I come more to Scotland than I ever used to, so I feel more connected to it, more part of the zeitgeist. You know when you realize you have a choice and I'm choosing my homeland. It's funny: when you get older these things creep up to you.

Actors aren't stupid, mostly, and if there's a sensibility and an aesthetic that a director's going for, if you're aware of that too, you can do things to help that.

I'm not a fan of Twitter.

I don't feel I'm a compulsive person. I multitask. I'm really well-organised, and I have lots of people to help me.

I was so scared of going back to the theatre after Hamlet. I didn't know if I'd do a play again because I was afraid of the power of it.

I'm quite good, though I say it myself, at making strangers feel at ease.

My mum always told me I was precious, while my dad always told me I was worthless. I think that's a good grounding for a balanced life.