2027

My story is no different from countless other youngsters. I could easily have fallen into a life of crime, violence, alcohol, drugs and despair.

I could have chosen to follow the negative path and repeat the cycle but instead I chose to dwell on the positive moments.

It really doesn’t matter where you start but where you finish.

Under the smiling face of ‘Glasgow’s Miles Better’, poverty and violence still loom large. Not everyone makes it out.

But Scott Kyle did.

Latch-key kid from the back streets of Rutherglen to award-winning actor and producer on red carpets around the world, Scott’s story is one of hope.

With unflinching honesty and heart, he shares his journey, from a boy searching for belonging to a man determined to give back.

It’s Not Where You Start is more than a story of survival – it’s a testament to the transformative power of love, laughter and compassion.

“It’s Not Where You Start…” – A Spoken Word Experience by Scott Kyle

Award-winning actor and producer Scott Kyle — known for Outlander, Kajaki, The Angels’ Share, Billy & Tim and Once Upon a Time in Scotland — brings his most personal work to the Edinburgh Festival with a bold and emotionally charged spoken word performance.

“It’s Not Where You Start…” is a powerful exploration of memory, resilience, and belonging. Drawing on his lived experience — from spending time in care as a child to becoming a foster carer — Kyle gives voice to stories often left unheard.

Blending heartfelt poetry with striking comic book-style projections, this is storytelling that is both intimate and visually unforgettable. It’s a tribute to the past, a reckoning with the present, and a timely call for compassion as the UK care system faces increasing scrutiny.

Winner of the Stage Award for Acting Excellence, Scott Kyle delivers a must-see performance filled with honesty, humanity, and hope.

“The story of how Scott Kyle went from being a latch-key kid on the streets of Rutherglen to an award-winning actor starring alongside Hollywood Icon Harrison Ford is both highly amusing and incredibly inspirational.”

— Paul Kelbie, Discover Scotland Magazine

“A really well-told TED Talk with beautiful animations… such an engaging, humble and honest performer.”

— Cora Bissett, award-winning theatre director & playwright

 “An amazing story and well worth your time… superb animations.”

— Nicola McCartney, award-winning playwright & director