Sailing and Arms of Mary writer dies aged 71
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The death was noted this week of Ellon's Iain Sutherland, one half of the successful north-east folk and rock group, the Sutherland Brothers.
Along with his younger brother Gavin, from Peterhead, the pair wrote 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, turning it into one of his biggest hits and most memorable numbers.
Iain also wrote Arms of Mary, recorded by the Sutherland Brothers and Quiver which went on to prove a massive international hit in 1976 leading to an appearance on Top of the Pops and the song topping the charts around Europe including the Netherlands, Ireland and Belgium.
A social media post confirmed the news of Iain’s death on Monday.
This read: “It is with immense sadness that we share the news of the passing of Iain on Monday, November 25, 2019, 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.
Iain later released several solo albums and had a successful writing career with his songs covered by the likes of Paul Young, Merle Haggard, John Travolta and Bonnie Tyler.
