In a heartwarming festive surprise, acclaimed actor Ewan McGregor made an unexpected appearance at the G20 Youth Project's annual Christmas party in his native Scotland this Sunday.
A Star-Studded Surprise in Maryhill
The Perth-born star, 54, was in great spirits as he mingled with families at the community bash in Maryhill. The event was filled with festive music and a traditional turkey dinner with all the trimmings. McGregor fully embraced the jovial atmosphere, first wearing a beanie hat adorned with the charity's logo before swapping it for a playful Grinch head popper for photos with delighted and stunned attendees.
The charity, which provides support for the local Maryhill community and helps young people access 'nature and adventure', was also buoyed by messages from other famous faces. Actors including Dougary Scott and Ray Winstone sent video messages wishing guests a Merry Christmas. Scottish stars from the BBC sitcom Two Doors Down, Jonathan Watson and Grado, also sent their best festive wishes, alongside video messages from the cast of BBC's Casualty and comedian Greg Hemphill.
Celebrating Community and Scottish Roots
Taking to Instagram after the event, the G20 Youth Project shared joyful snaps from the party. Their caption read: 'Absolute belter of an evening with our community thanks to the wonderful, big hearted @guyforallseasons who cooked a delicious meal and rounded up support for our project.' They added, 'What a surprise to be joined by @officialewanmcgregor_... memories that will last forever #gratitude.'
McGregor's commitment to his Scottish roots has been prominently displayed recently. Just last month, he was honoured with the Outstanding Contribution Award at the Scottish BAFTA ceremony in Glasgow. Attending with his wife, actress Mary Elizabeth Winstead, he paid a touching tribute to her during his acceptance speech, jokingly calling for more films they could star in together.
Building a Life in Perthshire
The couple, who first met on the set of Fargo in 2016, have firmly planted their roots in Scotland. They now live with their four-year-old son, Laurie, in a renovated 18th-century mansion in Perthshire, close to where McGregor grew up in Crieff. Land Registry documents show the actor purchased the ten-bedroom property for £2.35 million in May 2023.
Mary Elizabeth Winstead, currently filming the second series of Ahsoka, recently opened up about their life there, describing it as 'heaven'. She said, 'Just being at our house and cooking... picking apples and being outside and being in nature... it’s just perfect.' This down-to-earth existence contrasts with McGregor's global fame, highlighting the value he places on home, community, and charitable support, as perfectly demonstrated by his surprise visit to the G20 Youth Project's festive celebration.
