Tributes to Celtic legend Tommy Burns have poured in from politicians, entertainers and football figures after he lost a long-running battle with skin cancer.

The former Scotland international has died. He was 51.

Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell said Burns transcended the divide in Glasgow and that Celtic had "lost one of this club's favourite sons".

"He was a wonderful human being," he added. "In life I think you only really meet several special, special people and Tommy Burns was certainly that."

Prime Minister Gordon Brown was among those who paid tribute to Burns. Celtic chairman and former Home Secretary John Reid described Burns's death as "devastating news", while Alex Salmond remembered him as "an outstanding servant for Celtic and Scotland".

Hundreds of Celtic fans gathered outside Parkhead to pay tribute to Burns, who was born and brought up in Calton, around a mile from the stadium.

His death prompted Rangers, as a mark of respect, to cancel yesterday's scheduled welcoming party for the team, who were due to tour part of Glasgow in an open-top bus. The club staged a low-key homecoming in front of around 1000 fans inside Ibrox.

"It's very sad. He was a real good man." Sir Alex Ferguson, Manchester United manager

"Everyone at the Scottish FA would like to pass on their condolences to the family of Tommy Burns at this very sad time. His passing is a great loss and he will be sadly missed by us all. He was a true gentleman and a magnificent ambassador for Scottish football."

Scottish Football Association

"I am deeply saddened to hear of Tommy's death. I pray for the repose of his soul and for strength for his wife Rosemary and their children. Tommy had a fine career and every Celtic supporter and Scottish football fan will have their own special memories of a man whose life was dedicated to his family, to football and in particular to Celtic."

Fergus McCann, former Celtic chairman

"He embodied everything good about the club."

Davie Provan Former Celtic team-mate

"Motherwell FC have been all too familiar with grief in recent times and received help from all quarters, including immeasurable support from Celtic and indeed, Tommy Burns himself."

Motherwell FC

"I don't think you will find anyone on this earth who will say a bad word about him."

Tommy Gemmell
Lisbon Lion


"I was extremely sad to hear of Tommy Burns' passing. My heart goes out to his family and all his close friends. Tommy wasn't just a great player and a great coach, he was a really wonderful man. He loved Celtic deeply, but, more than anything, he cared about people. Along with everyone who knew him, I've been left with some great memories of him. He always wanted the game to be played positively and in an entertaining way. His heart was totally at Celtic. Tommy was a passionate man and cared deeply about things and he was always somebody you could talk to for advice. For everyone who knew him, they have lost a fine man, but one who will never be forgotten."

Henrik Larsson
Celtic legend


"He was one of Celtic's greatest servants - one of the good guys, a winner, with a great sense of humour. A good friend has been taken away."

Frank McGarvey
Former Celtic striker


"I'm devastated. I knew he'd had a recurrence but I was still shocked when I heard the news. He did a terrific job at Kilmarnock as player and manager. He was a true gentleman. He always got his teams to play football in the right way."

Jim Jefferies
Kilmarnock manager

"My dad asked who the Reading manager was and as soon as he found out it was Tommy Burns he just told me to sign."

Graeme Murty
Reading captain

"It's a great loss. His enthusiasm for the game was terrific. He was a very funny man. It was a privilege knowing him."

Paul Lambert
Former Celtic captain

"I have memories of Tommy Burns being just the most happy, family-loving individual I think I've ever met in my life."

Alan McInally
Former Celtic team-mate

"I have had the good fortune to have known Tommy for many years. He was a true gentleman and he will be a great loss to his club, where he is rightly regarded as a legend, and indeed to Scottish football."

Campbell Ogilvie
Hearts managing director

"This is very sad news indeed. Tommy was a terrific player for Celtic, went on to manage the club with distinction and was a key member of their current coaching team. He also played a major part in the resurgence of the Scotland team under Walter Smith."

Stevie Frail
Hearts caretaker manager

"Tommy was an inspiration.

He helped you, he spoke to you, he was just great to work for.

He was absolutely different class, a man-to-man manager, demanding, funny and a great character. He always had a word in your ear and an arm around you. Tommy will be sadly missed but at this time all your thoughts are with the family."

John Hughes
Falkirk manager

"Tommy was a fantastically humble guy, never forgot his roots. He was a genuine human being and a fantastic player, a fantastic coach, a Celtic legend, and he'll be sadly missed."

Alex McLeish
Birmingham City manager

"We had an ordinary group of players at Kilmarnock but we achieved so much. Tommy got the best out of us."

Gus MacPherson
St Mirren manager

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