Singing star Kathie Kay, 86, dies

Kathie Kay had Alzheimer's disease for 15 years

Big band singing legend Kathie Kay, who belonged to a well-known Glasgow family, has died at the age of 86.

Her big break came in the 1950s when she was made resident singer on Billy Cotton's Band Show, which later switched from radio to television.

She died in a nursing home in the seaside town of Largs, after suffering from Alzheimer's disease for 15 years.

Her son, Stewart, called Kathie a "mum in a million who was much loved by us all".

Stewart added: "In her final years, we wrapped ourselves around her and when her time came she just closed her eyes and slipped away gently.

Just before she died we told her she would soon be able to see my father Stewart McCulloch

"Just before she died we told her she would soon be able to see my father."

Kathie's other two sons were flying to Glasgow from their homes in France.

Monaco-based Ken runs a chain of hotels with racing driver David Coulthard while yachtsman Donald lives in Nice.

Kathie Kay, whose husband Archie McCulloch was an impresario, starred alongside names such as music hall entertainer Harry Lauder, George Formby and Hughie Green.

Her hit songs included "We Will Make Love" and "A House With Love In It".

The funeral will be held next week.