The family of a young golfer who died from heart failure is aiming to raise thousands of pounds in his memory .
Scott Emslie, from Banchory, died in November after undergoing open heart surgery for 19 hours to treat a condition he had suffered since childhood.
The 28-year-old, who was an assistant professional golfer at Peterculter Golf Club, had lived with aortic stenosis and had already undergone a number of major surgeries.
In the months since, the family and loved ones of the former Banchory Academy pupil have been attempting to come to terms with their tragic loss.
And now they want to help ensure others do not have to endure their heartbreaking ordeal in the future.
Family and friends have launched a fundraising campaign in Mr Emslie’s name, which will raise vital cash for research through the British Heart Foundation (BHF).
Those closest to Mr Emslie have set themselves a series of challenges – ranging from a junior 5k to a marathon – with the aim of raising £8,000.
Last night younger brother Keith, who has entered the Edinburgh half-marathon, said they wanted to make the best of the tragic situation.
He said: “It was around Christmas or the early new year that we decided we wanted to do something positive out of what had happened, in Scott’s memory.
“We decided the best thing to do would be to set ourselves loads of different challenges.
“We’re trying to raise as much money as possible, even our little brother Lawrence is doing the junior race.”
Mr Emslie was an avid Aberdeen FC fan and had previously worked at Banchory Golf Club.
A recent golf day at Ballater Golf Club was attended by about 100 people and raised in the region of £7,000 for the BHF.
His mother and father, Elaine and Hector, brothers, step-brothers and sisters have all entered various races this month.
“We’re trying to raise as much cash as possible.
“We set a target of £8,000 but I don’t know if we’ll definitely hit that.
“It’s about helping research. If you look at where we were 20-years-ago, a lot of people who are living now wouldn’t have stood a chance.”
To donate to the Scott Emslie BHF fund visit https://giftofhope.bhf.org.uk/In-Memory/Scott-Emslie-BHF
