Welcome to my world: Hamish Clark, actor

HAMISH CLARK charmed us as Duncan in Monarch of the Glen and prior to that was the cute face of the Vodafone ads. The Dundonian actor is currently fronting Historic Scotland's Make Your Own History campaign, which encourages families from across the country to experience Scotland's heritage with a six months free membership offer. For further information, visit www.6monthsfree.co.uk

Describe your perfect weekend Getting away from London and venturing back up to Scotland with friends and family. We just spend the days walking with the dogs across the fields, exploring and soaking up the heritage. If it's raining we'll come back and bundle up in the house and play Scrabble. It's a great way to spend the weekend.

What would you do if you ruled the world?

I would try and let nature take its course. I would want to live in harmony with nature because I abhor social engineering and everything that it entails.

What one thing would improve your life?

More sleep, I never get enough.

What's your guiltiest pleasure?

Expensive shoes – I do like my shoes.

When did you last feel sorry for yourself? This morning! I got up very early and went to the gym. I worked myself really hard and when I was getting the Tube home I felt exhausted. It was hot and I was tired and just wanted to go back to sleep. I felt very sorry for myself.

Would your mother be proud of you?

I hope so.

Who would you like to say sorry to? A lot of people. Anyone I've disappointed at some point. I can't think of one person in particular. I don't think I've offended anyone intentionally but if I have, I'm sorry.

What's the most you've ever spent on a purchase, apart from a car or property? My watch. My parents got me a watch for my 21st birthday and it broke a few years ago so I called my dad and said I was going to replace it with a Rolex.

What is your earliest memory?

I remember being in my pram with my granny pushing me along the riverside in Broughty Ferry. It was one of those old pushchairs with an oval shaped plastic window that I was looking through. I must have been around two or three at the time and I still remember it vividly. It always comes into my head when I think about my childhood.

What song is the theme tune to your life? A Hard Day's Night by the Beatles. I love the Beatles and the words to this song are so true. I like the fact it's about working hard but it's all worth it when you get home to your girl or family. That's what I think of life. I love working hard and then coming home and realising what it's all been for.

Who would play you in the movie of your life?

Me I hope.

What would you do if you were invisible?

I'd visit the Queen and go for a roam around Buckingham Palace. I'd love to know what goes on behind the scenes.

What do you remember better, your first car or first kiss? My first kiss. I was about 12 and it was one of the first mixed parties I went to in secondary school. It was one of those parties where the record player was in one room, food in another and everyone dancing and snogging in another. I wish I could go back to that.

If you didn't have your current career, what would you do?

I'd write or paint. I did English Literature at Edinburgh University and I still enjoy writing. If I didn't act I would probably have concentrated on that. I also love painting so I think I would do more of that too. I've always been a creative person.

What do you think of celebrity?

It's not a good thing. People used to be famous for their achievements, because they were good at something and worked hard at it. Now it's just to do with the media. It's nothing – just a distraction. I think it's like the Emperor's New Clothes, there's nothing really there. It just creates dissatisfaction in people.

What has been your greatest achievement?

My friends and family. You have to work at being friends with people and I'm lucky to be surrounded by a great bunch of friends and family. I love them and I'm very proud of them.