Scottish singer and entertainer Sydney Devine dies aged 81

Tributes have poured in for Scottish entertainment legend Sydney Devine who died in hospital aged 81.

Sydney Devine. Picture: Donald MacLeod/JPIMedia

It is understood the star, whose career spanned seven decades, passed away on Saturday morning following a period in Ayr University Hospital where he had been battling chest problems.

The singer, who was awarded an MBE in 2003, was best known for his rendition of ‘Tiny Bubbles’ and sold around 15 million albums throughout his career.

In a post on the Sydney Devine Country Facebook group, the singer’s daughter Karen said: “My dad took unwell at home and he 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.

"He 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.”

Friend Iain Gordon, manager of Glasgow’s Pavilion Theatre where Devine performed regularly, announced the death to fans on the theatre’s Facebook page.

His message read: “From everyone at the Pavilion, thank you for the memories Sydney.

"You will never be forgotten. Rest in peace.”

Mr Gordon paid further tribute to the star, a former member of the White Heather Group, describing him as the “ultimate showman and performer”.

He added: “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.”

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon also made an announcement on Twitter following the news of Devine’s death.

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.”

At the height of his career, the showbiz legend made an appearance on the Queen's Jubilee bill with Michael Jackson where he was supported Roy Orbison and worked with country legends including Charlie Pride and Dolly Parton.

Devine, who was a huge supporter of cancer charity Marie Cury, is often associated with songs such as Legend in My Time, Scotland Forever and Maggie.

Scottish comedian Andy Cameron MBE paid tribute to Devine following the news of his death.

In a message on Twitter, he said: “Sad day today. A pal has gone. RIP Sydney Devine. My thoughts with Shirley and the family.”

Author Peter Ross added: “RIP Sydney Devine. I once attended one of his famous gigs at the Pavilion as part of a story about the Scottish love of country and western. It was extraordinary.”

Scottish Labour hopeful Monica Lennon paid tribute to Devine saying: “Sad to hear that the legendary Sydney Devine has passed away.

"A star of the Glasgow Pavilion and one of Scotland’s most successful entertainers, he will be sorely missed. Thoughts with his family and friends.”

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