Scots singer-songwriter Roddy Hart has paid a moving tribute to the late Kris Kristofferson, following his death at the age of 88.

Kristofferson died peacefully and surrounded by his family at his home in Maui, Hawaii, on Saturday, family spokeswoman Ebie McFarland said.

No cause of death was given.

Hart wrote on social media: "Kris Kristofferson changed my life.

"That's a funny thing to say out loud for a boy from Glasgow who had no right to know such a legend. But, as fantastical as it still seems, Kris' kindness and willingness to encourage a young musician with a live of songwriting - however embryonic his skills may have been - set me on a path that shaped who I am.

"A single support slot in 2004 opened the door to a world I barely thought possible. He invited me on tour, he sang on my first album, we backed him at Glastonbury and so much more. The stuff dreams are made of.

"On the night we first met, I told him I was trying to figure out whether to do the sensible thing and use my law degree, or to take the plunge and try a career in music.

"He looked me dead in the eye and said: 'The world doesn't need any more lawyers - but the world could always use more songwriters'.

"That perfect blend of poetry and humour was always his great skill.

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"But more than the songs - which, of course, will last forever - the man was an inspiration to me and so many others.

"Quite simply, he wrote it as he lived it.

"I will never forget his or his family's generosity of spirit in the time we spent together, or the lessons he taught me.

"Encouraging creativity in those who need the confidence to explore it is the greatest gift you can give.

"Thank you for everything, Kris."

Starting in the late 1960s, the Texas native wrote such classics standards as Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down, Help Me Make it Through the Night, For The Good Times and Me And Bobby McGee.

Kristofferson was a singer himself, but many of his songs were best known as performed by others, whether Ray Price crooning For the Good Times or Janis Joplin belting out Me And Bobby McGee.

Kristofferson, who could recite William Blake from memory, wove intricate folk music lyrics about loneliness and tender romance into popular country music. With his long hair, bell-bottomed trousers and counterculture songs influenced by Bob Dylan, he represented a new breed of country songwriters along with peers such as Willie Nelson, John Prine and Tom T Hall.