Comedian Gary Little dies as tributes pour in from peers
Jo Caulfield said: "Gary Little was a great comic and an amazing person to spend time with. We are all poorer for losing you, Gary.
Read More:
"My love and sympathy to his family and loved ones.
"I will truly miss not seeing you backstage and never hearing that big mischievous laugh. Too soon. RIP my friend."
Neil Bratchpiece, AKA The Wee Man, said: "RIP the legend Big Gary Little. One of the best comedians to come out the country and one of the nicest guys to spend time with. Still absolutely reeling from the shock of this news, deepest condolences go to his family. Rest easy big man."
The Some Laugh podcast said: "We're absolutely gutted to learn of the passing of the legend Gary Little.
"Gary was one of the best stand-ups Scotland has ever produced, an absolute powerhouse of a comedian as well as a genuinely lovely guy with a heart of gold.
"It was a pleasure to learn from someone like Gary as we were all coming up on the comedy scene, and his episode an appearance on our live show are up there with the all-time moments of the pod."
Rob Kane wrote: "Scottish comedy and the world have lost a legend today. Gary Little I could rhyme off hundreds of stories of the times we've spent backstage and in car journeys together, the big man's stern gaze, his lack of tolerance for people over running on their time on stage, but most of all his warmth and empathy.
"I remember when I first compèred Jongleurs and he was opening, I could see his silhouette pacing around at the back of the room whilst I thought I was 'smashing it'. He came up to after the opening section and 'what you dain?!' I was shocked and said 'what?' He replied 'what you dain talkin to the front row at a Jongleurs's gig? Nobody else can see them?!'
"He brought me back to earth with a bang and he was right. I wish every gig I done had a Big Gary at it and I hope he's doubling up whenever he does his next gigs. RIP big man. Much respect and Love."
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Glasgow Times
21 minutes ago
- Glasgow Times
Winners of the 2025 World Pipe Band Championships revealed
More than 35,000 spectators attended the two-day event, which brings together the best pipers and drummers from around the globe to compete in what is described as the 'ultimate battle of the bands'. This year's championships finished on Saturday, August 16, with last year's winners, Inveraray & District Pipe Band, retaining the top title. (Image: Colin Mearns) (Image: Colin Mearns) (Image: Colin Mearns) It is the fourth time that the Scottish band, from Argyll and Bute, has been crowned World Pipe Band Champions, first in 2017, then again in 2019, 2024, and 2025. Field Marshal Montgomery Pipe Band of Lisburn, Northern Ireland, took home second place while North Lanarkshire's Shotts & Dykehead Caledonia Pipe Band won third place. READ NEXT: 11 images from 'Stop The War' demonstration in Glasgow (Image: Colin Mearns) (Image: Colin Mearns) (Image: Colin Mearns) Colin Mulhern, Chief Executive of The Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association, said: 'We are grateful to all of the competing bands, supporters and spectators who joined us for our 2025 championships. 'This year's 'Worlds' proved to be a fiercely fought contest, and our 2025 World Pipe Band Champions, Inveraray & District Pipe Band, deserve huge congratulations for winning the global title for a second year running. 'Every one of the bands can take great pride in their wonderful performances. They gave us a splendid competition and demonstration of their dedication to excellence, and their outstanding skills and talent.' The event was delivered by Glasgow Life on behalf of The Royal Pipe Band Association with support from EventScotland. Bailie Annette Christie, chair of Glasgow Life, added: 'Glasgow is proud to host the global pinnacle of the competitive piping calendar, and of the city's long association with 'the Worlds. 'The championships are hugely valued by us as they shine an international spotlight on Glasgow as a fantastic and welcoming destination for events, attract visitors here from all over the world – boosting tourism and contributing greatly to the Scottish and the city's economy. 'We are grateful to all of this year's fantastic competitors for playing their part in ensuring the great success of the 2025 'Worlds' – and our congratulations go to Inveraray & District Pipe Band on retaining the World Champions title." READ NEXT: 10 pictures from Glasgow's poignant VJ Day parade (Image: Colin Mearns) (Image: Colin Mearns) (Image: Colin Mearns) The 2025 World Pipe Band Championships saw 15 countries represented by 207 bands, 53 of which were from overseas destinations such as Australia, Oman, and Zimbabwe. Scotland had the largest national contingent with 122 bands, followed by Northern Ireland with 25 bands, and the USA with 14 bands. Audiences from all over the world were able to view the highlights from the championships on both days via live streaming. This year, the major event included a dedicated youth competition. More than 1500 under-18s took part in the new feature, which celebrated and recognised young talent in piping and drumming. The grade winners were: Juvenile - George Watson's College; Novice Juvenile A - West Lothian Schools; Novice Juvenile B - St John's College Harare of Zimbabwe. Highlights from the 2025 World Pipe Band Championships will be broadcast on BBC Scotland on Thursday, August 21.
Scottish Sun
3 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Gary Lineker reacts to Match of the Day revamp after controversial BBC axe as show's debut fails to impress
The 64-year-old presenter broke his silence on the new-look series offside support Gary Lineker reacts to Match of the Day revamp after controversial BBC axe as show's debut fails to impress Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) GARY Lineker showed his staunch support for the BBC as he backed its revamped Match of the Day launch following his controversial axe. The popular presenter encouraged fans to stay loyal to the football highlights programme - despite being replaced by after 26 years. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 6 Gary Lineker stepped down after 26 years Credit: BBC 6 Gary posted a snap of him watching MOTD 6 Mark Chapman took over hosting duties, which he shares with two other presenters Gary tuned into the new-look series last night as it aired for the first time since his emotional exit in May - with Mark Chapman in the hot seat to kick off the new season. Sharing a snap of him watching on TV, Gary told his social media followers: "Can't miss Match of the Day." He had earlier suggested he was happy to be a spectator from home as she shared his set up on the sofa. "I could get used to this," Gary wrote. Kelly Cates, 49, and 52-year-old Gabby Logan will share hosting duties with Mark as the impressive trio make up the new presenting team on Saturdays. An insider told The Sun: "It's obviously a dramatic change for Gary to be watching from his sofa at home and not be in the thick of it. "But he was keen to show his support to the new hosts, by sharing a picture of him tuning in last night. "A lot of other people who left under the circumstances he did wouldn't have done that. "In fact, some perhaps might even have actively discouraged others from watching - but Gary doesn't hold a grudge. "He wanted to take the high road and cheer on the new guard to succeed." Gary Lineker signs huge deal with ITV and will host gameshow dubbed cross between I'm A Celeb and SAS Who Dares Wins Broadcaster Chappers, 52, was last night joined by ex-England strikers Alan Shearer and Wayne Rooney as they analysed games including Man City's trip to Wolves and Aston Villa hosting Newcastle. However, the show's debut failed to impress with some viewers. One said: "This is exactly why Gary Lineker was well paid for his services. "He had been there, done it, won it, & worn the T-shirt, and was now doing the same thing when presenting a great show with class and charisma. #MOTD is now dead." 6 The 64-year-old got emotional on his last MOTD episode Credit: BBC 6 He watched from the comfort of his home instead of working in the BBC studio Another added: "Trying to watch MOTD and I miss Gary. It's just not the same. That man was in my life weekly for decades." However, many appreciated that aside from fresh faces, not much had changed on BBC One's flagship football show. A viewer insisted: "Mark Chapman is a fantastic host." Gabby said before the launch: 'The focus is only on us because Gary's leaving and he's such a huge name. 'We're nowhere near the most important people on the show. 'The most important thing is the football, then it's the pundits and what they think about it. 'What people will notice is that there isn't much change.' 'It helps that we're all really different from Gary, in that he goes in with a profile of his own as an England legend,' Kelly added. 'It's a very different career path. An ex-player taking over would be a more direct comparison.' 6 A new-look Match of the Day featuring Mark Chapman, centre, aired for the first time since Gary Lineker's BBC exit last night Credit: BBC Gary announced in November 2024 he would be stepping down from presenting Match Of The Day at the end of the season, but would still host World Cup and FA Cup coverage. He exited the broadcaster early after apologising for sharing and then deleting a post on his Instagram account from the group Palestine Lobby. It was illustrated with a picture of a rat, which prompted calls for him to be sacked. A statement from Lineker read: "I care deeply about the game, and about the work I've done with the BBC over many years. "As I've said, I would never consciously repost anything anti-Semitic – it goes against everything I stand for. "However, I recognise the error and upset that I caused, and reiterate how sorry I am. Stepping back now feels like the responsible course of action." After this the BBC said Lineker would leave his presenting role following the conclusion of Match Of The Day for the 2024/25 season. The broadcaster added that he would not present its coverage of the 2026 World Cup or next season's FA Cup. He has since been signed by rival channel ITV - returning to Saturday night telly to host a new game show called The Box. It will see 12 celebs put in boxes and given daring challenges, and is touted as the successor to Ant & Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway.
Edinburgh Reporter
5 hours ago
- Edinburgh Reporter
The Comedy Army – Comedy on Prescription begins on Monday in Edinburgh
The Comedy Army are trying to spark change. On Monday, the worlds of comedy and football collaborate as Comedy Army and Simon Community Scotland, with support from Street Soccer and the Ripple, deliver a unique day of Comedy-on-Prescription – blending stand-up, live sport, music, workshops, and film. This one-day preview highlights the power of laughter, connection, and creativity in tackling one of the UK's most urgent social crises: homelessness. The movement kicks off in classic Scottish style with banter, boots, and a ball in a match at Meadowbank Sports Centre which starts at noon under captain Des Clarke. Live commentary will be provided by Bruce Devlin and Susie McCabe. The moment will then go nationwide on 8 October with Comedians Vs. Homelessness: a one-day comedy takeover in clubs, theatres, and venues across the nation during World Homeless Week, raising vital funds and awareness for homelessness prevention. The homelessness crisis we can't ignore UK-wide, over 400,000 people are experiencing homelessness, including 160,000 children rough sleeping in the UK is up 20% in the last year alone In Scotland, 33,619 households were assessed as homeless or threatened with homelessness in 2023/24—up 4% on last year. Within these households were 38,075 adults and 15,474 children. One in every 165 people in the UK has no stable home Beyond rough sleeping, most homelessness is hidden—families in B&Bs, people sofa-surfing, and young people without safe housing The Day's Line-Up | Monday 18 August 2025 – Edinburgh Public tickets available: JoJo Sutherland Jojo Sutherland, Co-Founder, Comedy Army – who in her spare time had four children, two divorces, and one brain haemorrhage said: 'Every comedian I know is well aware of the therapeutic power of comedy – that's why we are comedians. My own personal stories of grief, trauma and chaos have been regaled to audiences worldwide over the last 25 years. But it's the industry we try to survive in that created the reason for this event. Comedians Vs. Homelessness isn't a charity gig with line-ups thrown together to grab headlines: it's comedians from across the spectrum coming home to the circuit for one cause: to stand up for some of the most vulnerable in society, to help them stand up for themselves. Comedians v Homelessness will help provide a home for those who struggle to be heard.' Tommy Sheppard, Founder, Stand Comedy Club, said: 'Humour is how human beings deal with adversity and tragedy. It allows us to survive. It is essential to our basic humanity. That's why the best comedy is about real life experience, warts and all. And that's why comedy clubs and comedians engage with the world, working to make it better. We support this important campaign to shine a light on the greatest social scourge of our time, the lack of shelter.' Ricky Kerr, Service Lead, Simon Community (Scotland) said: 'Community and relationships are at the heart of what we do. We're delighted to work with Comedy Army to bring hope, opportunity, and positive change to those affected by homelessness. Through comedy, sport, and creativity, we aim to shine a light on the people most impacted by inequality. We believe it is vital that the people we support are included in the Fringe as valued members of our community. This gala day is about inclusion, connection, and celebrating the voices of some of the most marginalised people in Edinburgh during the world's largest arts festival.' Robbie Wood, Regional Manager, Street Soccer Scotland said: 'Our mission is to create hope and opportunity for all. We support thousands of players each year on their journey to positive change, and are proud to work with Comedy Army and community partners who share our values.' Like this: Like Related
