SCOTS songwriter Bill Martin, who had massive hits with the likes of Puppet On A String and Congratulations has collected his MBE.

And he can't quite believe he's made the journey from Govan to the gates of Buckinghalm Palace.

"It's incredible," said the former shipyard worker of his award for services to the music industry and to charity, speaking from Motcombs Wine Bar in London's Belgravia where he was celebrating.

"It's quite amazing to think that me, a wee boy who grew up in a Govan tenement, has been invited to Buckingham Palace. And there I was collecting an MBE from Princess Anne."

He added; "Of course, you never forget your Scots roots. That's why I was dressed in tails and my tartan trews."

Bill Martin arrived in London's Tin Pan Alley in the early sixties and soon made his mark, writing hits for the likes of Cilla Black.

In the seventies, he went on to have a string of chart successes with Cliff Richard's Eurovision hit Congratulations and acts such as Midge Ure's Slik, Kenny and the Bay City Rollers.

His success has resulted in being on first name terms with the Beatles, Elton John and Van Morrison.

Mr Martin, who was at school in Govan with Sir Alex Ferguson, lives in London's Belgravia and has a home in Portugal, said he loved his day at the Palace.

"I had a laugh with Princess Anne," he says. "And what was an added delight was hearing Congratulations played in the background as I picked up the award."

Can he now expect to follow in old pal Alex's footsteps and pick up a knighthood ?

"That would be lovely," he said. "That would be wonderful. But for the moment I'll enjoy my MBE."