WORLD renowned Glasgow comic Billy Connolly, 69, is to be honoured with a lifetime achievement award after more than 50 years in showbiz.

The British Academy of Film and Television Arts Scotland has announced The Big Yin will be given the Outstanding Contribution to Television and Film Award.

But he won't be able to attend the Bafta Scotland ceremony in Glas- gow on November 18 and a recorded message will be aired on the night.

He said: "I'm really pleased and proud to receive this trophy from BAFTA in Scotland - I know you probably think we luvvies get shiny prizes all the time but sometimes we don't.

"I'm sorry I can't be there as I'm in San Francisco but in December I will be in Glasgow – where my heart is all the time – doing a Bafta Life in Pictures event highlighting my film and TV work."

Billy's career has spanned comedy, film, TV and music, recently voicing King Fergus in Pixar's Brave.

He has appeared in more than 30 films, including Mrs Brown, for which he was nominated for a Bafta in 1997.

Jude MacLaverty, director of Bafta Scotland, said: "We're thrilled that Billy will be the recipient of the award, he is a true master of his craft and continues to be a massive inspiration to a whole new generation of Scottish talent."

Past recipients of the award include Sir Sean Connery, Brian Cox and Robbie Coltrane.

Last month Billy was named as the latest ambassador for 2014 Commonwealth Games.

catriona.stewart@ heraldandtimes.co.uk