Billy Connolly laughs off hero status in Glasgow

BILLY Connolly has revealed he is embarrassed by his hero status in his home city.

Billy Connolly. Picture: SNS

The funnyman told how he feels he does not deserve the honours given to him by the people of Glasgow.

A huge steel mural of the com­edian was unveiled in 2011 in the Anderston area of the city where he grew up.

It was created by sculptor Andy Scott and placed on a block of flats as part of a regeneration project.

Connolly, 71, who was also awarded the freedom of the city in 2010, said he avoids visiting the tribute but said his family was proud of it.

He said: “In Glasgow they have a statue of me, it’s made of metal and it’s on a wall.

“It’s down where I was born on the side of a building, it’s about 20ft high and it’s me with my banjo and my hair flying.

“That kind of thing takes a while to sink in. I should be pleased. I should pass it and genuflect but I don’t, I kind of try to avoid it. I find it slightly embarrassing.”

He added: “My sister loves it, she drives past it and drives her friends past it and says ‘Look there he is, that’s my wee brother’. It’s kind of weird you know, but it’s very pleasant. I never thought I would influence people. I’m the least ambitious guy I know. I just do it, I just get on with it.”