Glasgow celebrates Billy Connolly on his 80th birthday

Known for his distinctive and often improvised observational comedy, the renowned comic has been making the nation laugh for decades with his 'relatable' and Glaswegian humour. 

To celebrate his monumental birthday, we visited the streets where Connolly grew up to find out what makes 'The Big Yin' so special to the city. 

We stopped by Anderston's Dover Street, Stewartville Street in Partick and Kinfauns Drive in Drumchapel.

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Raymond Kelly, 60, from Partick, said: "Billy Connolly is just absolutely frickin' magic. 

"You can say millions about the man, but he's an inspiration. I would have loved to have gone for a pint with him back in the 70s, but I was too young. 

"He went to the place that nobody went to at that time and brought it out to the people, it was fantastic. I've watched his terrorist sketch about nine times and I laugh every single time. 

"Happy birthday, sir, it's nice to have been born in the same place as yourself, you're a cracker." 

Irene Glover, 80, from Govan, said: "As my dad used to say, he's got that shipyard, old-Glasgow humour and he just makes me laugh, especially in these miserable times. 

"We need folk like Billy to make us laugh. I hope he keeps well. Happy birthday, Billy, from one old wee Partick woman."

Kristopher Dunlop, 32, from Easterhouse, said: "My grandad made me watch him when I was younger and he always stood out to me. For those times, he was so open and had no filter and it was so funny. 

"Happy birthday, Billy Connolly, have the best day." 

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Willie Harrison, 75, from Anderston, said: "He's just brilliant with all the swearing and he just gets everybody to laugh with him. He's fantastic. 

"Happy birthday, old Big Yin." 

Thomas Chalmers, 76, from Ayr, said: "My wife and I have been big Billy Connolly fans for about 50 years. 

"He's a bit of a hero for me. I love the guy. Once he gets you laughing, you can't stop."

Thomas' wife, Sandra Chalmers, 72, added: "He worked hard to get to where he is, and I'll say best of luck to him in his 80th year." 

Karen Cairney, 45, from Drumchapel, said: "When I was growing up, my mum used to have him on all the time, so from a young age I knew who he was. 

"He's hilarious, and you can relate to him because he grew up here. I always remember the joke about the mittens because I had them when I was wee.

"Happy birthday, Billy." 

Pat Gildea, 69, from Paisley, said: "A lot of his jokes and innuendos I can relate to with being close to his age. 

"I've been to a few of his concerts and got some of his books and I just think he's totally amazing. 

"I wish him a happy birthday, and all the best in years to come." 

James McGin, 69, from Partick, said: "I met him once. I was living in America at the time and I was on a flight back to Heathrow and he was sitting beside me. He didn't have his beard so I have to look twice. 

"I had a piece of paper in my wallet and I asked him to sign it. He seemed nice and he's a funny guy, I think it's that Glasgow humour."

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Tyler Wallace, 18, from Fort William, said: "I think he's so effortlessly funny in the way that Scottish people are, like the way we talk and joke around with each other. 

"I wish him a happy birthday, and I hope he gets all that he wants."