A talented shinty player from Fort William has died suddenly.
29-year-old Scott Knox, who played for Boleskine Camanachd Club, and lived in Inverness was described as a “beautiful and caring young man”.
Tributes have been paid to “Knoxy”, a prolific goal scorer, from across the shinty world.
A carpet fitter to trade, Mr Knox as an adult had played for both the Fort William first and second teams and latterly with Boleskine.
His profile page on the Camanachd Association page shows he has played as a senior player since 2019.
Mum Liz Knox, who lives in Fort William, said: “He loved shinty since he was a wee boy.
“I used to have to give him £5 every time he scored, needless to say I was always broke.”
Mr Knox worked for MacDonald Flooring on Harbour Road in Inverness.
On Boleskine Camanachd Club’s Facebook page, the death of the player was announced.
It read: “It is with much sadness that the club has to announce the sudden passing of Scott Knox.
“Everyone at the club is devastated and shocked at the loss of such a talented shinty player.”
Sad and difficult time for everyone who knew Scott Knox
The post continued: “Our sympathy and condolences go to all of Scott’s family and friends, and everyone who knew him in the shinty world, at this sad and difficult time.”
His employer at MacDonald Flooring shared the news of their colleague’s death.
A post on social media read: “It’s with an immeasurable sadness, and a broken heart that we have to announce the passing of Scott Knox our beloved friend, colleague, and as some would describe here – family
“Anyone who got the privilege of meeting Scott, would agree he truly was one-of-a-kind and undoubtedly has left and everlasting impression on everybody.
“We’d like to wish our sympathy and deepest condolences to Scott’s family during this painful time.”
Dozens of tributes have been paid to the player, speaking of his love of shinty from across the nation.
Shinty clubs in Aberdeen, Kinlochshiel, Lochcarron, Inverness, Glengarry as well as Glasgow Mid Argyll Shinty Club sent messages of support for Mr Knox and to his family.
Aberdeen University Camanachd wrote: “Tragic news to hear, everyone at Aberdeen is thinking of Scott’s family and the entire Boleskine club at this awful time.
“He was always a handful to mark on the field, heartbreaking.”
A man who had ‘time of everyone’
Camanachd Leodhais, Caberfeidh. Oban and Newtonmore joined Tayforth, Lovat and Skye wrote to pay tribute to his playing skill.
Newtonmore Camanachd Club wrote: “All at Newtonmore Camanachd send their sincere and deepest condolences to Scott’s family, friends and Boleskine Camanachd.”
Those who watched the talented player come up through the ranks joined in remembering the man who had “time for everyone”.
“Such a beautiful and caring young man always there for everyone else love ya lad see you on the other side hope your at peace now you’ve broke a lot of hearts including my stone heart,” Sarah Jones from Inverness wrote.
Alex Duncan, from Fort William, wrote: “He was a good guy and will be missed more than he would ever know.”
Boleskine Camanachd Club sit fifth in Mowi Division Two and on Saturday lost 3-0 against Glen Urquhart in the Sutherland Cup at Smith Park, Inverarnie.
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