A former Scottish press photographer and MBE whose career spanned half a century has been given a lifetime achievement award.

Ian Torrance spent two decades with the Scottish Daily Express before spending a similar period of time as the Daily Record’s chief photographer.

He received an MBE for services to photojournalism in 1997 and opted to go freelance in 1999, before retiring seven years later.

Ian will pick up his award at tonight’s annual First ScotRail Press Photography Awards, in Glasgow, from Stewart Stevenson MSP.

Ian said: “My career gave me the opportunity to see the world and witness some of the most momentous news and sporting events of the last century.

“I’ve met many fascinating people and seen harrowing sights that I will never forget but the camera acts as a barrier allowing you to capture a true moment in time.”

Some of the major news events Ian covered include the Lockerbie and Kegworth air disasters, the wedding of Charles and Di, the 1982 World Cup and military conflicts in Northern Ireland, Kosovo and the Gulf.

He says his most memorable assignments were the arrival of the thousands of South Vietnamese boat people to Hong Kong, meeting Mother Theresa and the plight of the Kosovan refugees.

Chair of the judging panel Ken Lennox said: “Ian and I worked together for many years and I can’t think of anyone who deserves this award more.

“He is extremely well respected in the industry and when asking for nominations for the award, Ian’s name was top of everyone’s list.”

Gulf War soldiers returning home

Rod Stewart at the 1982 World Cup in Spain

Great Train robber Ronnie Biggs

Scotland v Sweden at the 1992 European Football Championships