TRIBUTES have bee paid former Raith Rovers chairman Turnbull Hutton, who has died after a short illness.

Mr Hutton, who had been suffering from leukaemia, was admitted to hospital for treatment over a week ago.

The 69-year-old stood down as chairman in November last year following two spells in charge of the Kirkcaldy club.

The club announced his passing in a club statement.

It said: "Raith Rovers FC are sorry to announce that our honorary president and former chairman Turnbull Hutton passed away last night.

"Turnbull was recently diagnosed with leukaemia and had been admitted to the Western General Hospital in Edinburgh just over a week ago."

It continued: "Our thoughts are with his family, particularly his wife Margo, his son Neil and daughter Lindsey and all his many friends in football and business. He will be sorely missed. Today, we are all Turnbull Hutton."

Neil Doncaster, Scottish Premier Football League chief executive, said the body was deeply saddened.

He said: "I was fortunate enough to get to know Turnbull during the period of reconstruction and since. He was an individual who added great colour and personality to the Scottish game and has made a tremendous contribution to both Raith Rovers and to Scottish football in general over the years.

Former Prime Minister and local MP Gordon Brown, who supports the club, said: "Turnbull Hutton will be sorely missed. A lifelong supporter of Raith Rovers he will be remembered for his dedicated leadership of the club and his winning approach to football.

"While other clubs went under or stayed in the red, Turnbull Hutton's financial acumen steered Raith Rovers to financial stability, paving the way for its Ramsden's Cup trophy win against Rangers under his chairmanship."