Actor Kevin McKidd may sport a growly American accent as Dr. Owen Hunt on Grey’s Anatomy, but the Scotland-native’s true roots shine through on his upcoming album, The Speyside Sessions, a collection of traditional Scottish songs.

Admittedly, he says, the album is “not the thing you’d expect,” but ultimately, it was a chance for the actor to reconnect with his roots, honor his late grandfather (who first exposed him to Scottish music), and something good for the world. Recorded two years ago with old friends during a five-day jam session in his native land, the album’s proceeds will benefit Save the Children, a charity for which McKidd is an ambassador.

“It seemed like a good fit to bring all these people from my past and from my upbringing and all these songs that were important to me [together],” he says. The record goes on sale June 15 and will be available on iTunes and via other retailers.

But one thing Grey’s fans shouldn’t expect? Cameos from any of his co-stars. Well, not this time around, at least. “They are some great singers but sadly they all had Christmas plans. It was hard to get any of them to come to the wild highlands of Scotland with me. I would have loved it if they did,” he says. “But there’s always The Speyside Sessions 2.”

Below, check out an exclusive look behind the scenes of the project, narrated by Ewan McGregor.

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