Legendary rugby commentator Bill McLaren and Hollywood movie actor Brian Cox are among the Scots named in the Queen's New Year honours.

The Hawick-born voice of rugby, who retired this year after half a century on the BBC, and the film star from Dundee were both awarded CBEs.

Cox, whose most recent films include Hollywood blockbusters The Bourne Identity and Adaptation, has appeared in more than 70 films including serial killer Hannibal Lecter in 1986's Manhunter.

Golf's Ryder Cup captain Sam Torrance, World Cup football referee Hugh Dallas, and former prisons inspector Clive Fairweather were also honoured.

Sam Torrance: Golf victory

The Queen's list saw knighthoods for the director of the Edinburgh International Festival Brian McMaster, Borders MP Archy Kirkwood and Scottish Qualifications Authority chairman Professor John Ward.

The leader of the Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team, Terry Confield, was made an MBE in the Queen's list.

Mr Confield, 58, has taken part in more than 1,000 operations to Britain's highest peak Ben Nevis and the surrounding area.

As usual the list includes honours bestowed on a range of Scottish society including teachers, religious figures, environmentalists, charity workers and a postman.

Winning Putt

Torrance, the inspirational skipper who led Europe to victory in golf's Ryder Cup in September was awarded an OBE.

The former golf champion, who grew up in the Ayrshire town of Largs, had previously tasted Ryder Cup success in 1985 when he holed the winning putt on the famous 18th green at the Belfry.

It was the first time America had been eclipsed in golf's top team tournament for 28 years.

For 45-year-old soccer referee Dallas, from Motherwell in Lanarkshire, the MBE came at the end of a year in which was fourth official in the World Cup final in Japan.

Clive Fairweather: Plaudits

Ex-prisons watchdog Clive Fairweather, 58, received plaudits from jail chiefs, unions and politicians of all parties when his third and final term came to an end in October.

The ex-SAS man, who lives with his son and daughter in East Lothian, became a CBE.

Impresario Brian McMaster, 59, previously awarded a CBE, was named a Knights Bachelor in the Queen's list.

Mr McMaster oversaw his 11th Edinburgh International Festival this year and said he was "very pleased" to receive the award.

Other awards included an MBE for John Smith, a pot washer at Edinburgh's Royal Botanic Garden and postman Bill Boyd.

The 64-year-old postman has raised thousands of pounds for charity by collecting empty bottles and cans on his rounds in the Lanarkshire town of Bellshill.