Scottish celebrities are backing a campaign for a statue of the country's first world boxing champion as the fundraising effort reaches over £3000.

Benny Lynch, who was born in the Gorbals in Glasgow, is considered by many as Scotland's greatest professional boxer.

Now the Remembering Benny Lynch campaign group, which includes the sportsman's relatives, want a statue erected in his memory in the area where he was born.

Their fight has attracted the support of the city's lord provost Sadie Doherty, campaign patron actor Robert Carlyle, former world champion boxer Jim Watt MBE and 2014 Commonwealth Games gold medallist boxer Charlie "The Mailman" Flynn.

The lord provost said: "Like Benny Lynch, I grew up in the Gorbals where he's a local hero. So naturally, I'm delighted to lend my support to the Remembering Benny Lynch campaign."

Benny Lynch's son, Bobby, and grand-daughter, Sharon, live in Canada but will make the trip to Glasgow City Chambers on Monday for a civic reception in honour of the campaign group.

They will have the opportunity to meet Eddie Wilson, who is the son of Benny Lynch's trainer, Sammy Wilson, at the event.

An exhibition showcasing Lynch's 1937 world and European championship belts, boxing gloves, a painting of the boxer by Glasgow artist Robert Millar and associated memorabilia has been brought to the city chambers for the event.

Bobby Lynch said: "My father was loved and admired by the citizens of this city and it means a lot to me and his legacy that the city is recognising his achievements after all these years.

The level of support that this campaign has gained has been wonderful and to finally see a statue of my father in the city that he loved so much would be such an honour."

Carlyle, who has expressed a long-held interest in making a film about his idol, said: "I've always loved the idea of a statue for Benny.

"I cannot think of anyone, past or present, from the city of Glasgow who deserves it more. I've been an admirer of Benny Lynch for more years than I care to remember.

"He was a great hero of my father. My grandfather saw him fight on several occasions and the stories of his matches were passed on to my father, who passed them down to me - as I have with my own children.

"We should be proud of what this man has achieved and a statue in his honour is the very least his memory deserves."

Watt said: "Benny is an inspiration to every sportsman who wore boxing gloves. He is a true Scottish hero and was our first world champion, proving to everyone that it could be done.

"A statue for Benny is long overdue and I will do everything I can to make it happen". To donate go to

The Remembering Benny Lynch online fundraiser has reached over £3100 in donations.