Mourners pay tribute to scout killed in mountain fall

THE mother of a leading scout who died in a mountain fall this week said he had made her the "proudest mum in the world".

Stephen Young, 18, was part of a walking trip on Creag Meagaidh when he plunged hundreds of feet to his death through a snow cornice.

His mother, Judy, 42, a school teacher, and his uncle, Andrew, 45, who is in the Royal Air Force, were both part of the group but were further down the mountain and did not witness the accident.

Yesterday, in a moving tribute to her only child, Mrs Young described him as a "unique young man who has clearly touched the lives of so many people".

She added: "He did everything with enthusiasm and lived life to the full.

"He was excited to be going to Scotland for his first snow week with family and friends.

"He meant the world to his whole family and we feel truly blessed to have known him for 18 years."

The statement ended: "Stephen, you have left a hole in my life that can never be filled. I am the proudest mum in the world and I will love you forever."