SIR Michael Gambon enjoyed a hugely successful acting career and will probably be best remembered for his portrayal of Albus Dumbledore, the headmaster of the wizarding school Hogwarts in six of the eight Harry Potter films.

But one of his early roles was in the popular BBC Scotland drama series The Borderers which first aired in 1968.

The Borderers was a historical drama series set during the 16th century and chronicled the lives of the Ker family, who lived in the Middle March on the frontier between Scotland and England.

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Gambon played Gavin Ker, the head of the Ker’s of Slitrig family, during turbulent times involving raids and skirmishes across the border with England where cattle and sheep rustling disputes were settled by sword or gun.

In an early episode Gavin’s sister Grizel played by Margaret Greig was put on trial for being a witch and the episode was given a Radio Times cover.

Co-star Iain Cuthbertson played Walter Ker of Cessford, the Warde of Liddesdale.

26 episodes were filmed over two series some in colour and some in black and white and only 15 of the episodes, mainly from series one remain.

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The Dublin-born star of stage and screen died peacefully in hospital late on Wednesday aged 82, his family said.

A statement issued on behalf of Lady Gambon and son Fergus Gambon said: “We are devastated to announce the loss of Sir Michael Gambon.

“Beloved husband and father, Michael died peacefully in hospital with his wife Anne and son Fergus at his bedside, following a bout of pneumonia.”

His illustrious theatre career also includes appearances in Alan Ayckbourn’s The Norman Conquests, The Life Of Galileo and Nicholas Hytner’s National Theatre production of Henry IV, Parts 1 and 2.

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In 2016 he appeared as Private Godfrey in the big screen adaptation of Dad’s Army, and his other film roles included period dramas such as 2010’s The King’s Speech, 2001’s Gosford Park and 2017’s Victoria & Abdul.

Sir Michael was awarded four TV Baftas during his career in recognition of his roles for family BBC drama Perfect Strangers in 2002, as a clockmaker hoping to win a prize in Channel 4’s Longitude in 2001, BBC Elizabeth Gaskell adaptation Wives And Daughters in 2000 and The Singing Detective in 1987.

He was knighted for his contribution to the entertainment industry in 1998.