Showbiz legend Sydney Devine has passed away.
The Country and Western star, 81, had been battling a mystery illness since being rushed to Ayr Hospital almost three weeks ago.
Sydney took ill at his home in Ayr on January 23, however, he sadly passed away earlier today.
The legendary performer's latest single, They're All Heroes, was set for release next week in honour of the NHS.
A statement released by Sydney’s daughter Karen, 57, said: “My dad took unwell at home and Dad knew it was a bit more serious than a normal chest infection, after calling an ambulance and being admitted into Ayr Hospital on January 23.
“The doctors tried everything they could and battled non-stop to save my dad, and my dad fought the illness with great dignity and with everything he had, but the illness took hold of him.
“My dad and the family have the greatest of respect for all the NHS doctors, nurses, and all the frontline workers who cared for him, we could not have wished for a better team to look after him, they were just brilliant right to the end.”
Tributes are pouring in today for the Scots entertainment icon with First Minister Nicola Sturgeon describing Sydney as a true legend.
She said: “So sad. For Scots of a certain vintage – which definitely includes me – the name Sydney Devine was once synonymous with Scottish entertainment.
“A true legend. My condolences to his loved ones.”
Iain Gordon, who runs the Pavilion Theatre where Sydney had performed for 45 consecutive years, paid tribute to the 'Tiny Bubbles' star.
He wrote: “This is probably that hardest thing I have ever had to announce and put on social media, this morning at 3am our friend and star of the Pavilion and Scottish legend Sydney Devine has passed away.
“I have worked with Sydney and the band since 1976 and have to say I have never seen a bad performance, the ultimate showman and performer that is truly hard to find in this business.
Always took time for everyone, fans, staff and other performers.
“I just texted him at 8.27 this morning wishing him well and hoped that he had had a better week.
“He was one of the Pavilion Family and is a great loss to everyone who followed him over the years, generations of families have grown up with Sydney, playing his music and passing it down through the generations.
“Over the years we have seen parents bringing their kids to see him and in turn they would bring their kids to the annual “Sydney Devine Weekend”
“Our condolences to Shirley and all the family at this time.”
