aLEGENDARY Scottish country dance band leader Jimmy Shand had a special audience yesterday - before the Prince of Wales.

The 91-year-old received a knighthood for services to Scottish country dance music at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh.

Sir Jimmy, who appeared frail and attended the ceremony in a wheelchair, was accompanied by his wife Anne, son Jimmy Shand Junior and daughter-in-law Margaret.

Speaking to reporters outside the palace, he said he was ''thrilled'' to receive his knighthood.

His son, who explained his father's voice was weak, added: ''He is delighted about the investiture.''