I Swear leads Bafta Scotland nominations – but John Davidson to watch ceremony from separate room
Last updated 1st Oct 2026
The film about a Galashiels caretaker’s struggles with Tourette’s leads this year’s Bafta Scotland nominations.
I Swear has received seven, in addition to a previously announced Audience Award nomination for Peter Mullan.
That includes all three nominations in the best film actor category - with Peter Mullan, Robert Aramayo and Scott Ellis Watson going up against each other.
But it’s been announced John Davidson - the man who inspired the hit movie - will watch the ceremony from another room following a furore over an involuntary tic he made during the Bafta Film Awards ceremony in London in February.
The winners of the Bafta Scotland awards will be announced on Sunday, November 15th, at a ceremony in Glasgow, hosted by Edith Bowman.
Bafta said it has worked to make events as inclusive and as safe as possible following the furore over events in February and has arranged for Mr Davidson - who was an Executive Producer on the biographical drama - to watch via video link from a “separate relaxed space”.
Following the incident, Mr Davidson said he was “deeply mortified if anyone considers my involuntary tics to be intentional or to carry any meaning”.
In a letter sent to members, Bafta chair Sara Putt and chief executive Jane Millichip said: “For the upcoming Bafta Scotland Awards, for which I Swear has received seven nominations, we have worked with both safeguarding and inclusion experts to consider the arrangements necessary to enable John Davidson MBE, whose life inspired I Swear and who is an executive producer of the film, to participate in the safest way possible for all.
“We have consulted organisations including Tourettes Action and Tourette Scotland and, most importantly, we have been speaking directly to John.
“Following those conversations and our wider risk assessment, we have made adjustments to enable John to attend in the way he has suggested to us, which is to watch the ceremony via video link from a separate relaxed space within the venue together with his family and friends.”
I Swear quickly became the most watched film at John's hometown cinema in Galashiels since Merlin Cinemas took over last year, with the audience in Screen One giving it a standing ovation on its opening night.
It has since gone on to win three BAFTAs, while John has also won numerous plaudits - including being crowned Community Champion, along with long-time supporter Dottie Achenbach, by the Rotary Club in his hometown of Galashiels.
"Although, not everyone with Tourette’s would choose to do it this way but this is MY choice to be relaxed and comfortable..."
Some of John's friends have been critical of the arrangements put in place for next month's ceremony - with one begging the question: "So the key message from the film really got through?"
But John has been quick to respond with his own post on his Facebook page, stating: "I want you all to know that it was my suggestion and choice to be in a separate area whilst the Scottish BAFTAs ceremony is taking place.
"I will have a live link on a large screen and will experience everything the same as everyone else attending but without the stress and worry about my tics.
"BAFTA have bent over backwards to accommodate me and want me to be a part of the celebrations and enjoy the evening.
"Although, not everyone with Tourette’s would choose to do it this way but this is MY choice to be relaxed and comfortable."
John’s not the only actor from the Borders to be nominated.
Former Earlston High School pupil Jack Lowden – who is among the bookmakers favourites to become the next James Bond – is nominated in the best TV actor category for his performance as MI5 agent River Cartwright in the Apple TV+ spy thriller series Slow Horses.
He faces competition from Dougray Scott for his role in Summerwater, Robert Carlyle for The Hack, and Peter Capaldi for Criminal Record.
Dani Carlaw, chair of Bafta Scotland, said: “A big congratulations to all this year’s Bafta Scotland nominees.
“These nominations are a reminder of just how much creative talent we have across Scotland, both on screen and behind the scenes.
“Every project takes people with vision and determination to make it happen. I’m really looking forward to celebrating their work and the teams who made it possible.”
The Audience Award is the only Bafta Scotland Award where the winner is decided by members of the public and people can vote until Friday, October 30th via bafta.org.
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