DEACON Blue's debut single was named Scotland's best ever song by judges. 

Dignity, released in 1987, was chosen by a panel of critics led by Jackie Bird as the best Scottish song of all time. 

It faced stiff competition from the likes of Primal Scream's Loaded, This is the Life by Amy McDonald and the Waterboy's karaoke favourite The Whole of the Moon, in a list considered by a judging panel for Ewen Cameron' Clyde Two morning show.

Speaking to the primetime host, Ricky Ross, said: "I know that people take this song to their hearts and we are very grateful for that and on behalf of all of Deacon Blue I thank you for making Dignity Scotland’s favourite song.

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“It is a lovely thing that people have taken it on board as it was never really a hit record. It was one of these songs that crept up and it got released and then re-released and eventually re-released and it sort of became a folk song in people’s hearts and it is lovely that it has stayed with people."

Ross revealed he phoned the band's drummer Dougie Vipond, with whom he stared the band 35 years ago. 

He said: "It's funny that this is a song that we cobbled together in a wee rehearsal room one day.

"I lost my mum this year and it is the kind of thing that she would have loved to have heard. It’s an amazing story and I’m very, very proud.”The ten songs were selected by four judges including Jackie Bird, singer and actress, Clare Grogan as well as journalist and presenter, Gordon Smart and Aarti Joshi of DF Concerts.

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Head judge, Jackie Bird, said: "It was wonderful to be part of a debate that took our minds off the rotten stuff around us all at the moment and gave us some fun and something to be passionate about.  I know that during the voting various songs took the lead, but Dignity was always going to be one of the hot favourites.

“Like all the best songs it tells an authentic story and is ultimately an uplifting tale of hard work and hope.  The song carries such a universal message, no wonder it's hi-jacked by live audiences around the world.  Well done to all our talented artists who made the top ten and to Ricky and Deacon Blue for giving us a classic."