Born in Leigh, Lancashire, England. Wrote, and performed in, several British TV shows including "Jackanory" and "Z Cars" before entering film in 1969 and garnering acclaim for his supporting role in Ken Loach's KES. Welland scripted John Schlesinger's YANKS (1979) and has since worked consistently as a screenwriter and occasionally as an actor. He appeared in STRAW DOGS (1971) and won a best screenplay Oscar® for CHARIOTS OF FIRE (1981). Other notable screenwriting credits include TWICE IN A LIFETIME (1985), A DRY WHITE SEASON (1989) and WAR OF THE BUTTONS (1994).  Writing (Best Screenplay written directly for the screen) 1981: CHARIOTS OF FIRE 1 nomination, 1 Award