Mark Knopfler to be honoured at this year's Hoolie in the Hydro

Dire Straits star Mark Knopfler is to be honoured at this year's Hoolie in the Hydro event in December.

The evening is Scotland's biggest celebration of traditional music and organisers have announced it will have a theme centred around 1980s film classic Local Hero, which Knopfler wrote the score for.

The singer and guitarist will be formally inducted into Hands Up For Trad's Traditional Music Hall of Fame on the night, which will include performances from Mànran, Beluga Lagoon and The Chair.

Although best known for his ties to Newcastle, Knopfler was born in Glasgow and spent the first several years of his life in Scotland before his family moved away.

He grew up to front Dire Straits - one of the biggest bands in the world during the 1980s - and has enjoyed a successful and lengthy solo career. He is regarded as one of the greatest guitarists of all time.

Knopfler said he was honoured to be inducted into the hall of fame.

He added: "One of my earliest memories of Glasgow is singing the Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond. I was two years old. I still sing it now.

"There's no doubt that Highland music influenced everything I ever did musically."

The soundtrack to Local Hero - one of the most loved films ever made in Scotland - was Knopfler's first ever movie soundtrack and spawned popular tracks like Going Home.

The film's director Bill Forsyth, another Glaswegian, celebrated his 80th birthday this week.

Also lined up for the 12 December event are long-standing trad act Blazin' Fiddles, while the finale will see a variety of performers take the stage, including Runrig founding member Donnie Munro, Caledonia singer Dougie MacLean and singers Karine Polwart, Julie Fowlis and Ruairidh Gray.

This year will be the fifth Hoolie in the Hydro and previous editions have included a tribute to Sir Billy Connolly and a celebration of the music of Runrig.

It was founded by Gary Innes, who also plays with Mànran.

He said: "The story of Local Hero is one of people, place and belonging and that couldn't be more fitting for these celebrations – we'll be channelling all of that nostalgia, pride and musical artistry.

"It will be a real privilege to recognise Mark Knopfler's incredible contribution to Scottish music here in the city of his birth, as well as celebrating our own heroes of the trad scene who have done so much to share the music and inspire new generations."

Organisers said the event will also embark on a hunt for everyday heroes later in the year, with people encouraged to nominate those that make a difference in their community. The individuals will then be honoured on the night.