Born and bred in Glenbogle, Iona is the local shepherdess who is never more at home than when out in the windswept, empty countryside with only her dog for company.

But as Monarch newcomer Kirsty Mitchell explains, her solitary character faces something of a culture shock in the opening episode of the new series.

"Iona is emotionally very honest, someone with a straightforward take on life who is used to her own company and her own space," says Kirsty.

"Then, all of a sudden, she is flung into the big house at Glenbogle with all of these noisy, eccentric people and she's not sure if she fits in. "When you're used to being on your own and then suddenly you're in someone else's house that is so big and alien to you, it's a shock to the system. She is so used to being self-sufficient and no matter how many times people say 'treat it like your own home', you can't because you're living under someone else's roof and having to abide by their rules." says Kirsty.

Her new living arrangements force Iona to form a relationship with the laird who, up until now, she's always found intimidating. Instinctive and honest, there's a hidden beauty beneath Iona's layers of waterproof clothing and muddy wellies. But as far as she's concerned she doesn't even register on Paul's emotional radar. However, all that is about to change.

"I don't think the idea of romance enters her head straight away. To start off with they are just trying to work each other out," suggests Kirsty.

"As for Paul, I don't think he's ever met anyone quite like Iona and there's something about her that captures his interest. He wants to work out what it is that makes her tick - she's very likeable and he's intrigued by her."

The best bit of filming Monarch for Kirsty wasn't necessarily the dramatic acting scenes - it was learning how to ride a moped.

"I'd never driven one before, but Iona goes everywhere on hers with her dog on the back, so I had to learn. I was a bit nervous beforehand but it was fantastic scooting about the set on a quad bike."

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