One of Scottish football's most iconic figures has passed away.
Craig Brown died this morning, aged 82, having been in Ayr Hospital following a short illness.
Brown, who spent much of his latter years living in Prestwick, was famed for leading the national side to both Euro 1996 and the World Cup in '98 as a country dared to dream.
The former Clyde, Preston, Motherwell and Aberdeen boss had once turned down the Ayr United job - remarking that he had paced Prestwick beach wrestling with his decision not to take the role at Somerset Park.
Alongside his stellar footballing career, he worked as a primary school head teacher and then as a lecturer in primary education at Ayr's Craigie College.
But it would be for his exploits with the national team at major finals that he would go on to be best remembered.
Brown became a well known face in the likes of Jim McSherry's Wee Windaes pub in Ayr, where he regularly held court with fellow legends of the game such as his former Scotland number two Archie Knox.
And he would frequently be found in fellow Newmarket Street' establishment, Cafe le Monde, as part of a Wednesday 'coffee club' which plays host to a number of star names from the past of Scottish football.
A statement from Brown's family issued today read: "Craig died peacefully today after a short illness in University Hospital Ayr, surrounded by close family members.
"The family wish to express their deep appreciation of the outstanding care and attention provided by hospital staff and the countless messages of support and sympathy from friends and colleagues.
"At this particularly sad time, the family now requests that their privacy is respected during the grieving process."
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