The Voice winner Stevie McCrorie thanked his fans as he officially announced his return to his career as a firefighter.
The Courier revealedthat the singer-songwriter would be rejoining his colleagues at Kirkcaldy fire station less than a year after winning the BBC talent competition.
In a statement he told supporters that he would continue to write and perform alongside his day job to support his family.
“I want to thank the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service,” he said.
“They have been so supportive of my journey and if I didn’t return now, it might not have been possible further down the line and I’m just not at the point in my music career where I’m ready to let go of a career I also love.
“I genuinely see a future in my music career along side my firefighting career.
“Ultimately when you wash away all the superficial nonsense in life, it’s about your family.
“In a time where thousands upon thousands of people are losing their, jobs I plan on keeping my family secure.”
He added: “Thank you for all the continued support and making my dreams come true. I hope you stay with me on this journey.”
McCrorie is understood to have been upset by a lack of support from within the music industry after storming to victory in the primetime show last April.
His winning single, Lost Stars, debuted at number six on the UK singles chart, but it was January of this year before the follow-up album Big World hit the market, charting at number 35.
He returned to The Voice last Saturday to perform live once again, but without playlisting from major radio stations getting exposure for his material was proving difficult.
Having always stated his willingness to return to the fire service should a full-time career in music not materialise, Mr McCrorie added in his statement: “It’s not the end. The next chapter has begun.”
Meanwhile, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said: “We are delighted that Stevie McCrorie is remaining as a member of our staff and we welcome him back after his break.”