Scottish comedy legend Johnny Beattie has been hailed as a “national treasure” following his death at the age of 93.
The actor and comedian died peacefully after a short while at St Margaret’s Hospice near Glasgow.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon led tributes to the star of Scotch and Wry, Rab C Nesbitt and River City.
Taking to social media, she said the “hugely talented performer” was a “national treasure”.
Mr Beattie worked in the Govan shipyards in Glasgow but joined a touring theatre company in the 1950s.
He starred in Johnny Beattie’s Saturday Night Show in the 1960s and appeared on the big screen alongside Billy Connolly and Liam Neeson in the movie The Big Man.
The veteran entertainer played Malcolm Hamilton in River City from 2002 to 2015.
In 2007, Beattie was appointed an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list.
The father-of-four was given the accolade for his lifelong services to entertainment and charity.
Donalda MacKinnon, director of BBC Scotland, said: “We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of comedy and acting legend Johnny Beattie.
“He featured in many much loved programmes on the BBC and most recently delighted audiences for 13 years as the kind-hearted and loveable family man Malcolm Hamilton in River City.
“Our thoughts are now with Johnny’s own family at this difficult time.
“Johnny Beattie dedicated his life to the entertainment of others and we thank him for the joy and laughter he brought to audiences across his long and varied career.”