Stott was born in Edinburgh.[1] His mother, Antonia (née Sansica), was a Sicilian lecturer,[1][2] his father, David Stott, was a Scottish teacher and educational administrator.[3][1] Stott was educated at George Heriot's School in Lauriston, Edinburgh.[1] For three years in his youth he fronted a pop-band,[1] but left to pursue his career in acting.[4]
Stott's career began in 1974 at the Lyric Theatre, Belfast.[1] His early work in theatre included a notable leading role in the dramatisation of Dominic Behan's play about the Northern Ireland troubles The Folk Singer,[5] where he also played the part of Judas in the first regional production of Jesus Christ Superstar directed by Michael Poynor (1973).[5]
His television roles have included hospital radio DJ Eddie McKenna in BBC Scotland's Takin' Over The Asylum,[5] the leading character, DCI Red Metcalfe, in the BBC crime drama series Messiah (BBC One, 2001–05);[9] DI Chappell in ITV police drama The Vice (1999–2003);[9] as a drunk who fantasises about finding redemption by joining the Salvation Army in Promoted to Glory (ITV, 2003); as Adolf Hitler in Uncle Adolf (ITV, 2005),[9] and as a fictional Chancellor of the Exchequer in Richard Curtis's The Girl in the Café (BBC One, 2005).[9] 2006 saw him take over the title character in detective series Rebus,[1] a television adaptation of the Ian Rankin novels which had previously starred John Hannah.[9]
He narrated for the series Send in the Dogs, following the work of UK Police Officers and their canine partners.[9]
Personal life
Stott has a son, David (born 1985), by his first marriage, which ended in divorce. He married his long-time partner the artist Nina Gehl in 2016.[4] Stott is a supporter of Heart of Midlothian Football Club.[10]