Perth actress hope to Scottish Variety Awards

Feb 5 2010 Perthshire Advertiser Friday

A SCREEN soap star from Perth is in contention for a top acting honour.

Fair City resident Lorna Craig who plays student Jennifer in BBC Scotland show River City, has been nominated for Best New Scottish Actor / Actress at the Scottish Variety Awards.

“I am so excited and honoured, I couldn’t believe it at first,” she told the PA yesterday.

It’s just lovely to be noticed for the work you do, no matter what career you have.”

While Ms Craig may be a new face to telly fans, she is no stranger to the stage.

After an onstage debut as a gymnastic toddler, Lorna turned her hand to acting at the age of 12, landing her first role in the Fair City Singers’s production of Alice in Wonderland.

By 16 she had turned professional, playing the lead character in children’s show Stacy Stone.

She went on to study acting at Glasgow’s Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama before landing her current part in the Scottish soap last March.

“It’s really down to my family that I am lucky enough to be in this position,” Lorna said.

“They have just been so supportive over the years and really encouraged me every step of the way.”

The winner – decided by an online public vote – will be announced at the award ceremony held in aid of Cash for Kids.

“It would be incredible to win because it is judged by the public and not a panel, it’s just such a different feeling,” added the Perth actress.

“There is something about it that is so special because people have taken the time to vote and must appreciate my work.”

Also in the running for best new-comer are Karen Gillan who played Amy in Doctor Who, Gary Tank Commander star Greg McHugh and Paul-James Corrigan.

The ceremony takes place on March 26 at Glasgow's Crowne Plaza.