SCOTS musician and founding member of The Associates Alan Rankine has died at the age of 64.

The producer, best known for playing keyboard and guitar in the indie rock band, passed away after spending Christmas with his family.

His sons Callum and Hamish announced his death on social media today.

The statement said: "It’s with great sadness that my brother, Hamish, and I announce the passing of our father, Alan Rankine.

"He died peacefully at home shortly after spending Christmas with his family.

"He was a beautiful, kind and loving man who will be sorely missed."

The family confirmed the page will remain active to allow people to celebrate his life.

Born in Bridge of Allan, Stirlingshire, Rankine began his career with the cabaret band Caspian, which would become the Associates with singer Billy Mackenzie – who died in 1997 aged 39.

After leaving the band in 1982, Rankine established himself as a producer and worked on albums by Cocteau Twins and others.

He also launched his solo career in 1986.

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He later lectured at Stow College in Glasgow, helping students set up the Electric Honey record label, which helped launch the careers of Biffy Clyro, Belle & Sebastian and Snow Patrol.

Broadcaster Vic Galloway described Rankine’s death as “unbelievably sad news”.

Douglas T Stewart of the band BMX Bandits shared a video tribute, saying: "Very sad news today that Alan Rankine has died. I first became aware of Alan through The Associates and later got to know him a little.

"He looks very beautiful in this clip. Sending love to his family and all who loved him."

Christopher Connolly, founder of the Scottish electronic dance group Finitribe, said: “Utterly devastated to learn that Alan Rankine has passed.

"His incredible, breathtaking music lifted our hearts with the voice of the incomparable Billy Mackenzie in The Associates, a huge, huge part of the beating musical heart of Scotland."

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