AS ONE of Scotland’s leading authorities on whisky, it is not unusual for Charles MacLean to be called upon by film makers making movies involving malt to give them the benefit of his expertise. However, when he was asked to be a consultant on renowned director Ken Loach’s latest film The Angels’ Share, MacLean’s knowledge and experience propelled him from behind the scenes to an acting role.

A bittersweet comedy set in Scotland, The Angels’ Share tells the story of Robbie, a Glasgow boy locked in a family feud who has become a father for the first time and is looking for a way out. While serving a community service order, he meets three other lost souls who turn to an extremely rare and expensive malt whisky as a way to escape a life of poverty. MacLean, 60, is cast in the role for which he has had many years’ preparation: that of a whisky expert, dispensing advice and wisdom on the Water of Life.