New family set for Shieldinch

River City’s newest additions sees Stephen McCole (The Wee Man, High Times, Merlin) play father Alan Lindsay, a local builder driven by success; Scott Fletcher (Gary Tank Commander, Blackwatch) as his thrill-seeking son Angus; and Bobby Rainsbury (Filth) as Alan’s troubled teenager daughter, Kirsty.

Alan Lindsay runs his business as he runs his family – with a strong hand and an emphasis on discipline. Estranged from his wife, Alan has all the family he needs in son Angus and daughter Kirsty. But while his son brings great joy, his teenage daughter merely leaves him bemused.

Charming but irresponsible, Angus likes to live life in the fast lane. A trained mechanic, Angus loves fast cars and his arrival in Shieldinch will see him form an unlikely, and potentially risky, friendship with garage owner Bob Adams (Stephen Purdon).

A fresh start in Shieldinch is the last thing 15-year-old Kirsty Lindsay wants. Smarting from her parents’ recent split, Kirsty arrives feeling emotionally insecure, withdrawn and headed for self-destruction.

Stephen McCole will be the first to join the cast of River City on screen at the end of April. Scott and Bobby make their River City debuts in May this year.

Stephen McCole, who plays head of the Lindsay family, Alan, is delighted to be joining the cast of Scotland’s weekly drama: “My wee mum is a huge River City fan so needless to say she is well chuffed I've signed up.

“Alan is a real family man holding his work and family life together the best way he knows how. He has a temper but is a good guy doing the best for his kids, who do their best to keep him on his toes. He doesn't suffer fools which should be a lot of fun to play.

"Joining River City is gonna be a blast. I get to work with some really great friends of mine and come into the show alongside some cracking actors.”

For Scott Fletcher, joining River City is a family affair as his brother, Ryan, played bad boy Vader in the early years of the drama: "I'm delighted to be joining the cast at this exciting time for the show, and thrilled to joining alongside some brilliant actors. Ryan loved his time on River City so I know I will too. I'm really looking forward to filming starting and can't wait to see what the future holds for the Linsday family."

Bobby Rainsbury, who plays rebellious teenager Kirsty Lindsay adds: ‘I’m really excited to be joining such a great cast. I’m looking forward to playing a dynamic and complicated character who will no doubt be facing a lot of challenges over the course of the next few months!"

Talking of the new River City castings, Series Producer, Donald MacKinnon says: “I’m thrilled to welcome Stephen, Scott and Bobby to our River City team. This is meant to be a new start for the Lindsay family but they’ll soon discover that trouble will come calling for each of them in very different ways. And the residents of Shieldinch will quickly become embroiled in their new neighbours’ dramas – whether they want to or not.”