Scotch and Wry actor celebrated in BBC documentary

Although there were a number of writers working on Scotch and Wry, including some based in London, they tended to concentrate on Scottish interests and often parodied programmes like Taggart, the Beechgrove Garden and Late Call.

The latter – a late night sermon shown nightly on Scottish Television – provided inspiration for one of the show’s most enduring characters, the Reverend IM Jolly.

Jolly was just one of a number of clergymen Fulton created who ended each programme with a spoof sermon called Last Call.

The sketches were originally criticised by the Church of Scotland but Fulton contended they sent up the original TV programmes, rather than the church.

“Although a lot of Church of Scotland ministers, with the greatest respect, tend to be less than joyful in presenting the gospel,” he said at the time.

A confirmed atheist, he turned to the church when he retired from acting.

Rev Alastair Symington, of New Kilpatrick Church in Bearsden, recalls seeing a familiar face in his congregation one Sunday.

“There he was, sitting in a pew and of course I saw Rev IM Jolly, which was slightly unnerving.”

The two became friends and met up regularly to discuss life, faith, family and dogs.