In July, the wife of one of Fife's best entertainers paid tribute to a man who loved nothing more than making people laugh and smile.

When Bert Allan sadly passed away, his partner, Sheena, was touched by the outpouring of love shown to her and their family.

“I have been really taken by the many beautiful Facebook messages posted since Bert’s death on Wednesday, these have been so comforting for myself and the family, and it really showed what people thought of him for his work on the stage and for charity," she told the Times.

“I am very proud to have known Bert for over 40 years and he was determined to become a full-time entertainer.

“Nothing made him happier than making people have a great night out, and he loved to see them laughing.

“He enjoyed supporting local charities, and he helped raise thousands of pounds for Cardenden Men’s Health Club, based at the Corrie Centre, by organising charity shows.”

Bert, known as the ‘Laird of Steelend’ to many when he took to the stage, spent four decades as a full-time entertainer.

A resident of Lochgelly for many, many years, Bert was born and brought up in Steelend, and became a miner, and while working in the pits, he sang and told jokes at weekends.

He became a full-time entertainer in 1982, and became a much sought after comedian in clubland, and appeared in every part of the UK before being asked to entertain in Europe and the United States.

He was awarded the British Empire Medal in 2013, and was chosen as Lochgelly’s Citizen of the Year in 2014.

Earlier in his life, Bert loved playing football and was a very good goalkeeper, playing for Crossgates Primrose, Oakley United, Bo'ness United, Lochgelly Albert and Stenhousemuir.

Also this month: 

Fife funeral director donates £1,000 to Lochgelly prom cause

Businesswoman opens bespoke skin clinic in Fife town

Lochgelly woman Cathie Kippen celebrates her 100th birthday