Creator of legendary Jeely Piece song dies aged 86

The writer behind the legendary Jeely Piece song, Adam McNaughtan, has died aged 86.

The beloved songwriter died on December 2, as confirmed by family friend Linda Cheyne.

McNaughtan was best known for the Jeely Piece song, also known as Skyscraper Wean, which reflected on life in 1960s Glasgow.

This year’s Celtic Connections festival celebrated his contributions to Scottish folk music.

Confirming the news of his passing, Linda Cheyne shared on social media: “Sad news. Legendary singer / songwriter Adam McNaughtan died yesterday. His sister Mary has asked me to let his friends know. There will be no funeral, at his request, but a celebration of his life at a later date.”

Former Glenrothes MP Peter Grant described McNaughtan’s ability to hold “the audience in the palm of his hand”.

He said: “As a songwriter, he gave us comedy classics like the Jeely Piece Song, Oor Hamlet, Fitba Crazy, Cholestorol and dozens more.

“He also wrote some biting, sharp protest songs that deserve to be better known, and ballads such as The Yellow On The Broom.

“A giant of Scottish culture who had the gift of writing extraordinary songs about the most ordinary things and who sang them in a voice like no other. RIP Adam, and thank you for the music.”