The family of Still Game veteran Jimmy Martin reckon the King must have had a translator to have included their dad in the latest honours list.
The 93-year-old, who played “auld” Eric Jones, has been awarded the British Empire Medal.
His daughter Jennifer said: “We are wondering if they maybe have a translator at Buckingham Palace because I can’t imagine Camilla and Charles are very fluent in Craiglang.
“But Dad is totally delighted and so are we. It’s absolutely great for him to be recognised like this.”
The grandad of two, who lives in Edinburgh, had a 40-year career as an actor, appearing in Taggart and Take The High Road as well as the movie Just Another Saturday, with Billy Connolly. But it’s for his dedication to charity and public service as a fireman that the former Navy officer has been recognised, especially his work for Poppy Scotland and The Hollies community hub in Musselburgh.
Jennifer said: “He’s such a modest man so not many people realise he’s done all that charity work. He was also a firemen for many years with the Partick Fire Brigade and worked on the St Mungo Fireboat, dealing with fires up and down the river.”
But it was a sideline that led him into acting. Jennifer said: “Like a lot of firemen, Dad had a job on the side, and his was painting and decorating. He was painting the offices of Freddy Young, the theatrical agent, and she asked him if he would like some work as an extra.”
Jimmy’s career came full circle when he ended up in Still Game along with Paul Young, Freddy’s son, who played Shug in the sitcom.
Still Game director Michael Hines said: “I can’t think of a more deserving recipient than him. I’m honoured to call him a friend and I’m amazed he hasn’t received something like this already.” Creator Greg Hemphill, who played Victor McDade, said: “I’m thrilled for Jimmy, what a life he has led. As Eric he was our resident auld yin and an integral part of the cast. Everyone loves and admires him.”
Boabby the Barman actor Gav Mitchell added: “I’m over the moon for him. He’s led so many lives, he was like the Time Lord of the cast.
“A merchant seaman, a fireman, an actor, and all his work for charity, plus he’s the most dapper chap on the block, always immaculate.”
Jane McCarry added: “Jimmy is a fascinating wonderful man. We were devastated when his character died, and even more devastated when we weren’t allowed to bet on it at the bookies.”
Sanjiv Kohli said: “His stories were far more interesting than ours. He’s a joy to be around.”
Don’t miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond.Sign up to our daily newsletter.