The legendary comedian, 83, was diagnosed with the disease in 2013 and later announced his retirement in 2018.

Compston, who is co-hosting a Hoolie In The Hydro on Saturday dedicated to the Big Yin, said the Scottish comic had battled the disease “with a smile on his face and cracking jokes that only Billy can”.

The actor, who was born in Greenock, said he was “chuffed” to be asked to present the night of traditional music in Glasgow, despite admitting he is “not a fan” of public speaking.

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“But it’s a big Christmas ceilidh night out and a salute to the Big Yin,” he said.

“I’m glad about all the murals [of Connolly] that have popped up. I think sometimes legends can leave us and then it seems after they’re gone there’s an outpouring of grief and they don’t really know.

“I’m glad the last few years it’s been made abundantly clear just how much Billy is loved and cherished.

“So I think having that salute to him, it’s lovely.”

Murals celebrating Connolly have popped up in recent years, usually painted on to the side of traditional Glasgow tenements.

Compston said Connolly is “the best at being Scottish”, which is why he is “globally loved”.

He added: “Obviously, Billy’s been battling Parkinson’s but he’s been battling incredibly bravely and again he’s done it with a smile on his face and cracking jokes that only Billy can.

“I’m hoping he’s with us for a long time to come.”

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Organisers of the Hoolie In The Hydro say it will honour Connolly’s “immeasurable” contribution to Scottish comedy, music and culture.

The annual “Hoolie” is considered to be one of the biggest events of the year for Scottish traditional music.

Acts performing this year include Elephant Sessions, Trail West, Manran, and Beluga Lagoon.

Compston said the night will honour Connolly as a musician, but added: “There’s kind of nothing he can’t do and he’s done it all with a humility and obviously a humour that you just have to love.

“When I say to anybody what would be the best way to describe what it’s like being Scottish or being from the west coast of Scotland, you say Billy Connolly.”