Friends pay tribute to college graduate killed in flat

Published on Saturday 16 August 2008 11:31

FRIENDS and lecturers today paid tribute to a photography graduate who was killed during a disturbance at a flat in Leith.

Stephen Edgar, 29 who recently graduated from Stevenson College, died in the early hours of Thursday morning at a flat in Wellington Street.

His brother, Kevin Edgar, 31, appeared on petition yesterday at Edinburgh Sheriff Court charged with murder and was remanded in custody.

Mr Edgar, 29, graduated from his photography course in June after four years at the college, receiving a professional development award at his graduation ceremony.

He had completed work experience across the city including a spell at the Evening News.

It is understood he was involved in managing his brother's band, My Electric Love Affair, and was well-known on the city's music scene.

Alan McEwan, head of photography at Stevenson College, said: "Stephen worked very hard on the course and I had no doubts that he would've been successful in a career as a photographer. He had his own way of looking at the world and that would've served him well.

"Stephen wanted to be a photo-journalist and he had the talent for it. He was already doing well at getting work experience on different papers.

"He made a lot of sacrifices to be on the course and never had much money. When we were on a college trip to Paris in April, he would collect bread and cheese for free from cafes and put it in a doggy bag so it would last all day. But he was determined to go there and get the experience and the photographs for his portfolio.

"It was things like that which made him stand out as a real character."

His fellow students have also been left shocked.

Fellow photography student Clare Cox, 25, from Stockbridge, said: "I knew Stephen for three years and I can't believe this has happened. I was just in Paris with him in June on a college trip and we were part of a group of friends who hung around together a lot.

"Stephen was right into his music and clubbing. But he was passionate about photography and very ambitious. He'd always be telling you about what he was going to do in the future.

"He was really the life and soul of the party who could talk your ears off. He was bright and bubbly, full of ideas and enthusiasm."

Raymond Keith, 23, from Sighthill, said: "He was such a nice guy and always willing to help you out on a photography shoot. He helped me a number of times.

"He was doing well with the press stuff but he also liked to take quite quirky, abstract shots as well."

Mr Edgar was nominated in the student photographer of the year category at the First ScotRail Press Photography Awards. He picked up a merit award and 50 cheque in another competition run in conjunction with camera company Nikon.

Kevin Edgar made a brief appearance in private on petition before Sheriff James Farrell yesterday.

No plea or declaration was made on his behalf and the case was continued for further inquiry.