Nicola Sturgeon led tributes to legendary Kilmarnock cartoonist and caricaturist Malky McCormick, who has died at the age of 76.
Described as a “character” and an “immense talent” by the First Minister, Malky died in a care home after being diagnosed with vascular dementia two years ago.
Famous for his distinctive illustrations, Malky was no stranger to the pages of the Standard, drawing countless cartoons of Killie players and managers throughout the years.
Kilmarnock's Little Steak House closes immediately due to owner's 'personal circumstances'
But it was his friendship with Billy Connolly that propelled Malky to prominence in the 70s in our sister title the Sunday Mail.
In 1973, the banjo-playing pals created comic strip The Big Yin. It not only helped launch Malky’s artistic career but gave Sir Billy his famous nickname.
Kilmarnock and Loudoun MP Alan Brown said: “I was so sorry to hear about the death of Malky McCormick. My thoughts and condolences go to his family.
“Malky was larger than life in many ways, a comic genius with tremendous artistic ability and someone who appeared to have a zest for life.
Lorry badly damaged after crashing into Kilmarnock bridge
“Of course, he was also well known as a Killie fan and that famous 1997 cup final blue and white suit made from hand towels.
“He was generous with his time and sketches too. I was privileged that he drew a political one for myself when I was selected to be an MP candidate in 2015. That poster has pride of place in my London flat.
“He must have donated hundreds of sketches over the years to various charitable organisations and always seemed happy-go-lucky. He was always up for a chat when I was out campaigning. He will certainly be missed by family, friends and the wider community.”
Other work Malky was particularly proud of included a Rolling Stones drawing the band autographed in 1966, a cartoon for the Celtic Opus book and a sketch of Kilmarnock’s Scottish Cup team of 1997.
Kilmarnock gran's safety fears after traffic lights remain broken for months
When his beloved Killie – for whom he did a weekly cartoon in the matchday programme – won the trophy, beating Falkirk 1-0, Malky wore a blue-and-white striped suit made out of a pub toilet towel.
He worked on comics and magazines and drew Biffo the Bear for The Beano.
Willie Coffey, MSP for Kilmarnock and Irvine Valley, said: “Malky was a wonderful artist, great company, very funny man, die-hard Killie supporter and, of course, a patriot.
“I met him not so long ago at one of the football memory events and he could recall many of Killie’s victories. He was actually doing some drawing lessons with another guest.
“His Big Yin cartoons in the Sunday Mail probably brought him to the attention of the whole of Scotland.
“And no one was spared the wrath of his amazing caricature skills.
“He was one in a million and we were the lucky ones to have known him and call him one of our own.”
Kilmarnock tattoo artist to donate profits to mental health charity
Malky was also a graphic artist and designer with Scottish Television and contributed to a host of newspapers.
He was cartoonist on ITV quiz show ‘Win, Lose or Draw’ and his drawings of football bosses from the 70s were on show at the Scottish Football Museum.
Malky is survived by his daughter Jane and sons Sean and Dominic.
