One is a Scottish acting superstar whose gritty performances have won acclaim for decades.
The other is just starting off, an 11-year-old who swapped primary school for her first ever acting role.
Now having shared the screen with young co-star Alexandra Wilkie in his directorial debut film, comedy-drama Glenrothan, acting legend Brian Cox has tipped her for a glittering future in front of the cameras.
He hailed the young actress, who will soon appear in CBeebies’ rebooted children’s series Balamory, as “truly amazing” after her breakout performance in the comedy-drama, which has just opened in cinemas across the UK.
Filmed at locations across the central belt, including a community owned pub, The Black Bull, in Gartmore, and a Falkirk whisky distillery, it stars Cox alongside Alan Cumming and focuses on themes family, reconciliation and conflict.
In it, Hamilton College pupil Alexandra plays Sasha, the American granddaughter of Donal (Cumming) who returns to his family’s whisky distillery after 40 years in the USA to reunite with his brother Sandy (Cox).
The Blantyre youngster was spotted in 2023 while performing in a pantomime in Giffnock’s Eastwood Theatre and was later brought to Cox’s attention by a casting agent.
She worked with a dialect coach to perfect her Chicago accent for the film which had its world premiere at the 50th Toronto International Film Festival in September.
Hailing her performance in the movie, Cox, who won a Golden Globe for his portrayal of Logan Roy in HBO’s smash hit Succession, said: “The wonderful Alexandra Wilkie - our little star. This girl is truly amazing.
“I want to do another film with Alexandra Wilkie because she is astounding. Everyone thinks she’s American but she’s actually a farmer’s daughter from Blantyre.
“She has a perfect American accent. You would absolutely never know she wasn’t a natural-born Yank!
“She is truly gifted and a joy to work with.”
It’s been a whirlwind for the youngster, who will appear in Balamory as Bonnie, daughter of the fictional island community’s new vet, Dr Ollie.
As well as attending the glittering red carpet ceremony in Canada, Alexandra and mother Kimberley jetted back across the Atlantic earlier this year for a screening at the 37th Palm Springs International Film Festival, and the unveiling of Alan Cumming’s star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
“It has been an amazing experience,” said Alexandra, who admitted she had never heard of Brian Cox until the film.
“He was so welcoming and kind and so easy to talk to which was really helpful.”
Away from the bright lights, Alexandra is now completing her Transitus Year Programme at Hamilton College before moving into the Senior School after summer.
She added: “I will hopefully get to do more movies and TV shows in the future, but I would also like to carry on performing on stage as I really enjoy singing, dancing and acting.”
The film marks Brian Cox's directorial debut and has raised hopes at film locations that it might bring an 'Outlander' style tourism boost from cinema fans.
The time travelling series has been credited with adding £140 million to the Scottish economy, with visitor numbers still soaring at locations with links to the blockbuster TV series and books.
Hamilton College headteacher Richard Charman said: “Alexandra’s success is a wonderful reflection of her talent and dedication.
“It has been a privilege to see Alex thrive both in the classroom and on such an exciting international stage.”
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