Steven: I have lost my hero

Art king Steven Brown admits he has lost his “hero” after the shock passing of Craig Bryson.

The pair have turned the Steven Brown Art brand into a global success in recent years, with their colourful antics renowned far beyond Ayr.

And Steven, whose McCoo creation has exploded across the world with childhood friend Craig playing a key role, insists he will now go all out to honour his best pal.

He said: “On Thursday morning I lost my best friend, my rock, my brother and my hero.

“I just don’t have the words to explain how I feel.

“A lot said we were like an old married couple and I want to keep it like that.

“But you know, it was a complete honour to have known that gentle, kind, beyond- belief loving man.

“And that’s what I’m going to do to get through this.

“I will celebrate - his life, his work, his legacy and continue his vision.”

The pair successfully built the Steven Brown Art business from their Newmarket Street base in Ayr and are widely credited with the rebirth of trade in the street.

The business also boasts a huge online presence.

Steven added: “I love you with all my heart son.

“We lost a legend and heaven gained a new angel.

“God bless my old friend.”