WEE COUNTY sportsman Duncan Scott has been awarded the Male Athlete of the Year after his medal-winning performances at the World Swimming Championships.

The butterfly, freestyle and medley swimmer, who grew up in Alloa, was recognised at the Team Scotland Scottish Sports Awards in Edinburgh on Thursday evening after his fine performances in 2017.

The athlete enjoyed a fruitful summer after taking a sensational gold alongside fellow Scot Stephen Milne, and Great Britain team-mates Nick Grainger and James Guy, in the championships’ 4x200 metres freestyle relay.

He then went on to add a silver to his count as part of the 4x100m medley relay quartet at the July competition, held in Budapest, Hungary.

Scott was given the nod for the accolade over several other contenders in what was a strong shortlist, including 2016 winner Sir Andy Murray as well as cross-country runner Callum Hawkins and boxer Josh Taylor.

A former Strathallan School pupil, the now 20-year-old’s dedication as a youngster paid off when he won Young Athlete of the Year in 2015.

He has since gone from strength to strength in his career, notching gold medals at the European Championships in London in 2016 and silvers at the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro during the same year.

Team Scotland has thanked all who helped fly the country’s flag at the awards, as they celebrated its greatest sporting achievements over the last 12 months. Funds were also raised to help the Scottish Commonwealth Games Youth Trust support the athletes of the future.