It’s been over twenty years since we first saw Archie MacDonald dragging his heels back to a crumbling estate in the Highlands. Honestly, for many of us, Glenbogle wasn't just a fictional setting; it was a Sunday night ritual. The misty lochs, the eccentric parents, and that persistent smell of damp tweed—it felt like home. But when the cameras stopped rolling in 2005, the monarch of glen cast didn't just vanish into the Scottish mist. They scattered.
Some went to Hollywood. Others quite literally became Lords. A few, sadly, we’ve lost along the way. If you’ve ever wondered why Archie suddenly disappeared or how a young kitchen hand ended up in Line of Duty, you're in the right place.
The Young Laird: Alastair Mackenzie
Alastair Mackenzie was the heart of the show as Archie. He was the "modern" guy stuck in a world of ancient tradition. You might remember the drama when he left after Season 5. Fans were gutted. Mackenzie basically felt he’d done all he could with the character. He didn't want to be "Archie from the Glen" forever.
Since leaving the estate, he’s been incredibly busy, though often in roles that couldn't be further from a Highland laird. He popped up in Skins, Black Mirror, and even the Star Wars universe. Yeah, you heard that right. Mackenzie plays Perrin Fertha in Andor. Seeing him in a high-stakes sci-fi political thriller is a bit of a trip if you’re used to seeing him argue about roof repairs with his dad. He’s also starred in Unforgotten and The Crown. He’s a chameleon, really.
📖 Related: America's Next Top Model Cycle 7: What Most People Get Wrong
The Old Guard: Richard Briers and Susan Hampshire
You can’t talk about the monarch of glen cast without the legendary Richard Briers. As Hector, he was the quintessential stubborn patriarch. Briers was already a national treasure because of The Good Life, but Hector gave him a chance to be wonderfully cantankerous.
Sadly, Richard Briers passed away in 2013. He remains one of the most beloved figures in British TV history. His departure from the show in Season 3—the infamous "bridge explosion" incident—was a massive turning point. It shifted the tone of the whole series.
✨ Don't miss: Why South Park as teenagers still hasn't happened yet (and why fans are obsessed with it anyway)
Then there’s Susan Hampshire, who played Molly. She stayed until the very end. Hampshire is a three-time Emmy winner and brought a massive amount of grace to the show. In 2026, she remains a powerhouse of the stage and a tireless advocate for dyslexia awareness. She’s written several books and, funnily enough, is an avid gardener. Sorta like Molly, just with less drama and fewer bankrupt castles to worry about.
The Success Stories You Probably Missed
Did you realize that a future AC-12 officer got his start in Glenbogle? Martin Compston played Ewan Brodie, the cheeky, somewhat wayward youth.
- Martin Compston: Before he was Steve Arnott in Line of Duty, he was just Ewan. He’s arguably the biggest breakout star from the later seasons.
- Julian Fellowes: He played the recurring role of Lord Kilwillie. You know, Archie’s dad’s rival? Fellowes went on to create a little show called Downton Abbey. He literally became a Peer of the Realm. Talk about life imitating art.
- Dawn Steele: Lexie was the soul of the kitchen. Steele moved on to Wild at Heart and Holby City. She’s still a staple of UK television, most recently seen in Shetland.
The Paul Bowman Era
When Archie left, the show needed a new lead. Enter Lloyd Owen as Paul Bowman, Archie’s long-lost half-brother. It was a tough transition for some fans. Replacing a lead is always risky.
Owen did a solid job, though. He brought a different, slightly darker energy to the MacDonald name. Like Mackenzie, he eventually found his way into massive franchises. If you’re a fan of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, you’ve seen him as Elendil. It’s a massive role, and he carries it with that same "weary leader" vibe he perfected in the Highlands.
Where to find them today
If you’re looking to catch up with the monarch of glen cast in 2026, you’ve got options. Many of them are still very active in the British acting circuit. Alexander Morton (Golly) is still working in Scottish theatre and TV, having appeared in Vigil and Luther. Hamish Clark (Duncan) has done everything from Arrested Development to stage plays.
The legacy of the show persists because it captured a specific type of warmth. It wasn't just about the scenery; it was about the chemistry of people who genuinely felt like a family—flaws, feuds, and all.
✨ Don't miss: William Hartnell: The Grumpy, Brilliant, and Slightly Dangerous Reality of the First Doctor Who
Taking Action: Your Glenbogle Reunion
If this trip down memory lane has you wanting more, here’s what you should do:
- Watch the Finale Again: Season 7, Episode 6 is a tear-jerker. It features a cameo from Richard Briers (as a ghost/vision) and brings the whole story full circle.
- Visit the Real Glenbogle: The show was filmed at Ardverikie House in Kinlochlaggan. You can actually stay on the estate in various cottages. It’s the best way to feel the "Monarch" vibes for yourself.
- Follow the New Projects: Check out Andor for Alastair Mackenzie or The Rings of Power for Lloyd Owen. It’s wild to see the MacDonald boys in such different worlds.
The show might be over, but the cast has proven there is plenty of life after the Highlands.