Scott Hutchison: Family pay tribute to 'passionate and charismatic' Frightened Rabbit singer

Police have confirmed that the body recovered near South Queensferry last night is that of Frightened Rabbit frontman Scott Hutchison.

An investigation had been launched after the 36-year-old singer-songwriter was reported missing in the early hours of Wednesday, May 9.

'Utterly devastated'

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In a statement released through Police Scotland, Scott’s family said: “As a family, we are utterly devastated with the tragic loss of our beloved Scott.

“Despite his disappearance, and the recent concerns over his mental health, we had all remained positive and hopeful that he would walk back through the door, having taken some time away to compose himself.

“Scott, like many artists, wore his heart on his sleeve and that was evident in the lyrics of his music and the content of many of his social media posts. He was passionate, articulate and charismatic, as well as being one of the funniest and kindest people we knew. Friends and family would all agree that he had a brilliant sense of humour and was a great person to be around.

“In addition to his musical success, Scott was a wonderful son, brother, uncle and friend. Despite whatever else was going on in his life he always had time for those he cared for.

'We are immensely proud of him'

“Depression is a horrendous illness that does not give you any alert or indication as to when it will take hold of you. Scott battled bravely with his own issues for many years and we are immensely proud of him for being so open with his struggles. His willingness to discuss these matters in the public domain undoubtedly raised awareness of mental health issues and gave others confidence and belief to discuss their own issues.

“To all of those who have come forward with such kind messages of support over the past couple of days, we wish to express our most sincerest of thanks. We have been overwhelmed by the love that has been conveyed, not only to Scott, but to our family. It means the world to us.

“We also want to thank Police Scotland and the Dakota Hotel for all of their assistance since Wednesday.

“We now ask that our privacy be respected so that we may come to terms with our loss.”

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His family had issued a heartfelt plea for information yesterday after his disappearance from the Dakota Hotel in South Queensferry.

In his final tweets late on Tuesday night, Hutchison wrote:

"Be so good to everyone you love. It’s not a given. I’m so annoyed that it’s not. I didn’t live by that standard and it kills me. Please, hug your loved ones.

"I’m away now. Thanks."

Tributes for 'a great man'

The music community in Scotland and around the world has been paying tribute to Hutchison today.

Belle and Sebastian singer Stuart Murdoch urged anyone going through similar issues to talk to someone.

Tragic news about Scott Hutchison. The whole music community in Scotland was praying for a different outcome. Folks, if you are up against it, having dark thoughts, please tell someone, family, a friend or a doctor. There is always another way, though it might not seem like it.

— stuart murdoch (@nee_massey) May 11, 2018

Franz Ferdinand singer Alex Kapranos said it was a "terrible loss".

Awful news about Scott Hutchison. A terrible loss.

— alex kapranos (@alkapranos) May 11, 2018

Stuart Murdoch, of the Glasgow band Mogwai, called Hutchison a "lovely, warm, talented guy":

I’m lost for words on hearing the awful news about Scott Hutchison. My deepest condolences are with his family and friends. I didn’t know Scott very well but I always enjoyed his company whenever I was in it. He was a lovely, warm talented guy and was loved by so many people.

— stuart braithwaite (@plasmatron) May 11, 2018

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Musician and radio presenter Roddy Hart called him a "great man".

Make no mistake, we are the lucky ones. Our lives still intact. Our love still to give. Don’t waste a moment. Thinking of a fallen musical brother, who gave to us in song what he perhaps couldn’t find in life. With love to Scott Hutchison’s family, in memory of a great man. pic.twitter.com/VptYmeQ5bo

— Roddy Hart (@roddyhart) May 11, 2018

The English band Alt-J joined the tributes to Hutchison:

We are deeply saddened by the news of our labelmate Scott Hutchison, and our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time. In the UK, you can call the Samaritans on 116 123. In the US, the National Suicide Prevention Hotline is 1-800-273-8255. You are never alone.

— Δ (alt-J) (@alt_J) May 11, 2018

Aaron Dessner of American band The National, wrote:

Everyone listen to Scott’s songs today — he navigated the depths of despair with such power, beauty and poetry. RIP #scotthutchison

— Aaron Dessner (@aaron_dessner) May 11, 2018