The Buckhaven & Methil Band has announced the death of tuba player Andy McKinlay following a short illness. He was 44.

A Band spokesperson told 4BR: "Our thoughts are with Andy's family and loved ones at this time."

Superman

They added: "Andy joined the band in 1980 and soon became known as ‘Superman’ due to his Clark Kent glasses – although you were a brave person to use it in his early days to him! But as a Bass player and as a man, he was truly worthy of the tag.

For years he played (single handed) Bb Bass in the Band. Various conductors would ask him to play down a bit and give the rest of the band a chance! He had a passion for brass bands and as well as his beloved East Fife football team.

It was Andy’s lifelong dream to become a Scottish Champion – a dream realised in 2007, under the baton of Bob McDonald, when the band won the 4th Section Scottish Championship. There could have been no happier man alive that day than Andy.

He had so many friends as his friendly nature and passion for brass bands gained him the respect of whoever had the pleasure of his companyBuckhaven & Methil

Passion

They concluded: "He had so many friends as his friendly nature and passion for brass bands gained him the respect of whoever had the pleasure of his company.

Many of the band grew up with ‘Big Andy’, and held him like a brother or son. He will be sorely missed."