Collins walks after brain surgery

Edwyn Collins had a global solo hit with A Girl Like You in 1995

Singer Edwyn Collins has taken his first steps since suffering two brain haemorrhages and will return home later this month, his wife has said.

"Edwyn is doing really well. He is advancing in all areas," said wife and manager Gracie Maxwell on his website.

Collins, 45, had two brain haemorrhages in February and contracted the MRSA bug after a surgical scar became infected.

The ex-Orange Juice singer was moved from London's Royal Free Hospital to a specialist unit to recover.

Leading figure

"He took his first steps in recent times. Wonderful stuff," his wife said.

"And he's a bit cheerier because he gets home for good in three weeks."

The London-based singer was admitted to hospital in February after complaining of vertigo and vomiting.

Collins was a leading figure on the alternative Scottish scene in the late 1970s and 1980s, forming his first band, Nu-Sonics, aged 17.

They became Orange Juice, who were independent favourites and briefly broke into the mainstream with Rip It Up in 1983.

He pursued a solo career with mixed results until A Girl Like You, a top 10 hit in seven countries in 1995.

Collins had recently turned to producing new bands including Sons and Daughters, The Cribs and Little Barrie.