Body found at Firth of Forth confirmed as missing Frightened Rabbit singer

The 36-year-old was last seen at the Dakota Hotel in Edinburgh where he was spotted on CCTV leaving at around 1am.

His family said they were "utterly devastated with the tragic loss of our beloved Scott".

Obituary: Scott Hutchison, singer-songwriter with Scottish band Frightened Rabbit

His last tweet a few hours before he disappeared said: "I’m away now. Thanks."

His previous tweet added: "Be so good to everyone you love. It’s not a given. I’m so annoyed that it’s not. I didn’t live by that standard and it kills me. Please, hug your loved ones."

Two years ago,  after the founder and lead singer of Frightened Rabbit indicated a "goodbye" to the band, he admitted that it was the result of a "meltdown" and that he had now a "greater appreciation of the pitfalls of mixing alcohol, depression and social media".

The Forth Road Bridge had significance to Hutchison.

On Frightened Rabbit's Floating in the Forth from 2008's The Midnight Organ Fight, Mr Hutchison contemplates jumping into the water to find "peace."

"And fully clothed, I float away. Down the Forth, into the sea. Am I ready to leap, is there peace beneath the roar of the Forth Road Bridge?," Hutchison sang before concluding at track's end, "I think I'll save suicide for another year."

Frightened Rabbit members – Scott’s brother Grant Hutchison, Billy Kennedy, Andy Monaghan and Simon Liddell – said: “There are no words to describe the overwhelming sadness and pain that comes with the death of our beloved Scott but to know he is no longer suffering brings us some comfort.”
They added: “He will be missed by all of us and his absence will always be felt but he leaves a legacy of hope, kindness and colour that will forever be remembered and shared.”

In a statement released on Friday, Mr Hutchison's family said there had been "recent concerns over his mental health".

But they said they had "remained positive and hopeful that he would walk back through the door, having taken some time away to compose himself".

The statement added: "Scott, like many artists, wore his heart on his sleeve and that was evident in the lyrics of his music and the content of many of his social media posts.

Video: The best of Scott Hutchison and Frightened Rabbit

"He was passionate, articulate and charismatic, as well as being one of the funniest and kindest people we knew. Friends and family would all agree that he had a brilliant sense of humour and was a great person to be around".

The statement described Mr Hutchison as a "wonderful son, brother, uncle and friend" who always had time for those he cared for.

"Depression is a horrendous illness that does not give you any alert or indication as to when it will take hold of you", it added.

"Scott battled bravely with his own issues for many years and we are immensely proud of him for being so open with his struggles.

"His willingness to discuss these matters in the public domain undoubtedly raised awareness of mental health issues and gave others confidence and belief to discuss their own issues."

Mr Hutchison had addressed mental health difficulties in his songwriting. In an interview published on Noisey last week, he described his mood: “Middling. On a day-to-day basis, I’m a solid six out of 10. I don’t know how often I can hope for much more than that. I’m drawn to negatives in life, and I dwell on them, and they consume me.”

News of Mr Hutchison's death sparked tributes from musicians and fans.

Snow Patrol singer Gary Lightbody paid tribute to "one of Scotland's most extraordinary song writers".

He said Mr Hutchison "wrote with such profound insight into loss and longing and listening to his words always made me feel this heady mix of wonder, elation and pain.

"That pain that also makes you feel someone understands what you're going through and you don't feel so alone".

Belle and Sebastian's Stuart Murdoch tweeted on Friday: "Tragic news about Scott Hutchison. The whole music community in Scotland was praying for a different outcome. Folks, if you are up against it, having dark thoughts, please tell someone, family, a friend or a doctor. There is always another way, though it might not seem like it."

Franz Ferdinand singer Alex Kapranos tweeted: “Awful news about Scott Hutchison. A terrible loss.”

Biffy Clyro wrote: “So so sad. So so sorry. All our love to the Hutchison family. Rest in peace Scott.x”

Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon tweeted: “Heartbreaking news. My thoughts are with Scott’s family, friends and fans. A remarkable and much loved talent.”

A spokesman for the band’s record label Warner Music UK said: “We’re devastated by the tragic loss of Scott Hutchison.

“Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family, the band and to everyone who knew and loved Scott, a brilliant, deep and beautiful soul gone far too soon.”

Alt-J added: "We are deeply saddened by the news of our labelmate Scott Hutchison, and our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time. In the UK, you can call the Samaritans on 116 123. In the US, the National Suicide Prevention Hotline is 1-800-273-8255. You are never alone."

Fans sent messages of support after he disappeared  summed up by Hutchison’s brother and bandmate, Grant, who said earlier this week: “The support’s been immense … There’s nothing that is so insurmountable that we can’t figure it out together and help you to get better and we’re all here for you and we all love you very much.”