Allan Johnston has been named PFA Scotland Manager of the Year, with Motherwell's Michael Higdon the player of the year, and Leith Griffiths of Hibs taking the young player crown.

The Queen of the South boss beat off the challenge of Celtic manager Neil Lennon, Inverness boss Terry Butcher, and Motherwell's Stuart McCall to land the coveted accolade.

Johnston's side were Irn-Bru Second Division winners - the first team in Britain to win their league - and also won the Ramsdens Cup.

Higdon was named player of the year, ahead of Hibs' Leigh Griffiths, Aberdeen's Niall McGinn, and Andrew Shinnie of Inverness Caley Thistle.

Griffiths ended any prospect of SPL champions Celtic picking up individual honours when he fended off Parkhead midfielder Victor Wanyama, who had been shortlisted in the young player category.

Rangers full-back Lee Wallace was named player of the year in the SFL third division.

Queen of the South striker Nicky Clark, who has been linked to a move to Ibrox, was voted best player in SFL2, while the 1st Division title went to Lyle Taylor of Falkirk.

A special merit award was presented to Craig Brown, the former Scotland manager, who recently retired from Aberdeen.

The awards, organised by the Professional Footballers' Association of Scotland and sponsored by Cheque Centre, were announced at a ceremony in Glasgow tonight.

Allan Johnston told of his delight at winning the award.

He said: "It is unbelievable. I was delighted to be nominated but to win it is a thrill.

"When you look at the other guys, Neil Lennon and his exploits in the Champions League, it is amazing.

"Terry Butcher and Stuart McCall have had fantastic seasons as well so even to be mentioned along with these guys, I was honoured."

Griffiths, on loan at Easter Road from Wolves, won the young player of the year award thanks to the 27 goals he has scored so far.

The boyhood Hibs fan is looking to reach the 30-mark and finish off the season with a William Hill Scottish Cup final win over Celtic at Hampden later in the month.

He said: "I am absolutely delighted. It has capped off a dream season for me.

"I was very nervous listening to the nominations and when my name got called out my stomach kind of fell out of me but I am delighted to get the award.

"I was handed the number nine shirt, something I had been dreaming about since I was a little boy and I have scored 27 goals and now I want to get 30 and try to win the Scottish Cup.

"It is going to be a hard game. Celtic aren't the champions for no reason, they don't go and beat the world's best team (Barcelona) if you are not a good team yourself but we are capable of beating them.

"We have proved that this season already and hopefully we can do that on the day."