THE late actor Ian Bannen's name will live forever in his home town after a housing development was named in his honour.

Ian was killed in a car crash in the Highlands in 1999 and this week his widow, Marilyn, was in Clarkston in Airdrie, North Lanarkshire, for the official opening of Bannen Court.

Marilyn made the trip from her home on the Isle of Wight to mark the special day.

Together with North Lan- arkshire Provost Jim Robertson, Marylin opened the development on the site of the old Clark- ston Primary School.

The development is part of the council's Building for the Future programme, providing affordable new homes for tenants.

Bannen Court has 19 homes, including a purpose-built wheelchair house, and was completed by developer Lovell.

Marylin said: "I was thrilled when I learned that a council housing development was being named after Ian.

"Ian was born in Airdrie and lived his early years in Bank Street, Coatbridge.

"I'm sure he would be honoured and especially pleased that this new affordable housing was designed with older people in mind, providing them with safe and comfortable homes."

Ian starred in films such as Braveheart, The Flight of the Phoenix, Gandhi and Waking Ned and was acclaimed for his role in the 1974 BBC production of Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy and in the 1990s TV series, Doctor Finlay.

He became the first Scot nominated for an Academy Award when his role as Crow in The Flight of the Phoenix won him Best Supporting Actor in 1965.

Provost Robertson said: "It's always a pleasure to be part of events like this."

Attending the official opening were family and friends of Ian, together with representatives from council services, elected members, the developer Lovell and MAST architects.

The council secured a funding contribution from the Scottish Government of £475,000 towards the £2.7million cost of the project.

stef.lach@ heraldandtimes.co.uk