A memorial plaque celebrating the life and legacy of Sydney Devine has been unveiled outside Cleland Primary School, bringing together pupils, family, fans and members of the local community to honour one of Scotland’s most popular performers.
At the ceremony pupils from Cleland and St Mary’s primary schools gave an enthusiastic performance of ‘Tiny Bubbles’, one of Sydney’s hit songs.
The unveiling took place in the village of Cleland, where Devine was born in January 1940 and where he attended school as a boy.
Councillor Geraldine Woods, Convener Communities, explained: “It came about after Karen Bishop, who runs a fan page dedicated to the singer, contacted our community partnership team at the council to ask whether something could be done to commemorate him in the village.
“So, we decided that a memorial plaque should be installed outside the school, funded through our Local Development Programme.”
Sydney was born in Mayfield Cottage in Bellside, one of eight children and he told his family that his childhood was simply the happiest time of his life.
The plaque was unveiled by Sydney’s daughter Karen Devine, who said: “I can’t thank everyone enough for bringing this to fruition – my dad would have been overjoyed at the final result.
"This tribute reflects the strong affinity he felt for the village of Cleland throughout his life.
“It’s so poignant that a memorial plaque is erected outside Cleland Primary, where my dad spent his happy formative years.”
She laid 18 yellow roses – the title of another of his hit songs – as a mark of remembrance and appreciation for his life and career.
Following the unveiling guests gathered in the school hall for a celebration recognising Sydney’s lasting influence.
Pupils from both local schools performed during the ceremony and displayed their artwork inspired by Sydney and his music.
The Devine family gifted a trophy to each school to be presented to pupils with the most creative and musical talents.
Video messages from well-known personalities, including Andy Cameron, were also shown.
Later, the festivities continued at Cleland Community Centre where fans enjoyed live music from the Sydney Devine Band and tribute performers.
As a young boy Sydney first attracted attention for his remarkable ability to imitate bird calls.
His talent caught the attention of tenor Robert Wilson, who invited him to whistle during the recording of the song ‘Cottage By The Lea’.
This early moment that helped launch a career which would see him become a household name across Scotland.
His proudest moment came in 2003 when he was awarded an MBE for services to entertainment by the late Queen Elizabeth II.
Sydney, who passed away in 2021, was adored by fans across the globe for his lively personality, distinctive singing voice and sparkling rhinestone-covered stage outfits.