SCOTTISH-born actress Karen Gillan has joined the who’s who of Scottish cultural legends by scooping the latest Golden Can Award from Tennent’s Lager.

The hand-crafted Golden Cans especially created by Tennent’s acknowledge those who have had an outstanding impact on Scottish life and culture.

Gillan, who recently finished her directorial debut The Party’s Just Beginning, has starred in a number of smash hit Hollywood films including the horror movie Oculus, Guardians of the Galaxy and its sequel, as well as a supporting role in the Oscar-nominated The Big Short. By the end of 2018, Gillan will have directed or starred in six separate feature films over the course of a busy two years.

She joins cultural legends Irvine Welsh, Biffy Clyro, Mogwai, Jackmaster, Franz Ferdinand and Hudson Mohawke in the Golden Can hall of fame.

“Big thanks to Tennent’s Lager for choosing me as the next recipient of the Golden Can,” said Gillan. “I’m proud to join such a prestigious list of Scots, and can’t wait to see who’s next. Cheers!”

Alan McGarrie, head of UK Brand Marketing at Tennent’s, added: “We created the Tennent’s Golden Can Award to recognise Scottish cultural legends and nobody would argue that Karen is a worthy recipient.

“Whether she’s travelling through time saving the galaxy – or just trying to take it over! – she’s always flying the flag for Scotland and helping prove we’ve got all bases covered when it comes to big screen talent.”