The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Film and TV:
Accolade for lifetime achievement
Actor Bill Paterson is aiming for a move into comedy after collecting a lifetime achievement award at the Scottish Baftas.
The 70-year-old, who has appeared in dozens of hit films and TV shows including The Killing Fields and Auf Wiedersehen Pet, was speaking in advance of the Outstanding Contribution to Film and TV honour which he collected at a ceremony in Glasgow on Sunday.
Former recipients
include Billy Connolly, Robbie Coltrane and Bill Forsyth.
Stars such as Alex Norton, David Hayman, Ford Kiernan and Greg Hemphill paid tribute to Paterson as they arrived at the ceremony.
The Glaswegian, who stars in the soon-to-be-released Dad’s Army remake, said he was “thrilled” to receive the award.
Speaking on the red carpet, he said: “It’s great but the added burden is that you can’t pretend you don’t have something ready to say, so it’s swings and roundabouts.
“But I’m absolutely thrilled, it’s beyond a fantastic honour because it’s from the people I’ve worked among for decades.”
When asked for his highlights in Scottish TV and film this year, Paterson joked that he is eyeing up a role in BBC Scotland police comedy Scot Squad.
“I love Scot Squad, I think it’s just fantastic,” he said.
“I don’t often burst out laughing watching con- temporary comedy in the way that I used to but this makes me do it. It’s great and if there’s a part in Scot Squad then I’m ready.”
Former Taggart and Pirates of the Caribbean actor Alex Norton said: “Billy is one of my oldest and dearest friends and I’ve known about this for a while but I had to keep a lid on it.
“I think it’s the most wonderful thing and richly deserved.
“I’m obviouslyconsumed by jealousy but I can’t think of anyone who deserves it more.”