Tributes have poured in from across the globe following the death of a north-east music legend.
People around the world took to social media yesterday to remember Iain Sutherland, who has died at the age of 71.
The singer-songwriter, from Ellon, and his younger brother Gavin, from Peterhead, created two of the most memorable songs in pop history in the 1970s.
The group originally produced Sailing in 1972 and, although their version achieved only a minor chart placing, it was later recorded by Rod Stewart and turned into one of his biggest hits.
Even though Stewart had been sceptical about its potential as a single, it stayed at number one in the UK charts for four weeks in September 1975 and – more than 40 years later – it was the final song of his set as the rocker performed the final show at the Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre this summer.
But movie director Jon S. Baird, who is from Peterhead, paid tribute by praising 1976 hit Arms of Mary as “such a beautiful song”.
The group appeared on Top of the Pops promoting the ballad and it topped the charts in Ireland, the Netherlands and Belgium.
Mr Sutherland’s family released a statement confirming his death on Monday night.
It read: “It is with immense sadness that we share the news of the passing of Iain, peacefully at home with family around him.
“A much-loved husband, father and grandfather, and a friend to so many, Iain was a talented singer, songwriter and musician who touched the lives of many through his music over the years.
“He continued to write throughout his illness and we will ensure that his legacy lives on. He will be deeply missed.”
In the 1970s the band toured extensively in Europe and the USA, notably with Elton John, The Kinks, Traffic and Free.
The songwriter later released a brace of solo albums and had a successful writing career with his songs covered by the likes of Paul Young, Merle Haggard, John Travolta, Joan Baez, Keith Urban and Boyzone.
Aberdeenshire band The Delerium Trees wrote online: “We were very sad to hear of the death of Iain Sutherland.
“Best wishes to Iain’s family and friends at this time.”
