The controversial former manager of pop sensations the Bay City Rollers has died aged 70, it was revealed today.
Tam Paton, who managed the Seventies heart-throbs at the height of their fame, died last night in his Edinburgh home after reportedly suffering a heart attack.
He oversaw the group for 11 years as they enjoyed huge success in the UK and abroad.
"Rollermania" drew a massive teenage following and the Scottish group were famed for their distinctive tartan outfits and upbeat pop tunes such as Bye Bye Baby and Shang-a-Lang.
Paton, a former big band leader, nurtured their image as "the boys next door" and cultivated the myth that they preferred drinking milk to alcohol.
The band went their separate ways in 1978 and Paton was sacked - and the former manager has since become a controversial figure.
He was accused in 2003 of trying to rape a member of the band while on tour at the height of their fame.
Guitarist Pat McGlynn claimed Paton attempted to rape him in an Australian hotel in 1977.
But Paton was cleared after Lothian and Borders Police said there was insufficient evidence to take the allegation any further.
He was also fined in 2007 after a massive stash of cannabis was discovered in his mansion in the Gogarburn area of Edinburgh.
A Scottish Ambulance Service spokesman said a man died at Paton's home last night.
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