FORMER Taggart and River City star Colin McCredie has spoken of his pride about his daughter Betsy’s award-winning success as she follows in his acting footsteps.

Eleven-year-old Betsy lifted the Junior Mainstream Academy Student of the Year Award at the Glasgow-based UK Theatre School in her first year of attendance.

Proud parents Colin and Simone and big sister Maisie, 13, were there to watch Betsy lift the accolade.

Colin, who became a household name playing DC Fraser in the long-running crime series for 15 years, said: “We’re absolutely delighted that Betsy won this special award.

Glasgow Times:

“She’s only been going to the UK Theatre School for a year but has worked so hard and really given it her all. Obviously as an actor of 25 years who has never won an award, I’m just a little jealous of Betsy too.

READ MORE:

River City's Colin McCredie tells of heartbreak at losing brother to cancer

“I’m so pleased that Betsy is following in my footsteps as I know how fulfilling and enjoyable the profession can be."

Jordanhill School pupil Betsy has already enjoyed some TV screen success. In 2012 she landed the lead role in the children’s TV series Woolly and Tig. Her own dad Colin played her screen dad and the series was narrated by sister Maisie.

Betsy who lives with her family in Glasgow’s West End attends the theatre school every Monday night.

She said she was “so happy” to receive the award and added: “I am so shocked that I won Junior Mainstream Student of the Year at theatre school. It was so unexpected to win this award and I am so proud of myself.

"I was ecstatic when I got called up on Stage to receive this award. I’m pretty sure my Dad is very jealous!”

The school which has 700 students doing part-time courses in performing arts is headed by principal Lizanne Lambie Thomson. She described Betsy as a “natural-born performer” and added: “The view of our tutors was unanimous in awarding Betsy this prize. They were all impressed by her focus, commitment and sheer determination to do well.

READ MORE:

Glasgow based crime series Taggart set for a revival

"We’re confident that should Betsy choose to pursue a career in the performing arts she has the talent to succeed.”

UK Theatre School which is based in Glasgow’s West Regent Street and has around 700 students on its roll offers performing arts courses for students aged from between three and 18. The school has charity status, which allows it to also offer support for any underprivileged youngsters who show potential talent.