The brother of Frightened Rabbit's frontman Scott Hutchison has said he is 'frustrated and angry' in a heartfelt tribute, five years on from his death.
Edinburgh-born Scott Hutchison took his own life in May 2018 after a long battle with depression. He had been reported missing by police and fellow bandmates after he was last seen leaving a hotel in South Queensferry. However, after a search by police, a body found was confirmed to be Scott.
Five years on, his brother Grant has spoken out about how 'angry' he is at the lack of support and 'vital care' there is for people who suffer from depression. He wrote: "I’m tired of reading about people who have made the same final decision as him and we don’t ask “Why?”"
READ NEXT- Edinburgh man opens up on PTSD battle after living through bomb blast
Taking to Instagram, Grant's heartfelt tribute read: "This is my beautiful brother Scott. Five years ago today he lost his battle with depression. I watched for years as it slowly picked away at the cracks leaving an exposed and vulnerable human carrying a burden of pain that eventually became too heavy.
"And although I’ve somehow been lucky enough to avoid the same illness up until now I can tell you for sure that it’s real, it’s relentless and it knows no bounds."
He added: "On this day each year I always try and write something positive about how wonderful Scott was and what an incredible talent we lost and those feelings are right there but they come alongside frustration and anger. I’m frustrated at the lack of vital care and support out there for people with the same illness that killed Scott. I’m tired of reading about people who have made the same final decision as him and we don’t ask “Why?”
"I have always told myself that in the end Scott could not be helped. He’d gone too far. The depression had spread in to every cell in his body and his final act was the only cure. That may be true but that doesn’t mean mental health should be ignored. We are underestimating it. We are underfunding it. And we are misunderstanding it. Every day people are literally killing themselves. Take a moment to actually think about that. Real people are making the decision that no life is better than the life they have. I just can’t accept that as a part of being born a human."
He said: "There is definitely not one ultimate solution here but it’s clear we’re missing something and it’s absolutely vital that we don’t give up on trying to figure this out. There are many wonderful people and organisations out there doing everything they can to fight this and if you have a spare minute or a spare few quid then head over to @tinychanges and see how to get involved. Volunteer, donate or even just read the About Us section if that’s what your brain will allow today.
"My daughters are lucky enough that they’ll still grow up with the sound of their uncle’s voice and the amazing legacy he left. But a song will never replace a hug and I’d give all that back to see him wrap his arms around my kids. Hug your loved ones. I miss you H x.
Grant has urged others to do what they can for mental health charity Tiny Changes which was founded by Scott's family in 2019. It was named after a lyric from the band's track 'Heads Roll Off', where Scott sings "while I'm alive I'll make tiny changes to earth".
According to their website, the charity hopes to "advance understanding of the root causes of mental ill health and support innovation in the design and delivery of mental health services to children and young people."
You can read more about Tiny Changes here.
READ NEXT-
Historic East Lothian house hits out after youths use ancient window as goal target
Violent Spanish gang burst into Edinburgh home and held two flatmates hostage
Climate activist last seen in Edinburgh returns to Scotland after arrest
Edinburgh man dies after emergency services respond to concerns raised by neighbours
Tributes paid to Edinburgh man who died in Majorca - while partner fights for life
