Andrew Ure tragically passed away suddenly while hillwalking on Ben Vane near Loch Lomond on December 31, 2025.
07:01, 15 Jan 2026Updated 07:04, 15 Jan 2026
Andrew "Andy" Ure(Image: Facebook)
Funeral arrangements have been announced for a well-loved West Lothian businessman and musician who tragically died while hillwalking on Hogmanay.
Andrew John Ure, known to friends and family as Andy, passed away suddenly on Ben Vane near Loch Lomond on December 31, 2025.
The father-of-two was lead singer of Falkirk band The Ray Summers, who supported Paolo Nutini and Doves. A celebration of Andy's life will take place at The Inchyra Hotel in Grangemouth on Wednesday, January 28, at 1pm.
Thomas Sneddon Family Funeral Directors said they were honoured to be entrusted with caring for Mr Ure and arranging his final farewell. In a statement, they described him as a man who will be “lovingly remembered for his energy, warmth, and the friendship he shared with so many around him”.
Andy had gone out hillwalking on Hogmanay after celebrating his 41st birthday the previous day. When he failed to return home, his loved ones raised the alarm and emergency services were alerted, reports the Record.
Arrochar Mountain Rescue Team launched a search on Ben Vane after Police Scotland received a report of concern at around 7pm. Despite the efforts of rescuers, he was tragically found dead shortly before midnight. His dog Penny, who had accompanied him on the hike, was discovered alongside him and survived.
News of his death sparked an outpouring of grief across Scotland, particularly within the music and hospitality communities where Andy was widely known and deeply respected.
Fellow musicians described him as a charismatic frontman and a driving force within the Scottish music scene.
His devastated bandmates later launched a JustGiving fundraiser in his memory to support Arrochar Mountain Rescue Team, the volunteers who helped bring him home. The appeal quickly exceeded its initial £1,000 target and has raised more than £6,000.
In a tribute, the band said: “We wanted to do something special to honour our friend and raise money for the heroes at Arrochar Mountain Rescue Team who located Andy and Penny and carried them off the mountain on Hogmanay. For Andy, we love you.”
Andy's partner, Linsey Waddell, shared a deeply moving message online, writing: “On your birthday, you wanted to look at the stars with me. Little did I know, the next day you would be one of those stars. You were my guiding light and the biggest star of all.”
His brother David also paid tribute, saying Andy had been full of excitement about the future and his plans for 2026. He said: “So many people have lost a part of their world as he meant so much to many. Heartbroken doesn’t even come close.”
Beyond music, Andy was a successful entrepreneur and a passionate supporter of local culture. He was a co-founder of Falkirk’s annual Vibration music festival, which was rebranded as Falkirk Fest last year, and played a key role in nurturing emerging talent.
He also owned the Wee Whisky Shop in Linlithgow and ran a café in Grangemouth, businesses which prompted further tributes from customers and colleagues following his death.
Charitable donations in Andy's memory can be made on the day of the funeral or online to Arrochar Mountain Rescue Team.
Police Scotland previously confirmed there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death and that a report was submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.
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