Literary legend, Irvine Welsh has scooped the first-ever Tennent’s Lager “Golden Can” Award ahead of tonight's hotly anticipated T2 Trainspotting world premiere.

The hand-crafted Golden Cans have been specially created by Tennent’s to acknowledge those individuals who have had an outstanding impact on Scottish life and culture.

Read more: Jonny Lee Miller on the new Trainspotting movie and playing Sherlock Holmes

The news comes at a busy time for the Trainspotting author; Welsh picked up his Golden Can just days ahead of the world premiere being held in Edinburgh..

Leith-born Welsh has enjoyed a glittering career spanning over 20 years with many of his books including Trainspotting, Filth, The Acid House and Porno adapted for the big screen.

In addition to tapping into a reliable supply of Tennent’s, Welsh can look forward to entering a Golden Can Hall of Fame on www.tennents.com/goldencan. 

From next week, a replica of his award will also be put on show in the Visitor’s Centre of the historic Tennent’s Lager Wellpark Brewery in Glasgow where members of the general public will be able to see the trophy close up as part of the brewery tour.

Upon receiving the first ever Tennent’s Lager Golden Can Award Irvine Welsh quipped: “I’ve never been a natural awards recipient, but for some reason the Tennent’s Golden Can just makes sense to me!”

Now a permanent fixture in the Scottish calendar, Tennent’s will award future Golden Cans to deserving individuals as and when merited across the world of film, TV, comedy, music, sport and other areas of Scottish culture.

Read more: Jonny Lee Miller on the new Trainspotting movie and playing Sherlock Holmes

Alan McGarrie, Head of UK Brand Marketing at Tennent’s, said: “Irvine Welsh is an obvious choice for the first Tennent’s Golden Can Award. Whether it’s books, the stage or the big screen, he’s a total legend and so we’re delighted he’s 'getting the first round in' with the inaugural Golden Can Award.

"People around the world are counting the hours to T2 Trainspotting’s release so this seemed the right time to acknowledge Irvine’s brilliant career.”

T2 Trainspotting is in cinemas from Friday.