Tributes pour in for Scottish teen boxing star Scott Martin who died on New Year’s Day

A talented teenage boxer and footballer sadly died at the start of 2021 leaving family and friends shocked and grief stricken.

Tributes have been filling up social media for former St Mungo’s High School pupil Scott Martin, a youngster who was loved by everyone he met.

Mum Samantha said: “He was a lovely boy. Everyone who met him just loved him. He was one of a kind – an absolute superstar who accomplished so much in a short time.

“We were lucky to have him with us. We will all be eternally proud of our precious boy and grateful for the time we had him.”

Talented boxer and footballer Scott Martin (16), from The Bog area of Falkirk, sadly died on New Year's Day

An apprentice joiner who worked alongside his dad Scott was a top youth footballer who played for teams including Falkirk, Partick Thistle and Hearts.

The family and step family of the former St Francis Primary School pupil, who comes from The Bog area of Falkirk, are still shaken by his tragic sudden death, as are his extended family, the team at Grangemouth’s Sparta Fitness and Boxing Gym, who posted a heartfelt tribute to Scott.

Sparta owner Sam McLeod stated: “I’m absolutely devastated to hear the news about Scott. I can’t stop thinking about how respectful he was. It didn’t matter where I was in the gym, Scott would find me to shake my hand before leaving – every time, without fail.

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Tributes have been paid to talented young boxer Scott Martin (16) who sadly died on New Year's Day

“He would message me to tell me if he would be late to training, because of work – always checking in. He listened to instruction and followed it to a T, didn’t panic under pressure, but instead had a razor-like focus in the corner.

“He had the heart of a lion and was as tough as nails. Quiet out the ring, but had a supreme confidence in the ring – stopping all of his opponents that he had faced.

“I can remember the excitement between myself, coaches and the boxers when he returned to the gym a few months ago. He had something special about him - an aura that had drawn us to him.

“He was also a very talented footballer. I remember we all booked five asides and Scott destroyed us all. We soon realised why we chose boxing as a sport. My dad will miss him immensely too.

“I don’t know how many discussions we had on the couch about Scott. My dad was his number one fan and we envisioned Scott being part of our pro stable in years to come.

“He was built for boxing and I wish I could have done more to help Scott. We will honour his name the best we can moving forward and I will make sure he is never forgotten.”

Sam added Sparta’s stable of professional fighters would now be named McLeod Scott Boxing Gym in honour of the teenager.

A Go Fund Me page set up to raise funds for charity and for a memorial to Scott has already raised almost £9000.

Visit www.gofundme.com and search “in memory of scott” for more information.

A socially distant balloon release event is planned to take place in Victoria Park, Falkirk from 5.30pm on Wednesday to mark Scott’s birthday.

In memory of scott, organised by Brian Redding

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