Honestly, if you grew up in the early 2000s, Sunday nights probably sounded like a fiddle-heavy theme tune and looked like a mist-covered loch. Monarch of the Glen wasn't just a show. It was a mood. It was that "cozy cup of tea" television that made everyone want to pack a bag, move to the Scottish Highlands, and accidentally become a Laird.
But then the credits rolled for the last time in 2005. The actors scattered. Some went to Hollywood, some stayed in the theater, and one basically redefined British television from the director's chair.
If you're wondering where the Monarch of the Glen cast ended up by 2026, the answer is a wild mix of high-stakes drama and quiet Highland legacies.
The Laird Who Left: Alastair Mackenzie
Alastair Mackenzie, our beloved Archie MacDonald, had a bit of a complicated relationship with the show. He was the heart of it for five seasons, playing the reluctant restaurateur-turned-Laird. But let's be real—playing the "straight man" to a house full of eccentrics is exhausting.
Mackenzie didn't want to be Archie forever.
He jumped ship to explore darker territory. You’ve likely spotted him in Black Mirror or the gritty ITV thriller The Loch. He even popped up in the Star Wars universe (playing Simon Casian in Andor). By 2026, he’s solidified himself as one of those "I know that guy!" actors who brings a certain gravitas to everything he touches. He’s moved far beyond the tweed jackets of Glenbogle, though fans still see him and think of the bridge at Ardverikie.
Dawn Steele and the Lexie Legacy
Lexie McTavish was the firecracker of the kitchen. Dawn Steele played her with such a raw, "feisty-but-vulnerable" energy that she became the show's breakout star.
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Steele has been incredibly honest about her time on the show. She once admitted she felt she’d "done it all" with Lexie—marriage, becoming a Lady, the works.
Since leaving the Glen, she’s been a staple of Scottish TV. If you haven't seen her in River City or Wild at Heart, you're missing out. In the 2020s, she’s remained a powerhouse in the UK acting scene. She’s often talked about how the Monarch of the Glen cast felt like a real family because they were essentially stranded together in the Highlands during filming. They’d have bonfires and play snooker late into the night. That chemistry wasn't faked.
The Unexpected Rise of Martin Compston
This is the one that always catches people off guard.
Back in Season 5, a young guy named Ewan Brodie joined the estate staff. He was played by Martin Compston. At the time, he was just a promising Scottish actor.
Fast forward to now. Compston is a massive star.
As Steve Arnott in Line of Duty, he became the face of British police procedurals. It’s funny to look back at him in his Glenbogle days—looking young and slightly out of his depth—knowing he’d eventually be leading some of the highest-rated dramas in BBC history. He’s arguably the most "successful" alum in terms of raw viewership numbers.
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The Legends: Richard Briers and Susan Hampshire
We have to talk about the parents.
Richard Briers, who played the wonderfully stubborn Hector, was already a legend when he joined the show. His death in 2013 was a huge blow to the fans and the former Monarch of the Glen cast. He brought a Shakespearean weight to a comedy-drama, making Hector's eventual (and explosive) exit one of the most memorable moments in TV history.
Susan Hampshire (Molly MacDonald) is still the epitome of grace.
Molly was the glue of the estate. Hampshire, now in her 80s, has largely stepped back from the grueling schedule of series television, but her legacy as the ultimate Highland matriarch is untouched. Interestingly, she used to have her food sent up from London because she wasn't a fan of the local Scottish fare during filming. A very Molly MacDonald move, if you ask me.
The Supporting Players We Can't Forget
The show worked because the world felt full.
- Alexander Morton (Golly): The ultimate Ghillie. Morton has kept busy with voice work (you might recognize him from The Witcher games) and appearances in Shetland.
- Hamish Clark (Duncan): The hapless Duncan was the comic relief we all needed. Clark actually moved to the US for a while, even appearing in an episode of Arrested Development.
- Julian Fellowes (Lord Kilwillie): Yes, that Julian Fellowes. Before he created Downton Abbey and became an Oscar-winning screenwriter, he was Archie's eccentric neighbor. It’s wild to think the man who defined modern period drama spent years bickering over a barrel of whiskey on a Scottish loch.
Visiting Glenbogle in 2026
If you’re looking for a bit of a pilgrimage, the "real" Glenbogle is Ardverikie Estate.
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It’s still there. It’s still stunning.
While the show stopped filming decades ago, the estate has stayed busy. It’s been a stand-in for Balmoral in The Crown and featured in the Bond film No Time to Die. You can actually stay in the cottages on the estate. Walking across that sand by Loch Laggan, you can almost hear Golly grumbling about the deer count.
Making Your Own Highland Connection
If the nostalgia is hitting hard, here is how you can actually engage with the world of the Monarch of the Glen cast today:
- Watch the "Transition" Seasons: Most people love the Archie era (Seasons 1-5), but if you haven't seen the Paul Bowman (Lloyd Owen) years, give them a chance. It’s a different show, but it has its own charm.
- Follow the New Projects: Keep an eye on Martin Compston’s latest thrillers or Dawn Steele’s theater work. They often speak fondly of their "Highland apprenticeship."
- Visit Newtonmore: The Highland Folk Museum and Broomhill Station (Glenbogle Station) are still active tourist spots. You can see the original props if you look closely.
The show was a product of its time—a gentler, slower era of television. But the cast? They’ve proven that Glenbogle was just the starting line for some of the best talent in the business.
To dive deeper into the filming history, check out the official Ardverikie Estate archives for behind-the-scenes photos that haven't made it to the main tabloids yet. Experience the Highlands for yourself by booking a stay at one of the estate's original gatehouses, which still look exactly as they did in the series opener.