SCOTTISH songwriter and guitarist John Douglas has died, aged 62.
Douglas, a founding member of the indie rock band the Trashcan Sinatras, died on Monday, August 3 following "a brief illness", a statement from his band said.
His death comes just days after the Trashcan Sinatras released their latest album, Ever The Optimist, on July 31.
"We are devastated to inform all of you that we have lost our dear friend and brother John after a brief illness," the band said in a statement.
"John died peacefully in the early hours of Monday the 3rd August 2026, surrounded by loved ones, his beautiful voice and songs filling the room."
Born in Irvine, Douglas was a supporter of the pro-independence movement, appearing in 2025 at a pro-independence event at Oran Mor. "Getting the band back together" was a night to celebrate Scotland's grassroots musical talent, with Douglas taking the stage alongside his wife, folk artist Eddi Reader.
Other acts, including Bobby Bluebell and The Countess of Fife also took part in the event, which followed a day-time discussion of Scotland's place in the world and global economy post-independence.
Douglas's musical career started with the formation of the Trashcan Sinatras in 1986. The band has released six studio albums, beginning with Cake, originally issued in 1990 and re‑released in 2023 when it reached the UK's top 10 charts.
He had more recently taken on an acoustic solo career, often touring the UK and Ireland with his wife Reader and her band.
