For many alumni, success comes in expected forms. For Andy McAlindon, it came wrapped in tartan, steeped in heritage, and broadcast to over a million followers across the globe.
A proud member of the Class of 1996, Andy left St Columba’s at the end of SIV to pursue Sports Studies at Langside College. During his time at school, he was a standout athlete, becoming the School Athletics Champion in 1994. Remarkably, Andy still holds the school long jump records for Under 14, 15, and 16 age groups, as well as the triple jump records for Under 14 through to Under 17—a testament to his talent and dedication.
After college, Andy joined his dad in the family building business and trained as an electrician. He ended up running his own business while still helping out with the family firm. Acting and social media weren’t even on the radar at that point.
Then came a big turning point—his dad, Paddy, sadly passed away suddenly at the age of 58. It hit Andy hard. A school friend suggested joining the Kilmacolm Amateur Dramatics Society to help cope with the grief. That advice changed everything. Andy discovered that being on stage—stepping into someone else’s shoes—was a powerful way to deal with the loss. He found comfort and healing in acting, and with the flexibility of self-employment, he kept up both his electrical work and his time on stage.
For about ten years, Andy balanced his electrical work with amateur acting. Then came the call that changed everything: a role as an extra on Outlander, a television drama based on the historical time-travelling book series of the same name by Diana Gabaldon. He first appeared in season two, episode eight, and would go on to pop up in seasons three, five, six, and even the Outlander prequel. The experience opened his eyes to Scotland’s rich history—and how much people around the world were falling in love with it through the show.
This realisation led to the creation of Highlander Tours; a bespoke travel experience he launched with his wife Ana. Donning a traditional kilt, Andy now guides visitors through some of Scotland’s most iconic and historic locations, bringing the country’s legends and landscapes to life.
These days, Andy—better known online as “Andy the Highlander”—shares his love of Scotland with the world through videos, stories, and travel tips to over 1 million followers on social media. His content reaches people across the globe, especially those with Scottish roots who feel a deep emotional connection to the land. “It’s not just about locations,” Andy says. “It’s about sharing a wee bit of Scotland and that sense of belonging.”
Andy’s success on social media has been a family affair—his younger brother Sean (Class of 2010), who works with businesses to help them grow online, was delighted to have Andy as his very first client! When Sean started making videos with Andy, he had 20,000 followers on Facebook and together the brothers have managed to grow that audience to over a million in just over two years!
In 2024, Andy partnered with his long-time friend Lilly Hurd to publish Lochs and Legends: A Scotsman’s Guide to the Heart of Scotland. The book is both a travel companion and a heartfelt tribute to Scotland, designed for those planning to visit—and those who dream of doing so one day.
Andy’s journey has taken him far beyond the Highlands. He’s travelled to the United States to attend the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games in North Carolina—the largest Highland Games in the world—and the annual Tartan Day Parade in New York. He’s also made time to connect with Scotland’s legacy abroad, including a visit to the John Muir National Monument in California.
Reflecting on how far he’s come, Andy says:
“It has never been easy, but if you’re passionate and work harder than anyone else, you can achieve great things.”
Andy’s story is a powerful example of how strength, creativity, and community can lead to unexpected and extraordinary paths. His legacy, rooted in the values he first nurtured at St Columba’s, continues to inspire people across Scotland and far beyond.
Follow Andy’s journey here:
