Karen Gillan on Missing Scotland’s Food, People and Dark Humour

Published: 23 February 2026 . The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online

Hollywood star Karen Gillan has opened up about the aspects of her native Scotland she misses most while living and working in the United States — especially the people, the dark humour and the comfort of familiar local food. In a heartfelt interview, the Inverness‑born actor said that despite her success in Hollywood, she is always “wanting to come home” to the Highlands, where the rhythms of community life and the atmosphere of her homeland hold a special place in her heart.

Gillan, now 38 and based in Los Angeles with her husband Nick Kocher and their young daughter, told the Press Association that the first thing she does when returning to Scotland is seek out a plate of black pudding and scrambled egg — a traditional hearty Scottish breakfast she calls “the perfect start.”

But it’s not just the cuisine that draws her back. Gillan said she misses the unique humour of Scottish people — especially the signature dark humour in the face of adversity, which she finds irreplaceable and particularly linked to the character of her compatriots. She described the friendly, grounded atmosphere of her homeland as something she feels as soon as she arrives, and which she tries to revisit whenever work permits.

She also spoke warmly of her favourite local haunts, including the Eden Court Theatre in Inverness, where she first discovered her passion for acting as a youngster. Revisiting those familiar places and bumping into old friends on her visits is what truly makes Scotland feel like “home” — a sentiment that resonates with fans of the award‑winning actress and filmmaker.

Gillan’s reflections come as she continues to balance a thriving international career — including roles in upcoming projects such as a Highlander reboot set to shoot in the Scottish Highlands — with her family life. She says the prospect of working in Scotland again is a “dream come true,” as it allows her to blend the place she loves with the work she’s passionate about.

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