Scotland's world famous animal star - Hercules the grizzly bear - has died at the age of 25.

The charismatic giant, who stole the nation's hearts, passed away on Friday and was buried in the garden of his Perthshire home on Sunday.

Hercules became famous after a number of appearances in Hollywood movies, adverts and special events.

His owners, Andy and Maggie Robin, bought him as a cub in Aviemore 25 years ago.

But it was in 1980 that he shot to stardom when he went missing in the Outer Hebrides, sparking a massive search. There were emotional scenes when he was eventually tracked down.

With the help of his owners, Hercules battled against paralysis.

Vets advised that the animal be put down three years ago when he damaged his back while filming.

But the Robins refused to give up on Hercules, who had lost the use of his back legs, and embarked on a mission to get him back to full fitness.

In October he was lifted unconscious onto a forklift truck and transported to the Edinburgh-based Royal Dick Vets School where he underwent investigative surgery.

Hercules had also been having intensive water therapy in the swimming pool of his home.

Therapy sessions

It was originally believed the grizzly had damaged a disc and initial therapy sessions helped him to make a partial recovery.

It had been hoped that the surgery last year would have marked the start of long-term recovery.

Recalling his life, Mr Robin said: "Every day has been laughter. It was just a sad, sad day when he died but we've a lot of memories."

And Mrs Robin said: "He had ears like two furry purses and he had the most beautiful eyes. It was just the joy he brought to you, he was just full of cheek and fun."

Hercules was known all over the world after having appeared in Hollywood movies - including Octopussy alongside Roger Moore - and television programmes and advertisements.