If you’ve ever had the displeasure of hearing a terrible Scottish accent while watching a film or catching up on a television series, then you know how much it can ruin your viewing experience.
In many instances, it is almost immediately noticeable when a Scottish character is being played by an actor from elsewhere.
From Mel Gibson’s famously terrible Braveheart accent to James Doohan’s disastrous attempt in Star Trek, it can sometimes feel as though there are only overwhelmingly awful Scottish accents in film and TV.
Thankfully, this isn’t the truth. While the ideal scenario would see Scottish actors taking on Scottish roles, there are some performances which leave audiences surprised to learn that the person they were watching on screen wasn’t from Scotland to begin with.
Classic examples of this include Jonny Lee Miller, Emma Thompson and Celia Imrie, each of whom boast almost perfect Scottish accents.
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However, more recent performances from actors such as Jack O’Connell in 28 Years Later or Jessica Gunning in Baby Reindeer, have significantly increased the number of good Scottish accents popping up in film and TV.
So without further ado, here are 23 of the best Scottish accents by non-native actors – including Robert Aramayo in I Swear.
1. Robert Aramayo in I Swear
Telling the real story of Scottish Tourette's campaigner John Davidson, I Swear has been nominated for several awards at the 2026 BAFTAs – though it may surprise some to learn that the film’s lead actor Robert Aramayo isn’t actually Scottish. A challenging role already due to the nature of Tourette’s Syndrome, Aramayo spent a few months with Davidson in Galashiels, getting to know the man as well as understanding the very specific accent. | One Story High/Tempo Productions, I Swear/Graeme Hunter
2. Jack O’Connell in 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple
Jack O’Connell is already fairly well known for picking up accents, and he once again succeeds in 28 Years Later and its sequel The Bone Temple. He plays Scottish Satanic cult leader Sir Lord Jimmy Crystal who, alongside his gang of “Jimmies”, traverses the post-apocalyptic wasteland that is the UK. His accent, while sometimes leaning into Irish, takes its cues from Scottish actor Sandy Batchelor who played his father as well as the actor who played young Jimmy. | Sony Pictures Entertainment
3. Paul Mescal in Aftersun
Since his breakthrough role in Normal People in 2020, Irish actor Paul Mescal has been everywhere on our screens. From playing Shakespeare in Hamnet to becoming a warrior in Gladiator II, one of his other notable roles came in Aftersun. Directed by Scottish filmmaker Charlotte Wells, Mescal stars in the critically acclaimed drama as Calum Patterson, a dad taking his daughter on holiday with his Edinburgh accent highlighted as being particularly good. | Sarah Makharine / Mubi
4. Saoirse Ronan in The Outrun and Mary Queen of Scots
Irish actress Saoirse Ronan most recently appeared on screen with a Scottish accent in The Outrun, a drama which follows a young woman who returns home to the Orkney Islands after being released from rehab. Based on the memoir by Amy Liprot, Ronan earned a Scottish BAFTA for best actress for her role in this film, with many appreciating her accent work. Of course, Ronan also appeared as Mary Stuart in 2018 drama Mary Queen of Scots, where she also uses a Scottish accent. Like many stars on this list, Ronan appears to benefit from having Scottish family members, such as her husband Jack Lowden. | StudioCanal. All Rights Reserved