Martin Compston hails Billy Connolly for "incredibly brave" Parkinsons battle

Actor Martin Compston has lauded Sir Billy Connolly for dealing with Parkinson’s “with a smile on his face and cracking jokes”, calling the legendary comedian “the best at being Scottish”.

Connolly, 83, was diagnosed with the disease in 2013 and later announced his retirement in 2018.

Line of Duty star Compston is co-hosting Hoolie In The Hydro on Saturday, an annual event celebrating Scottish traditional music.

This year, the event is celebrating Connolly, also known as the Big Yin, and a tribute will be played.

The actor said he was “chuffed” to be asked to present the night of traditional music in Glasgow, despite admitting he is “not a fan” of public speaking.

Line of Duty star Martin Compston will co-host Hoolie In The Hydro, which will include a special tribute to Sir Billy Connolly / Credit: PA

“But it’s a big Christmas ceilidh night out and a salute to the Big Yin.

“I’m glad about all the murals (of Connolly) that have popped up. I think sometimes legends can leave us and then it seems after they’re gone there’s an outpouring of grief and they don’t really know.

“I’m glad the last few years it’s been made abundantly clear just how much Billy is loved and cherished.

“So I think having that salute to him, it’s lovely.”

Sir Billy Connolly was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2013, and retired from comedy in 2018. / Credit: AP

Murals celebrating Connolly have popped up in recent years, usually painted on the side of traditional Glasgow tenements.

Compston lauded the comedian, saying he is “the best at being Scottish”, which is why he is “globally loved”.

He added: “Obviously, Billy’s been battling Parkinson’s but he’s been battling incredibly bravely and again he’s done it with a smile on his face and cracking jokes that only Billy can.

“I’m hoping he’s with us for a long time to come.”

Subscribe free to our weekly newsletter for exclusive and original coverage from ITV News. Direct to your inbox every Friday morning.

Organisers of The Hoolie In The Hydro say it will honour Connolly’s “immeasurable” contribution to Scottish comedy, music and culture.

The annual “Hoolie” is considered to be one of the biggest events of the year for Scottish traditional music.

Acts performing this year include Elephant Sessions, Trail West, Manran and Beluga Lagoon.

Compston said the night will honour Sir Billy as a musician, but added: “There’s kind of nothing he can’t do and he’s done it all with a humility and obviously a humour that you just have to love.

“When I say to anybody what would be the best way to describe what it’s like being Scottish or being from the west coast of Scotland, you say Billy Connolly.”