Nicola Sturgeon has led tributes to Scots entertainment legend Sydney Devine, who died at the age of 81.
The First Minister said the country and Western singer’s name was “synonymous with Scottish entertainment”.
She wrote on Twitter: “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.”
Labour’s Monica Lennon also paid tribute by writing: “Sad to hear that the legendary Sydney Devine has passed away. A star of the @GlasgowPavilion and one of Scotland’s most successful entertainers, he will be sorely missed. Thoughts with his family and friends.”
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 23rd January, 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.”
We told how he was rushed to Ayr Hospital by ambulance almost three weeks ago after falling ill at home.
He had released a new song in tribute to the NHS while he fighting a serious illness in hospital.
Fans have been quick to pay tribute to Sydney on social media.
One fan wrote: “I’m glad I got to see him last year thoughts and prayers go out to all his family and friends.”
Another said: “So sorry. The epitome of style and talent. Condolences to his family.”
The Pavilion theatre paid tribute to the star, with general manager Iain Gordon writing: “I have worked with Sydney and the band since 1976 and have to say, I have never seen a bad performance, he was the ultimate showman and performer. That is truly hard to find in this business.
“Syd always took time for everyone, fans, staff and other performers. I just texted him at 8.27am 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.”
