A COSPLAYER who will be entertaining at a Southside charity event this weekend says he loves seeing the reaction on people’s faces.

Alastair Neil will be dressed in a “Predator” costume at the free fun day in Gowanbank Primary School on Sunday, October 17.

The 52-year-old, from Mansewood, has been taking part in cosplay, the act of dressing up as a character or concept, for several years. His eight-year-old daughter Isla also loves to get involved.

Glasgow Times:

Alastair said: “It’s a hobby for me and my daughter. We have been doing it for years now. It started out as a daddy daughter thing, but we do a lot of events now.

“I’ve been going to Comic-Con for 25 years. I took Isla to her first one when she was two and when she was three, we went dressed up together.

“We both love it, it’s brilliant fun. We love the reactions on people’s faces when they see us.”

On Sunday, Isla is having a break after appearing in Edinburgh as two different characters last weekend.

But Alastair will be appearing as the Predator and has also arranged for several other cosplayers to attend, who will be dressed as Darth Vader and Ghostbusters.

His impressive Predator costume was custom made in Canada, as a present from his wife for his 50th birthday.

Alastair said: “This weekend it’s all for charity and it’s a good cause so I’m happy to help. I enjoy being at the events and I’m looking forward to it.”

Earlier this year, we reported that Isla was left “blown away” by the Indiana Jones film set in Glasgow city centre after she was treated to a special behind-the-scenes tour.

Glasgow Times:

Executives on the set were so impressed when they spotted her Indy costume in the crowd, that they took her behind the barriers for a look around.

Alastair managed to pull his and Isla’s Indiana Jones costumes together by searching charity shops.

On Sunday, the charity event, hosted by community-based football team Whitacre Wolves, aims to raise awareness of mental health.

Gary Ruddy, coach at the Nitshill club, said: “We aim to get kids out playing football and keeping active.

“During lockdown we grew unbelievably. A year ago we had 70 kids, we’ve got 180 now. The parents are really supportive.

“Recently, we became aware of a number of suicides in the area and we want to do what we can to help.

“We want to raise as much awareness of mental health charities as well as have as much fun as possible on the day. We have lots of things going on that will be free.

“There will be lots of information on mental health. Charities, including Men Matter, will be there to speak to everyone.”

Glasgow Times:

All funds raised on the day will go towards Scottish Association For Mental Health (SAMH).

Bouncy castle, darts, raffles, silent disco, Rangers soccer academy skill sessions, cub football sessions, food stalls, beat the goalie, police and fire service vehicles will all be on offer.

Old Firm legends will also be making an appearance at the event, which will be held from 10am-3pm.