Inside Shetland's Steven Robertson's life off-screen from family life to link to hit drama

Shetland fans have been enjoying yet another captivating season with some familiar faces, not least DC Sandy Wilson, portrayed by actor Steven Robertson.

The show has seen a notable change since DI Jimmy Perez, played by Douglas Henshall, departed and DI Ruth Calder, acted by Ashley Jensen, took the helm in 2022.

While Ruth Calder has been impressing audiences and easing the transition for faithful followers of the drama, it's stalwarts like DC Sandy Wilson, who has been part of Shetland since its inception, that continue to draw viewers in.

Behind the scenes, fans are just as intrigued by Steven Robertson's own story, particularly given his unique background which ties him to the very heart of the Shetland community he so adeptly represents on screen.

Unusual first job

Indeed, Steven doesn't just play a part in bringing the remote Scottish locale to life; he actually hails from the northeast mainland of the Shetland Islands himself.

His formative years were deeply rooted in the pastoral life of the islands, something he reflected on in a 2018 interview with The Herald, nostalgically stating: "We had sheep and I had my own sheep from a young age which is something I have missed all the years I have been away.

"When I get home, especially if it is during the summer, I like to shear some sheep again."

Underlining a connection to his upbringing that remains strong despite his successful acting career.

Not everyone knows that Steven's pre-acting life was a far cry from the glowing lights of television and film sets.

Previously reflecting on his earlier years, he mentioned: "From when I was a little child I was lambing sheep and calving kye.

"After I left school my first job was as a dairyman. I milked cows and used to work summers on my uncle's farm.

"I'm very attached to the land in Shetland. All of that comes from my childhood."

Acting career

The Shetland star honed his craft at the prestigious Guildhall School of Music and Drama, before making his big-screen debut alongside James McAvoy in the 2004 film Inside I'm Dancing.

He has since appeared in a string of critically acclaimed shows and movies, including Shameless, Ripper Street, The Bletchley Circle, Doctor Who, and The Bay.

Notable roles include his portrayals of Robert Oswald in the period drama Harlots, Dominic Rook in Being Human, and Mark Bradwell in The Bay.

Personal life

It was during his time at drama school that Steven met his future wife, Charlotte Allam, a fellow student.

Although the couple keeps their relationship private, they are known to reside in Hertfordshire with their young daughter.

In a 2013 interview with The Belfast Telegraph, Steven expressed his gratitude for his training, saying: "I got proper acting training, met Charlotte and made a living out of what I really like doing, I'm positive because I feel very lucky."

Shetland roots

The BBC drama often films in the area where Steven grew up, with one notable location being a family home.

In an interview with The Herald, he revealed: "In series two we filmed on my aunt and uncle's farm on Muckle Roe.

"That was really surreal. It felt like art imitating life. I thought it was very brave of them to let a film crew use the farm, but they seemed to really enjoy it."

Shetland season nine continues every Wednesday at 9pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.