I've been pure America daft this week. My lovely friends Patrick Mulvey and his fiancée Marika Engelhardt came over from LA and pitched up at Hotel Lamont. I stripped the bed, aired the room and stocked up on coconut water and wheatgrass; they slotted in perfectly with the square sausage and Irn Bru in my fridge.

Patrick and I studied together at RSAMD, and he even pipped me to the post by getting cast in River City before I did. Diehard fans will remember him as Liam McNulty - the American chef who liked to shout. The character had issues and the punters loved it! Pat left the kitchens of Shieldinch long ago and has fond memories of his time in Glasgow, even though fans of the show didn't believe he was an actual American and would tell him to his face that his accent was crap. Just as well he's not precious!

Despite graduating nine years ago and having that big old Atlantic Ocean in between us, Pat and I have maintained a great friendship. I don't ever need much of an excuse to hop on a plane, so when he and Marika moved to New York, I went over (Pat was in Billy Elliot on Broadway - playing the older brother I hasten to add, he's not that young!) and I spent time at their place in LA at the start of the year (you literally can see the Hollywood sign from their balcony).

Marika and Pat have both lived in Glasgow, but at totally separate times. Marika came here when she was 20 on an exchange as part of her studies and Pat had three years at drama school, plus his two years on River City. It's been a trip down memory lane for them both, walking around Glasgow and revisiting their old haunts for the first time together. The main reason for them coming to town wasn't me and I'm fine with that. Really, no I am. Totally fine.

Glasgow Times:

Their best pals Andy and Kate who also live in LA, were getting married. Andy and Kate are also RSAMD alumni - Andy was in our class and Kate was the year below. The wedding was in Lanark, where Andy is from and Kentucky gal Kate made an absolutely stunning bride. Massive congratulations to you both, I wish you all the love and happiness in the world. I'd also like to give Andy a special thanks for putting the big Yank in a kilt; Pat's wee chicken legs scrubbed up great.

On their last night in town we all got together at Trader Joes on Hope Street, it was our local as students. I love that nearly a decade later we can all catch up and still act as if no time has passed at all. I've said it before and I'll say it again, my drama school years were so special and formative. Like it or not, we are a weird family to each other - we have lots of skeletons, lots of scandal and drama, but most importantly, laughs to last a lifetime. Free accommodation in LA too. I can't help thinking that that Pat and Marika drew the short straw on the holiday front!

Glasgow Times:

On the August 6, 2012, my friend Jacque lost her daughter Leigh. In her honour, Jacque has set up the online LoveLeigh community to raise awareness of metal health issues, to help those who have lost someone that they love and to share acts of kindness, love, hope and inspiration.

"Have a LoveLeigh Day" is a very simple idea. It's all about random acts of kindness. Jacque asks that in Leigh's honour we all do something kind for someone today; perhaps smile at a stranger, send a text to a friend or simply pick up the phone and talk to someone who may feel better by hearing a friendly voice. Anything.

I love this sentiment and if anyone can make this a success, it's Jacque. I am continually blown away by her strength, compassion and spirit. Whenever we meet I always get a bear hug and warm smile. It is a privilege to know you and thank you for allowing me to share your story.

Please share your stories of kindness at: facebook.com/loveleighcommunity

Follow me on Twitter: @G_aryLamont