AFTER 60 years' treading the boards entertainer Johnny Beattie has been presented with Glasgow's highest honour.

The Govan-born actor and comedian, who this year celebrates his showbiz Diamond Jubilee, received the Loving Cup 2012 from Lord Provost Bob Winter.

It is awarded to any person or group who have brought distinction and honour to Glasgow.

Johnny began his career on the variety stage, starring alongside Rikki Fulton, Jack Milroy and Stanley Baxter.

In recent years he has become known to a younger generation, playing Malcolm Hamilton in the BBC Scotland soap River City.

The Sport Award was presented to former Rangers boss Walter Smith, who guided the team to 21 major honours in his two spells at the club, including 10 league titles.

The award for Services to the Law and Justice was presented to Dame Elish Angiolini, who grew up in Govan.

The Evening Times Scotswoman of the Year finalist was Solicitor General from 2001 to 2006 and Lord Advocate of Scotland, the first woman to hold either post.

Fellow Scotswoman of the Year finalist Julie McElroy received the Special Award for Inspiring Individual.

Despite having cerebral palsy, mobility problems and being profoundly deaf, Julie – who was nominated by Evening Times Editor Tony Carlin – has used her expertise in assistive technology to make outdoor sport accessible to disadvantaged disabled young people in India.

Jean McFadden, Labour councillor for Garscadden/Scotstounhill, was presented with the Services to Local Government Award.

Ms McFadden, who is the city's longest serving councillor, retires from public life in May after 41 years' service.

She was elected to Glasgow Corporation in 1971, was council leader from 1979 to 1986 and again from 1992 to 1994.

She was vice Lord Lieutenant of the City of Glasgow from 1981 to 1992, was President of Cosla and City Treasurer and was awarded a CBE a decade ago for services to local government.

The Lord Provost, who retires from the council in May, said: "It is such a great occasion to be able to honour people from diverse walks of life who all have one thing in common – a commitment to Glasgow and its people."

Robert Booth, the council's former executive director of land and environmental services, was presented with the Public Service Award.

The Health Award went to Ian Anderson, one of the leading accident and emergency consultants in the country.

His work at the Victoria Infirmary is highly regarded and his views are frequently sought at a national and international level.

BAE Systems, which employs more than 3000 people at its Scotstoun and Govan shipyards and supports a further 6000 jobs in the local economy, picked up the Business Award.

The Education Award went to Jane Duckett, Professor of Chinese and Comparative Politics at the University of Glasgow.

She is committed to increasing popular understanding of China and to promoting the Chinese language.

The Performing and Visual Arts Award was presented to Donald Shaw, a founder member of the Gaelic folk/rock group Capercaillie.

He was recognised for his contribution to music, and his directorship of the Celtic Connections Festival, which under his leadership has grown into the city's largest and most internationally significant event.

vivienne.nicoll@ eveningtimes.co.uk