ONE of Scotland’s most iconic sporting heroes is to be celebrated in a stage show written by a Dunfermline brother and sister.

Jocky Wilson was a household name in the world of darts and the Kirkcaldy man was cheered every time he approached the oche.

With his short frame and underdog status, he was twice world champion and adored by fans, among them Dunfermline’s Jonathan Cairney and Jane Livingstone.

They have now collaborated on a play that started a run at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival yesterday, with Outlander star Grant O’Rourke aiming to hit a bullseye with his portrayal of Wilson.

Jocky Wilson Said – named after the Top of the Pops blooper where Dexys Midnight Runners performed the song Jackie Wilson Said, by Van Morrison, with an image of Jocky appearing on the backdrop behind them – runs to August 24.

The idea came last year after Jonathan spotted a poster in the town that he initially believed to be for a show or event for the famous darts icon, who died in 2012.

After realising that was not the case, he quickly called his sister and pitched an idea for a stage play.

The rest, he told the Press, is history: “We can both still remember his first World Championship win. We were just so happy that he was a Fifer like us. He was so loved by the players and fans. He overcame so many challenges to become a world champion. There was no one quite like him.”

The play first appeared as part of the popular A Play, A Pie and A Pint programme at Oran Mor in Glasgow.

Set in 1979, in the blistering sun of the Nevada desert, O’Rourke brings the diminutive champion’s character back to life, as he aims to hitch a ride after being hustled in a darts game.

Months of research was carried out by the duo, and Jonathan said: “We were looking at his tournament history and there were dates he missed because he slept in! He was actually pretty good at other sports, too. Jocky was a pole-vaulter at school! I couldn’t believe it!

“The local pub needed an extra player in their darts team so Jocky, reluctantly and having never played before, stepped in.

“He played and got gubbed. And he absolutely hated losing, so he went home and got an old dartboard and never stopped practising. I’m convinced he defied the laws of gravity when playing darts. He was so unique.”

The play is at the Rose Theatre. Tickets (£11/£12) and more information at www.gildedballoon.co.uk.