Bay City Rollers founding member Alan Longmuir dies aged 70

FOUNDING member of the Bay City Rollers Alan Longmuir has died at the age of 70.

Mr Longmuir had recently returned to Edinburgh for treatment after reportedly falling ill while on holiday.

His death was confirmed by journalist Liam Rudden, writer of the Bay City Rollers musical I Ran With the Gang.

Bay City Rollers founding member, Alan Longmuir, has sadly passed away. Our sincere condolences to all his family, friends and fans.

Posted by Bay City Rollers on Monday, 2 July 2018

He tweeted a statement from Mr Longmuir’s family which said: “We are devastated to share the news that Alan has passed away peacefully surrounded by family.

“He was an extraordinary man with an extraordinary heart.

“He brought so much love and kindness to everyone he met, and he leaves a huge hole in our family.

“He would humbly say he was ‘just a plumber from Edinburgh who got lucky’. However, we are the lucky ones; the ones that were lucky enough to have Alan as part of our lives.

“We’d like to thank everyone for the love and support that they have provided so far.”

Statement from Eileen and @alanlongmuirbcr’s family… #BayCityRollers pic.twitter.com/KNGVSIgMbu

— Líam Rudden ? (@LiamRudden) July 2, 2018

Mr Rudden added: “Devastated by the news my friend @alanlongmuirbcr has left us.

“He was one of the most gentle, generous & kind-hearted people I’ve ever known & touched the lives of all he met with a smile that made them feel special.”

Formed at the end of the 1960s, the Bay City Rollers enjoyed huge success at home and abroad with their distinctive tartan outfits and upbeat pop tunes like Bye Bye Baby and Shang-a-Lang.

They had a massive teen following and sold more than 100 million records.