TRIBUTES have been paid to Scott Hutchison, the lead singer of Scots band Frightened Rabbit.

The 36-year-old musician’s body was found in the water at Port Edgar, a marina on the banks of the Firth of Forth between the Forth Road Bridge and Queensferry Crossing, on Thursday evening.

Hutchison had disappeared early on Wednesday morning. His last communication with the world, a tweet saying “I’m away now. Thanks”, had concerned friends who immediately called the police.

In a statement, Hutchison’s family said they were devastated: “Despite his disappearance, and the recent concerns over his mental health, we had all remained positive and hopeful that he would walk back through the door, having taken some time away to compose himself.

“Scott, like many artists, wore his heart on his sleeve and that was evident in the lyrics of his music and the content of many of his social media posts. He was passionate, articulate and charismatic, as well as being one of the funniest and kindest people we knew. Friends and family would all agree that he had a brilliant sense of humour and was a great person to be around.

“In addition to his musical success, Scott was a wonderful son, brother, uncle and friend.

“Despite whatever else was going on in his life he always had time for those he cared for.

“Depression is a horrendous illness that does not give you any alert or indication as to when it will take hold of you. Scott battled bravely with his own issues for many years and we are immensely proud of him for being so open with his struggles.

“His willingness to discuss these matters in the public domain undoubtedly raised awareness of mental health issues and gave others confidence and belief to discuss their own issues.”

His bandmates said they had been helped by the outpouring of love for the frontman: “There are no words to describe the overwhelming sadness and pain that comes with the death of our beloved Scott but to know he is no longer suffering brings us some comfort.

“Reading messages of support and hope from those he has helped through his art has helped immensely and we encourage you to continue doing this.

“He will be missed by all of us and his absence will always be felt but he leaves a legacy of hope, kindness and colour that will forever be remembered and shared.”

Bereft fans and friends took to social media to share their memories.

Stuart Murdoch from Belle and Sebastian, tweeted: “Tragic news about Scott Hutchison. The whole music community in Scotland was praying for a different outcome.

“Folks, if you are up against it, having dark thoughts, please tell someone, family, a friend or a doctor. There is always another way, though it might not seem like it.”

Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon wrote: “Heartbreaking news. My thoughts are with Scott’s family, friends and fans. A remarkable and much loved talent.”

Musician and BBC Radio Scotland host Roddy Hart tweeted: “Make no mistake, we are the lucky ones. Our lives still intact. Our love still to give. Don’t waste a moment.

“Thinking of a fallen musical brother, who gave to us in song what he perhaps couldn’t find in life.”

Gary Lightbody from Snow Patrol, said Hutchison was one of Scotland’s “most extraordinary song writers.”

“He wrote with such profound insight into loss and longing and listening to his words always made me feel this heady mix of wonder, elation and pain. That pain that also makes you feel someone understands what you’re going through and you don’t feel so alone.

“He was willing to hurt in his songs so that the listener hurt less. But when you live on the edge of that pain it can sometimes get to be too much to bear. I just wish he knew what he meant to so many. Thank you Scott for every extraordinary song you ever wrote and for the times we shared. Your music brought light to the world and always will. “

One of Hutchison’s last interviews, just weeks ago, was with Dead City Souls, a blog run by Rebecca, a teenage fan in Edinburgh. She’d asked him about his first recollection of listening to music.

He told her: “My earliest memory is of my dad carrying me around the room trying to get me to sleep whilst Kate Bush was playing in the background. It was the first time I can remember that feeling which I’m probably still chasing today. The inexplicable thing that the best music can do to you. Sensational reactions that you don’t understand and possibly never will, because to understand them would mean the magic would be lost.”