The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Sturgeon leads tributes to entertainer Beattie
SHOWBIZ: First minister laments loss of ‘national treasure and lovely man’
The first minister led tributes to Scottish entertainment legend Johnny Beattie following his death at the age of 93.
Nicola Sturgeon said the country had lost a national treasure and a truly lovely man.
The actor and singer died peacefully after a short spell at St Margaret’s Hospice near Glasgow.
His showbusiness career spanned almost 70 years with success in TV and film roles, variety theatre, stand-up, and pantomime.
The former Govan shipyard worker said entertainment had been his escape route to a better life.
Celebrating 60 years in the industry in 2012, he told BBC Scotland: “They were tough places. None of the health and safety you’d get today.
“They were dangerous and that was an escape route.”
His stage career began in the 1950s, touring with a theatre company.
In the 1960s, he became a favourite of television audiences with Johnny Beattie’s Saturday Night Show which ran until 1970.
Screen roles included The Big Man, a film he made with Billy Connolly and Liam Neeson, as well as Taggart, Rab C Nesbitt and Scotch and Wry.
He also featured on quiz shows, such as Now You See It, and family entertainment including Welcome to The Ceilidh.
He appeared in River City as Malcolm Hamilton from its launch in 2002 until he retired in 2015.
The father-of-four was given the accolade for his lifelong services to entertainment and charity.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon was among those who took to social media to pay tribute to Beattie.
She posted a picture of the pair together at Govan Fair a few years ago and recalled he had her in stitches.
“So sad to hear that Johnny Beattie has died,” she said.
“He was a hugely talented performer and a truly lovely man.
“Today, we’ve lost a national treasure, and my thoughts are with his loved ones.
Leah MacRae, who also appeared on River City, said working with him was “a career highlight”, and praised his exceptional talent.
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 lovable 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.”