Scots singer Macdonald says ‘cheers’ for Golden Can accolade

Singer Amy Macdonald has been awarded a Tennent’s Golden Can as she celebrates her birthday – and thanked the brand for helping inspire her to learn the guitar.

The This is the Life singer, who turned 32 yesterday, said she was “thrilled” to receive the award, which celebrates those who have made significant contributions to Scottish culture.

Previous winners include Mogwai, Franz Ferdinand, Irvine Welsh, Karen Gillan and Martin Compston.

The musician, who has sold more than six million albums including two UK number ones, said a visit to the Tennent’s sponsored T in the Park in 2000 inspired her to learn the guitar.

She said: “It’s a real honour to be given a Golden Can and join such a brilliant line-up of fellow recipients.

“The big red T has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember.

“One of my most formative musical experiences was seeing Travis headline T In The Park.

“I learned to play the guitar off the back of that. T In The Park was a rite of passage and even though I was involved as a singer, T has been an important part of my life.”

She added: “I give a lot of my awards to my mum and dad and I have a room for some of them at home.

“But there are a couple which I keep on display – my German Echo Award and also the Barrowland Ballroom Hall of Fame Award. The Golden Can is going along with them.

“When I saw Martin Compston got one last year, I admit I was jealous, so I was thrilled when Tennent’s got in touch to say they wanted to give me one.”