Veteran Scottish actor Ian Bannen was killed in a car crash yesterday. Bannen, 71, died after the car his wife was driving lost control at a blackspot near Loch Ness. Wife Marilyn, 53, escaped with injuries. The actor was taking a break from filming a biography of Frank Sinatra called Strictly Sinatra.
Bannen's career began on the Dublin stage, before he moved into movies and television, working on over 70 projects over the years. His recent triumphs include Waking Ned (pictured right), Ghandi, Gorky Park, Hope & Glory and Braveheart. He is also remembered in the UK for his portrayal of Dr Finlay in the successful TV series. Ian Bannen 1928-1999