Much-loved singer Sydney Devine will be laid to rest later on today.

The singing legend died on Saturday, February 13 after a spell at Ayr University Hospital battling a chest problem. He was 81 when he died.

Devine's family have advised of the arrangements for his funeral, saying that if people are wanting to pay their respects that they should do so withing the COVID rules and restrictions.

The family said in a statement: “On behalf of our Mum, Shirley, we would like to say a huge thank you for all the kind tributes and messages of condolences for dad. It was a massive shock to the family when dad passed away, judging by the amount messages and tributes made to dad, it was a comfort to know just how much our dad was loved by many people.

“Due to the current COVID situation dad’s funeral has had to be scaled back to the maximum of 20 people, although we know in our hearts under normal circumstances dad would have had the send-off fit for a king.

“Dad’s funeral will unfortunately not be live streamed through any digital media source."

The funeral service will take place at 12 noon at Alloway Parish Church, Alloway, and thereafter at 1.30pm at Ayr Cemetery, Holmston Road. 

The funeral cortege will travel from the church via Monument Road, Corsehill Road, Racecourse Road, Alloway Place, Fort Street, Fullarton Street, Douglas Street, Boswell Park, Carrick Street (Gaiety Theatre), Dalblair Road, Burns Statue Square and Holmston Road to Ayr Cemetery.

En route, the funeral cortege will pause for a short time as a mark of respect at the Gaiety Theatre, where Sydney performed many times.

In accordance with the current COVID-19 restrictions, only 20 people, close family and friends, will be at both the church and the cemetery. No other persons will be permitted access.

The family added: “Anyone who lives locally on the route and wishes to pay their respects should do so safely by ensuring that they adhere to all social distancing measures and remain at least two metres apart at all times.

“We absolutely appreciate the loyalty and devotion of his fans, but respectfully ask that, to keep everyone safe, those who are attending ensure they observe the social distancing.”