by Democrat reporter
James Lacey had been working as a bricklayer on construction sites for 50 years when he found himself building the set of a BBC TV show.
In the early 2000s, with River City in the pipeline, James and his workmates began creating the exterior of Shieldinch’s houses and The Tall Ship pub.
The Scottish soap is now being scrapped after more than 20 years because it is no longer considered to be value for money. It will end next year.
But James, 67, from Dumbarton, who was diagnosed with cancer this year, is soon to appear in the drama as an extra – after his son, also called James, organised it as an early Christmas present.
During filming on the set in Dumbarton, James reminisced about his unusual work offer back in 2001.
“We got a phone call to come here,” he told BBC Scotland. “I didn’t know what it was going to be.
“It was very unusual and the only one [set] we’ve done.
“It feels strange coming back because I’ve seen it on the telly quite a few times but it’s different than when you remember it.”