The Fratellis split

The Fratellis have split up.

The Scottish band - who had hits with 'Chelsea Dagger' and 'Whistle For The Choir' and won Best British Breakthrough act at the BRIT Awards 2007 - have decided to part ways after five years together.

The trio - John Lawler, Barry Wallace and Gordon McRory, Known as Mince - will still pursue separate musical endeavours.

Posting on the band's website, singer and guitarist John wrote: "Mince, Baz and I are working on music but not with each other.

"Your passion is appreciated more than we will ever be able to say. We'll forever give our hearts and souls to music and to you guys who want to hear what we do."

The Fratellis caused a stir in the British music press in 2006, and their debut album 'Costello Music' was a number two hit. Through extensive touring and festival performances the group developed a huge fanbase, though the release of 2008's 'Here We Stand' album failed to meet critical or commercial expectations.

In a separate post on their website, Barry was more reflective on the group's achievements.

He wrote: "From the very first day we got together The Fratellis never had a plan as such, we knew we were good, we knew we had a chance to make it.

"Turns out we were right, everything fell into place and we've spent the last five or so years touring the world.

"At this particular point in time though we've found ourselves making music still but just not together. This is just the way it goes I suppose sometimes."

John is now playing with the band Codeine Velvet Club and Barry is reportedly in a heavy metal band, while Mince's next musical endeavour has yet to be announced.