Dougray Scott in Focus:  Articles and Interviews

FOR spin doctor, read swing doctor. Charlie Whelan, the chancellor's former press guru, has turned his hand to doctoring golf swings.

The writer and broadcaster is to host a chat show which cuts through the rough and gets to the nitty-gritty - on the golf course.

Whelan Around will feature leading Scots guests in "some naff clothes and roaring trousers", chatting and playing golf on six of the country's most spectacular courses.

Lined up to play around with Mr Whelan, whose handicap is said to be his golf clubs, are Dougray Scott, the actor; John Leslie, TV presenter; David McLetchie, Scots Tory leader; Craig Brown, former Scotland coach; Rhona Cameron, the comedienne; and Stephen Hendry, the snooker star.

While Mr Whelan is trying to extract juicy pieces of gossip from his guests, golf professional Alan Tait will be working on the hooks and slices.

It is a par five distance away from Downing Street. Mr Whelan said: "I don't know any English MPs who play golf. Tony Blair tried to play once against Bill Clinton but Clinton was not impressed.

"David McLetchie was not bothered about missing a day at the Scottish Parliament. MPs should chill out and come and play with us."

However, it does not stop Mr Whelan playing a joke on Mr McLetchie by replacing his ball with a chalk one which explodes on impact. Craig Brown is advised to watch he doesn't twist his back because he is "getting on in years".

The experts of spin and swing ply their wares over the Monarch course at Gleneagles, Royal Dornoch, Boat of Garten, Belleisle in Ayrshire, the Glen at North Berwick and Carnoustie.

In programme one, to be screened on Scottish Television and Grampian Television on January 4, it is the turn of the man who wants to become the next James Bond. Dougray Scott talks openly about the snogs of his life, including actress Kathy Burke and Kate Winslet.

Scott also shows he is handy with a golf club. He does not have a handicap, but Mr Tait - the head professional at Cumbernauld's Westerwood Hotel - reckons he could become a low-handicap swinger.

Henry Eagles, the executive producer, said: "The programmes give us a fascinating insight into some very successful Scottish celebrities. It is a unique format and it is obvious Charlie's guests enjoyed their golf and the banter."

©2001 smg newspapers ltd

- Thanks to my pal Marla of Admiring Kate for the find!