MUCH-LOVED SCOTS CHILDREN'S ENTERTAINER GLEN MICHAEL DIES AGED 99

Much loved children’s entertainer Glen Michael has died aged 99.

Michael is best remembered for his record-breaking run of shows, which he wrote and presented on STV for 26 years. Cartoon Cavalcade, which was first broadcast in 1966, made him a household name with Scottish audiences.

Michael died peacefully on Wednesday evening at his home in Maidens, South Ayrshire, following a short illness. Born Cecil Buckland in Devon in 1926, he took inspiration for his stage name from his love for the band leader, Glen Millar.

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His career began on stage, performing for British troops alongside his wife, Beryl, during the war – before he joined the RAF himself.

Michael went on to perform alongside variety stars including Ricki Fulton and Jack Milroy, joining the pair on their television show and he went to appear in many of STV’s programmes and dramas.

Hollywood came calling when Scottish comic book writer Mark Millar asked Michael to take on a cameo role for the 2010 film adaptation of Kick Ass.

The part fell foul of the director’s cut and didn’t make the final edit - but Michael attended the premiere and said the experience made him feel like a real star.

Bobby Hain, Managing Director of Audience, at STV said: “We are deeply saddened to hear that Glen Michael has passed away. Glen was a wonderful performer and personality, and we know that many viewers will have very fond memories of him.

"He was an STV legend, with Glen Michael’s Cavalcade a particular favourite for children across Scotland during its 26-year run. Our thoughts are with his family at this time, and we send them our deepest condolences."

Generations of Scots grew up with Michael who fronted Cartoon Cavalcade every Sunday on STV from 1966 to 1992. Guests on his show included Slick, the pop group with Midge Ure in his early career.

Michael worked with many big names in show business during his long career on stage, radio and TV including Jack Milroy, Rikki Fulton, Stanley Baxter, Jimmy Logan, Billy Connolly, Alan Cumming, Phil McCall, Duncan McCrae, Una McLean, Craig Ferguson and Johnnie Beattie

He was also one of the original presenters on Radio Clyde in 1974.

Michael passed away at his cottage his Ayrshire, where he lived alone since the loss of wife Beryl a decade ago.

A month before his death he was still driving at 99 and had just completed a video as ambassador for Erskine supporting the service Veterans charity. He also supported AgeUK with their charitable work.

He leaves behind his two adult children, former journalist Yonnie, 74, who is now a guide at King Charles’s Dumfries House, and award-winning film editor son Chris Buckland, 66, who has worked on high profile shows including Outlander.

Funeral plans are still to be decided. The family have sent their heartfelt thanks to all the medical professionals for his care and his at home carers who they said "were simply amazing".

2025-07-10T11:23:45Z