A new documentary charting the life of Celtic legend Jimmy “Jinky” Johnstone was premiered in Glasgow last night at a star-studded event.

Lisbon Lions Bertie Auld and Bobby Lennox were among those attending the screening at the Imax at Glasgow Science Centre.

A VIP reception was held ahead of the event, hosted by veteran broadcaster Archie MacPherson with representatives from Celtic FC in attendance.

The documentary, Jimmy Johnstone, will air on Friday at 9.30pm on BBC Alba and follows the life of a “phenomenal sporting talent” through to his untimely death, from motor neurone disease, aged 61.

Johnstone was one of the most talented and respected footballers Scotland has ever seen. The youngest of five children, he was raised in the small village of Viewpark, near Glasgow. 

Of working class roots, he was determined not to follow his father down the pits and instead worked tirelessly to achieve his ambition of playing for Celtic.

He fulfilled his dream and was part of the squad who lifted the 1967 European Cup and was voted the greatest-ever Celtic player in 2002. 

Jimmy’s life was cut tragically short when he was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in 2001, passing away from the illness on March 13, 2006. 

The feature length documentary film draws on the personal testimony of his family – his wife Agnes, his daughters Marie and Eileen, and his son James.

It also features some of Jimmy’s closest friends such as Lord Haughey, and interviews with fellow players, Bertie, Bobby, John Clark, Jim Craig, Tommy Gemmell, John Hughes and Willie Henderson.

There is also a starring role for Jimmy’s grandson Jack Johnstone who plays the part of his much-loved grandfather in drama reconstructions.

It was produced for BBC ALBA by award-winning production company purpleTV.