shetland Gavin Laird Recurring role, 5 episodes
2019 The Victim Andy Tait Miniseries, 3 episodes
2021 Vigil Miller Miniseries, 1 episodes
2021 Guilt Adrian 2 episodes
2022 Outlander Donald MacDonald Recurring role, 6 episodes
2023 Stonehouse Bank Manager Miniseries, 1 episode
2023 The Gold Garth Chappell 4 episodes
2024 Only Child Ian 4 episodes
2025 Lockerbie: A Search for Truth Roland Stephenson 2 episodes

Radio

[edit]
Date Title Role Director Station
21 August 2008 Sex for Volunteers[6] Douglas Kirsty Williams BBC Radio 4 Afternoon Play
9 October 2009 Daniel and Mary[7] Daniel Kirsty Williams BBC Radio Scotland Drama
26 January 2010 The Ca'd'oro Cafe[8] Billy Kirsty Williams BBC Radio 4 Afternoon Play
28 February 2010 La Princesse de Clèves[9] Nemours Kirsty Williams BBC Radio 3 Drama on 3
30 October 2010 The Vanishing[10] Jean-Pierre Gallo
Manager		 Kirsty Williams BBC Radio 4 Saturday Play
28 September 2011 One Hundred and Forty Characters: Songbirds[11] Read by Kirsteen Cameron BBC Radio 4 Afternoon Reading
19 December 2011 Down and Out in Auchangaish[12] Donnie Kirsty Williams BBC Radio 4 Afternoon Play
13 August 2012 – 17 August 2012 The Other One[13] Dad Kirsty Williams BBC Radio 4 Woman's Hour Drama
23 September 2012 Mary Stuart[14] Leicester Gaynor Macfarlane BBC Radio 3 Drama on 3
29 January 2014 Albion Street[15] Jamie Gaynor Macfarlane BBC Radio Scotland Drama
22 January 2018 – 2 February 2018 The Truth About Hawaii[16] David Kirsty Williams BBC Radio 4 15 Minute Drama
22 January 2018 – 12 February 2018 4/4[17] Archie Gaynor Macfarlane BBC Radio 4 Afternoon Drama
30 September 2018 (After) Fear[18] The Pianist Kirsty Williams BBC Radio 3 Drama on 3

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Robin Laing

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Robin Laing (born 16 February 1976) is a Scottish best known for his portrayal of Private Edward "Babe" Heffron in the miniseries Band of Brothers (2001) and for his role as DI Craig Donald in the (2012–2017; 2022–2023). Born in Ninewells Hospital in , he was raised in and developed an early interest in through local groups. Laing began his professional career as a teenager, joining the Carnoustie Theatre Club and Angus Children's Theatre in his youth before securing his first professional role at age 14 or 15 with Dundee Repertory Theatre, and building experience in regional productions across Angus, , and . He undertook formal training at Fife College in before transitioning to national and international work in theatre, television, film, radio, and narration. His early television credits include appearances in Deadly Summer (1997), (1998), (1998 and 2008), and The Lakes (1999), followed by a lead role in the film adaptation of The Slab Boys (1997) and supporting parts in Beautiful Creatures (2000) and (2018). In addition to Band of Brothers, Laing has garnered recognition for guest roles in high-profile series such as Outlander (2014) and (2013), as well as his work in , which has solidified his presence in . He has also narrated numerous audiobooks, continues to perform in productions, and resides in . Recent credits include The Gold (2023) and Lockerbie: A Search for Truth (2025).

Early life

Childhood

Robin Laing was born on 16 February 1976 at Ninewells Hospital in , . He spent his early years in and , historic coastal towns in the Angus region, where the local community and cultural environment shaped his formative experiences. Laing's interest in performing arts emerged early, as he joined the Angus Children's Theatre in at the age of 8, marking his initial foray into stage performance. This involvement provided a foundational grounding in theatre fundamentals through community-based productions. By his mid-teens, he secured his first professional acting role at age 14 or 15 with the , an experience that ignited his enduring passion for the craft. During his teenage years, Laing further honed his skills as a member of the Carnoustie Theatre Club, participating in amateur stage activities that emphasized practical performance techniques and ensemble work. These early endeavors in local Scottish theatre groups laid the groundwork for his subsequent professional pursuits.

Education

Laing completed his secondary education in the Arbroath area, where he was raised following his birth at Ninewells Hospital in Dundee. After leaving school, he began formal acting training with a one-year drama course at College, guided by tutor Allan, which helped him form key connections in the field. He then continued his studies for a further year at Fife College in , studying and drama under tutors Jackie Whymark and Simon Abbott. During this time at Fife College, Laing gained hands-on experience through end-of-year productions, including adaptations from Irvine Welsh's and Shakespeare's .

Career

Theatre

Robin Laing began his professional theatre career shortly after completing his drama studies at Fife College in . His breakthrough came with the role of Renton in the UK touring production of Irvine Welsh's Trainspotting, secured through a serendipitous meeting at the Rep bar following a summer job as a waiter. This early appearance at Repertory Theatre marked the start of his extensive work with Scottish regional venues, including subsequent ensemble roles in contemporary plays that highlighted his versatility in portraying working-class characters from modern . Throughout the 2000s, Laing built a reputation in Scottish theatre through collaborations with key companies such as the Traverse Theatre and the Royal Lyceum Theatre. In 2006, Laing portrayed the impetuous Mortimer in David Harrower's adaptation of Friedrich Schiller's Mary Stuart, a co-production involving the National Theatre of Scotland, Royal Lyceum, and ; reviewers noted his energetic depiction of the young Catholic plotter as a standout in the ensemble. In 2007, he took on the role of George Deever in Arthur Miller's at the Royal Lyceum Theatre, contributing to a critically acclaimed revival that delved into post-war moral dilemmas. In 2008, he played Miles McCann, the son grappling with family secrets, in John Byrne's at the Traverse Theatre in , a production that explored themes of loss and reconciliation in a Glaswegian immigrant community. Laing's stage work in the 2010s demonstrated his range across genres, from family drama to psychological thriller. He appeared as Cal in Pamela Carter's What We Know, a co-production by Ek Performance and the Traverse Theatre in 2010, addressing societal detachment from death through intimate, physicalized performances. That same year, in the Royal Lyceum's Christmas pantomime adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen's The Snow Queen, he embodied the whimsical Cobweb Spider, bringing humor and visual flair to the family-oriented production. More recently, Laing has returned to leading roles amid his television commitments, reaffirming his commitment to live performance. In 2019, he starred as the sinister husband Jack Manningham in Patrick Hamilton's Gaslight at Perth Theatre, delivering a subtly menacing portrayal that drew acclaim for its restraint and psychological depth, helping the production earn four stars for its atmospheric tension. Over three decades, Laing's career has evolved from youthful ensemble parts in gritty Scottish works to commanding leads in classical and modern revivals, solidifying his contributions to companies like Dundee Rep, Perth Theatre, and the National Theatre of Scotland through consistent, character-driven performances that resonate with live audiences.

Television

Laing's breakthrough television role came in 2001 with his portrayal of Private Edward "Babe" Heffron in the miniseries Band of Brothers, a 10-episode production created by and that dramatized the real-life experiences of Easy , 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, during . Heffron, a historical figure and replacement soldier who joined the unit after D-Day, is depicted evolving from a wide-eyed paratrooper in through intense battles like and the siege of , showcasing resilience and camaraderie amid the horrors of combat, including the loss of close friends like his compatriot William "Wild Bill" Guarnere. The role marked Laing's entry into international audiences, as the series received critical acclaim and 19 , elevating his profile and leading to a personal friendship with the real Heffron that lasted until the veteran's death in 2013. In , Laing achieved prominence through his long-running portrayal of Detective Inspector (later ) Craig Donald in the River City, appearing in 66 episodes from 2012 to 2017 and returning for additional episodes in 2022–2023. Donald, a no-nonsense in the fictional Shieldinch community, develops from a stern investigator handling local crimes and personal conflicts to a more layered character grappling with departmental pressures and community ties, including storylines involving corruption probes and family dramas. Filming primarily took place in studios and , allowing Laing to contribute behind the scenes by directing an episode in 2017 after shadowing the crew. Laing has since built a robust portfolio of guest and recurring television appearances, demonstrating his range across genres. In Waterloo Road (2015), he played Ronnie Fairchild, a local and , in five episodes of series 10, aiding in school-related investigations. For Outlander (2022–2023), he recurred as Major Donald MacDonald, a scheming British in seasons 6 and 7, appearing in seven episodes amid the Jacobite Rising storyline, with filming on location in the and . In Shetland (2019), Laing portrayed Gavin Laird, a suspicious local figure, across five episodes of season 5, shot entirely in the Shetland Islands to capture the remote, windswept atmosphere. He appeared as Andy Tait, a defense witness, in three episodes of the The Victim (2019), a set in . More recently, Laing played Garth Chappell, a operative, in four episodes of The Gold (2023), a BBC/Paramount+ drama about the 1983 . In 2024, he took on the role of , a family friend, in the BBC sitcom Only Child, filmed in and northeast . Laing reprised the role of in season 2 of Only Child, which began filming in 2025. His latest credit is as Roland Stephenson in two episodes of the Sky/Peacock Lockerbie: A Search for Truth (2025), exploring the 1988 bombing, with production utilizing Scottish locations for authenticity. Laing's television work often explores themes of authority and ordinary resilience, frequently casting him as figures like DI Donald in , Gavin Laird in , and Ronnie Fairchild in Waterloo Road, alongside historical personas such as Babe Heffron and Major MacDonald, and relatable Scots in contemporary settings like . These roles have solidified his reputation in British television for authentic portrayals of Scottish identity and moral complexity, contributing to high-profile productions that highlight regional storytelling. Behind-the-scenes, his projects leverage Scotland's diverse landscapes— from the rugged Shetlands for to urban for and —enhancing narrative immersion while supporting local crews and economies.

Film

Robin Laing began his feature film career in the early 2000s with supporting roles in British independent productions, shortly following his breakout performance in the miniseries Band of Brothers. In 2000, he appeared as Jock, a fellow inmate, in Borstal Boy, a biographical drama directed by Peter Sheridan and adapted from Brendan Behan's autobiography, where his character contributes to the ensemble portrayal of reformatory life and themes of Irish identity during World War II. That same year, Laing had a minor role as the Garage Attendant in Beautiful Creatures, a black comedy thriller directed by Bill Eagles, featuring Susan Lynch and Iain Glen, in which he briefly interacts with the protagonists during their crime spree across Scotland. Laing's international exposure came in 2005 with , a French-German co-production directed by , which premiered out of competition at the and earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Foreign Language Film. In this historical drama depicting the 1914 on the Western Front, Laing played William, a Scottish soldier and brother to the protagonist Lieutenant Gordon, whose early death underscores the film's anti-war message and the fragility of wartime bonds; critics praised the ensemble's authentic performances in highlighting cross-cultural solidarity amid . Later in his career, Laing took on more varied supporting roles in genre films. In 2013's Filth, a dark comedy directed by and based on Irvine Welsh's , he portrayed the Rent Boy, a fleeting but pivotal character in the hallucinatory descent of detective Bruce Robertson (), adding to the film's satirical take on corruption and depravity in Edinburgh's police force. His historical turn continued in 2018's , a Netflix-backed epic directed by David Mackenzie with a , where Laing appeared as the Bishop of in the ensemble led by as ; the production, filmed in , emphasized gritty and struggles. In 2021, Laing featured in the thriller A Violent Man, directed by , playing Senior Officer Martins in a story of prison violence and redemption starring ; this British independent film explores themes of estrangement and brutality within the correctional system. Throughout his film work, Laing has shown a preference for ensemble-driven narratives in period dramas and thrillers, often portraying authoritative or transient figures that complement his more prominent television roles, with selective projects allowing focus on character depth over lead status.

Radio

Robin Laing entered the realm of in the late , establishing himself through roles in dramatic productions on and . His professional radio debut occurred on August 21, 2008, in the BBC Radio 4 Afternoon Play Sex for Volunteers, a by Laura Marney and David Ramos Fernandes, where he portrayed Douglas, one of the ambulance volunteers navigating personal relationships and family dynamics. This early work marked the beginning of his contributions to original audio dramas, often centered on contemporary Scottish themes. In the following years, Laing took on varied dramatic roles that showcased his range in genres such as mystery and personal . On October 9, 2009, he played the lead role of Daniel in Daniel and Mary, a production by exploring the impacts of on family bonds. He followed this in 2010 with the part of John Osborne in A Nice Little Holiday, a on 4 adaptation depicting the behind-the-scenes tensions during a film production. These early appearances highlighted his ability to convey emotional depth through voice alone, particularly in intimate character studies. Laing's radio portfolio expanded into serialized mysteries and psychological thrillers during the 2010s. He starred as the Thomas Soutar in the series The Sensitive (2012–2013), a set of full-cast dramas investigating elements in Glasgow-based cases, with episodes like "Queen of the Dead" and "Terma" emphasizing his nuanced portrayal of a character grappling with extrasensory perceptions. In 2018, he appeared as David in the family-oriented The Truth About Hawaii, a 15 Minute Drama series by that upends the lives of a Scottish family through unexpected revelations. A standout later role came in 2020 as David, the grieving father accused of murder, in the seven-part Drama on 4 series This Thing of Darkness, an award-winning psychological exploration inspired by real work in prisons. Beyond acting, Laing has narrated numerous adaptations, demonstrating his versatility in audio . Notable examples include reading Julian Glover's Man of Iron: Thomas Telford and the Building of Britain (2017), which chronicles the engineer's role in the , and Oliver Morton's The Moon (2019 omnibus), blending , , and mythology in an intimate portrait of Earth's satellite. Recent narrations encompass Jesse Norman's What He Thought and Why It Matters (2023) on economist and Graeme Macrae Burnet's (2020), a coming-of-age tale infused with musical passion. Throughout his radio career spanning over 15 years, Laing has emphasized the medium's unique demands, including precise voice modulation to evoke settings and emotions without visual cues, and collaborative efforts with sound designers to craft immersive auditory experiences. His work in adaptations of and original dramas, often in historical or mystery contexts, underscores a sustained commitment to radio's intimate, repeatable format that allows for broad and repeated engagement.

References

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  2. https://www.scottish-places.info/people/famousfirst3589.html
  3. https://madhatterpress.cloud/robin-laing/
  4. https://tantor.com/narrator/robin-laing.html
  5. http://www.poorboy.co.uk/robin-laing
  6. https://www.nationalww2museum.org/sites/default/files/2022-08/BoB_Program_DIGITAL_web.pdf
  7. https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2006/oct/05/theatre1
  8. https://arthurmillersociety.net/2007-productions/
  9. https://www.theatricalia.com/play/aar/nova-scotia/production/n28
  10. https://www.theatrescotland.com/Scottish-theatre-reviews/What-We-Know-Ek-Performance-review.html
  11. https://www.theskinny.co.uk/theatre/shows/reviews/the-snow-queen-royal-lyceum
  12. https://www.heraldscotland.com/life_style/arts_ents/17530117.theatre-review-gaslight-perth-theatre-four-stars/
  13. https://www.tantor.com/narrator/robin-laing.html
  14. https://www.historynet.com/band-of-brothers-babe-heffron-robin-laing/
  15. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0338653/characters/nm0481927/
  16. https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/entertainment/tv-radio/river-city-cop-robin-laing-10064588
  17. https://www.leemorgan.biz/robin-laing/
  18. https://www.screen.scot/film-in-scotland/made-in-scotland/tv/only-child
  19. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0221838/fullcredits/
  20. https://www.festival-cannes.com/en/f/joyeux-noel/
  21. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1450321/fullcredits/
  22. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6679794/fullcredits/
  23. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt12708382/fullcredits/
  24. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/robin_laing
  25. https://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/proginfo/radio/wk34/thu.shtml
  26. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0481927/otherworks/
  27. https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00txj8j
  28. https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01pgh25
  29. https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b09ntd0h
  30. https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000gwn0
  31. https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b08bz7ht
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  34. https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000xzjp
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