An Edinburgh Fringe play charted a whisky-maker’s rocky journey from humble beginnings to renowned success – just like one of its stars
Lachlan’s mum describes her son as “very dyslexic” and finding school a continual struggle. But he’s flourished as a young actor in a play that made it to the Fringe this summer.
Grants of Glen Grant is a heart-warming musical play that tells the true story of the Grant family of Rothes, the innovative founders of the world-renowned Glen Grant distillery, which grew from illicit beginnings to global recognition.
The play is performed by the Pluscarden Players, an amateur dramatics theatre group in Moray.
Since being involved with the group, Lachlan has grown in confidence, experience and skills. He only had to overcome one hurdle to get there: learning lines. Mum Sharon said, “Reading and remembering is really hard for Lachlan, but his drive for being involved in the play really motivated him.”
Sharon read Lachlan’s lines over and over to him until they stuck in his mind. Now he’s confidently performing alongside fellow actors in the popular stage show.
Alongside help memorising the script, there has been one other key factor in Lachlan’s success: encouragement from the adults he’s working with in the play.
Reflecting on her son’s starry journey this summer, Sharon says, “Lachlan has learned that nothing can stop him doing what he wants to do – drive, determination and kindness from others just make the difference.”
The starry-eyed family hope that Lachlan’s story encourages other young people with dyslexia to try new experiences.