JOHNNY Beattie, one of Scotland's best-loved entertainers, is retiring after 13 years on screen in BBC Scotland soap River City and more than six decades in showbusiness.

He filmed his final scenes on Good Friday as Malcolm Hamilton in the Shieldinch-set drama, a role he has championed since the series started in 2002.

The 88-year-old, who was born in Govan in 1926, has been involved in some of the soap's biggest moments. Viewers will see his last scenes when they are screened in June, focusing on Malcolm's ailing health due to vascular dementia and the impact it has on him and his loved ones.

"I've had a great time on River City over the last 13 years. But when I read about the boy, Zayn, from One Direction leaving I thought maybe it was time for me to go," he joked.

"You see, now that I'm 88, I'm nearly as old as my gags. I'm one of the original River City cast members and I've had a wonderful time working with great people who have become lifelong friends.

"It's strange to say goodbye to Malcolm but the time is right for me. River City, its cast and crew, hold a very dear place in my heart - I'm going to miss them all."