Kenneth McKellar 'deserved honour'

SCOTTISH singing legend Kenneth McKellar should have been awarded a "major honour" before his death.

At the service held in his honour yesterday, friends of the tenor praised his contribution to Scotland and said he should have been formally recognised before he died earlier this year.

Speaking to the congregation, former BBC Radio 5 chairman Ian Chapman said: "He was a marvellous, wonderful ambassador for this country and it's astonishing he was never awarded a major honour while he was still alive."

Famous faces from Scottish stage and screen attended the service at Paisley Abbey, including actor and comedian Johnny Beattie. He said: "It is surprising he was never given any official recognition.

''It's a shame. He was a true son of Scotland and it was an honour to know him."

Former Eurovison Song Contest representative Mr McKellar passed away at his daughter's US home in Lake Tahoe, Nevada on 9 April, just one week after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

He was best known for his amazing vocal talent and interpretations of Robert Burns' most famous works, as well as the BBC's Hogmanay programme alongside Andy Stewart and Jimmy Shand.