Osborne had performed a number of live shows with Naz during 2014, but some concerts were cancelled at the end of the year after he contracted a throat infection. Last week they announced their winter UK tour had also been postponed, with bandleader Pete Agnew reporting: "Although Linton is showing a slight improvement, his voice is in no condition to perform satisfactorily at this time."

Now Osborne says via Facebook: "I am no longer a member of Nazareth. It didn't work out, for me, or for the band. I'd like to thank Pete, Jimmy Murrison and Lee Agnew for the opportunity. I'd also like to thank Dan for his support and encouragement. Most of all, I'd like to thank the fans - you guys are something else, and because of you it has all been worthwhile."