Outlander star Gary Lamont has paid a touching tribute to the teacher who changed his life.
The 35-year-old actor credited Ruth Stevenson as his inspiration while at Glasgow 's Castlemilk High School.
In an emotional Instagram post, he told of hearing how the former head of performing arts had died this morning.
Gary wrote: "My wonderful teacher from school sadly passed away this morning.
"I won’t lie, I cried my eyes out. Mrs Ruth Stevenson OBE changed the course of my life."
Gary posted a photo of Ruth collecting her Lifetime Achievement prize at the Scottish Education Awards last year from education secretary John Swinney.
He added: "In the early 00’s, wee boys from Castlemilk didn’t go to drama school to get an acting degree, but Ruth stared me down and told me it would be difficult and competitive, but that I was as good as anyone else applying and to go and make her proud.
"Ruth changed my life and the lives of countless students before and after me. I’ll be eternally grateful to you, Ruth. It was an honour to know you. I promise to keep doing you proud, always."
Inspirational Ruth broke down when she spoke of her breast cancer battle as she picked up the prestigious gong last year.
She won for the difference she made to young people’s lives in 28 years at the school.
She said: “I am absolutely elated. I didn’t allow myself to get built up for this because I’m waiting on results from my scan at the moment.
