Comedian Gary Little has died aged 61 following a tragic ‘climbing accident’ in Scotland, it was confirmed on Friday.

The award-winning Scottish icon ‘died while on a hill climb’, reports claim. His cause of death has not yet been revealed.

Gary, known as one of Scotland’s finest comedians, was due to perform in Aberdeen next month before his sudden death.

Fellow comic Kevin Bridges shared a devastating tribute on Instagram alongside a photo of Gary.

He wrote: ‘RIP big Gary, very sad news.’

In an Instagram post, comedy club The Stand in Glasgow announced his passing in a heartbreaking tribute.

Comedian Gary Little has died aged 61 following a tragic ‘climbing accident’ in Scotland, it was confirmed on Friday

The award-winning Scottish icon ‘died while on a hill climb’, reports claim. His cause of death has not yet been revealed (pictured in April)

A statement read: ‘We here at The Stand are completely heartbroken to learn of the death of big Gary Little. A remarkable comic, larger-than-life personality, and friend to many.

‘We are lost for words, and he will be profoundly and sorely missed. Our thoughts go out to all his family and friends right now. 

‘There will be many a comic thinking about him tonight, telling stories and raising a glass. He would have liked that.’

The Some Laugh podcast also shared their condolence, writing: We’re absolutely gutted to learn of the passing of the legend Gary Little.

‘Gary was among the finest stand-ups that Scotland has ever produced, a true powerhouse on stage and a genuinely kind individual with a heart of gold.

‘It was an honor to learn from someone like Gary as we were all rising through the comedy scene, and his episode and appearance on our live show rank among the greatest moments of the pod.’

Gary rose to prominence in the early 2000s, gaining recognition as a finalist in a stand-up competition hosted by The Stand comedy club. 

The comic turned his life around after being jailed in Scotland in the early nineties and again in 2007. 

Gary, known as one of Scotland’s finest comedians, was due to perform in Aberdeen next month before his sudden death

Fellow comic Kevin Bridges (pictured in 2024) shared a devastating tribute on Instagram alongside a photo of Gary

He wrote: ‘RIP big Gary, very sad news’

In an Instagram post, comedy club The Stand in Glasgow announced his passing in a heartbreaking tribute

Gary shared his love for walking and hiking in Scotland with his beloved dog on his social media

He was freed in 1999 but went on to steal £50,000 worth of books from publisher HarperCollins before selling them on eBay.

The comedian started taking the books 47 days short of the end of his four-year licence period. 

At Glasgow High Court, Lord McEwan revealed he wouldn’t impose a jail order and he hoped to see Mr Little perform in Edinburgh later this year.

Lord McEwan remarked: “He nearly made it to the last hurdle but stumbled. He’s already gone through enough, and it would be harsh of me to add more to his burdens.

‘I believe the right action would be to make no order, and hopefully, he will be able to perform at the festival in Edinburgh. I might even attend to watch him.’

Gary turned to stand-up comedy after serving four years of an eight-year drug sentence.

Freed in 1999, he later worked as a forklift truck driver at HarperCollins’ warehouse in Bishopbriggs.

He shared his love for walking and hiking in Scotland with his beloved dog on his social media.

The comic turned his life around and found a love for stand-up after being jailed in Scotland in the early nineties and again in 2007

Numerous other tributes came in for the late performer, with comic Jo Caulfield expressing: ‘Gary Little was an exceptional comic and a wonderful person to be around. We are all the poorer for having lost you, Gary.

‘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, known as 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.’

Sharing tributes on X, fans wrote: ‘RIP Gary Little Glasgow nightclub legend’,

‘Sad to hear about Gary Little passing. Did a couple of shows at the Drouthy back in the day, very funny and a really nice guy’,

‘Sad to hear about Gary Little. Seen him too many times too count at the stand. A lot of dark honesty and big laughs delivered everytime in his performances’,

‘Gutted to hear about the passing of Gary Little. I remember being 21 in gaffs after nights out religiously sticking on his Arches routine, tears of laughter every time. The afterlife just got a lot funnier – RIP’,

‘Aw man, so deflating hearing about Gary Little dying. Absolute local legend of Glasgow comedy, one of my favourite comedians for over 10 years. So glad I got to see him recently and a bunch before that. He actually personally delivered his stand-up DVD to my door years ago.’