Kirkcaldy-born singer-songwriter Jackie Leven has lost his battle with cancer, aged 61.

Leven began his career as a folk singer in the late 1960s before forming punk act Doll By Doll in the 1970s. His life saw some true ups and downs – born into a gypsy family, he was a busker, and became addicted to heroin. He later created the Core Trust charity along with his wife to help those battling drugs.

After Doll By Doll split in the 1980s, Leven’s solo career was forced into hiatus by a vicious street attack in which he temporarily lost his voice.

Once recovered, he released 14 albums in the last 17 years of his life, including a collaboration with author Ian Rankin, ‘Jackie Leven Said’, as well as ‘Mystery of Love’ which was ranked by Q magazine as one of the 100 Best Albums of All Time.

Rankin tweeted, “Rip Jackie Leven. Gentle man, poetic songwriter, skilled guitarist, storyteller. It was an honour to call you friend.”