Take The High Road actress Mary Riggans dies aged 78
Scottish actress Mary Riggans has died at the age of 78.
Like Suzie, Mary was a kind and giving woman who took on the role of nurturing young talent,” – Balamory producer Yvonne Jennings
Riggans was best known for her long-running role of Effie Macinnes in STV’s Take The High Road, however later found fame amongst the younger generation as Balamory‘s Suzie Sweet (pictured above).
The actress passed away peacefully on Monday with her daughter by her side, according to a family statement. She had suffered a stroke in 2012 and had been slowly recovering since the incident. Riggans other acting credits include BBC One Scotland comedy Still Game and STV’s crime drama Taggart.
The actress began her acting career, aged 10, in 1946, when she was hired to read a script for radio. This voice over part lead to further radio, television and theatre work. In 1993 she won a Sony award for her performance as Jean Armour in the beeb’s radio play Till A’ the Seas Run Dry. She however will be best remembered for her role as village gossip Effie in Take The High Road which ran on ITV in the 1980s and was still screened in Scotland, as High Road, until 2003.
“She was an extremely professional actress with impeccable comedy timing. She’ll be sadly missed by many.” – Balamory producer Yvonne Jennings
