A promising young boxer has been found dead in his Inverness home after he failed to turn up for a festive family gathering.
Relatives fear former Scottish champion fighter Ryan Watt may have died at his flat in Westhill on Christmas Day.
They raised the alarm after the 23-year-old didn’t arrive as planned on December 25.
Police officers found him dead at his home on Boxing Day.
Tributes were paid to the young sportsman last night, with his mother describing him as a “loveable rogue.”
Mr Watt had recently been released from prison following a two-year sentence for threatening to stab a man, but mum Pauline Stewart said he was attempting to turn his life around.
He had secured a job in Invergordon at the docks and resumed training at his local boxing gym.
His sudden death is now being investigated by police.
A spokesman said there did not appear to be any suspicious circumstances.
Ms Stewart said: “The real Ryan, the one that people knew, was a loveable rogue.
“He doted on his younger brother Matthew, who is nine.”
She added: “He had gone back to boxing and he was going to be starting work at Invergordon, loading and unloading the boats.”
She said the family, including Mr Watt’s father Kevin and step-father Ian, were now awaiting more details about his death and were in the process of arranging his funeral.
Mr Watt started boxing in 2006, at the age of 16, but gave up the sport in 2009 – the year after he was named Scottish Novice Champion.
Of his 10 bouts, he won five and lost five.
Laurie Redfern, who runs Inverness City Amateur Boxing Club, said Mr Watt had returned to the gym recently and was giving his training “his best shot”.
Mr Redfern said: “He wanted to get fit again and box again.
“I believe in giving people a second chance. He had promise but he never fulfilled it.
“That was what Ryan wanted to do this time around. He wanted to give it his best shot.”
Mr Redfern added: “My sympathies go out to the family.
“I have had phone calls from people at clubs across the country who had met him. He was very popular.”
Since Mr Watt’s death, friends have set up a memorial page online and have posted hundreds of messages and photographs.
Dianne Ballantyne said: “RIP Ryan. Shine bright up there, taken far to soon. You still had your whole life ahead of you. At least you’re at peace now. Take care, the angels will look after you now.”
Samantha Stewart said: “Another life taken far too soon. You had your whole life ahead of you and things were looking good for you. Will be sadly missed by many.”
And Noel Sutherland said: “RIP my friend. You may be gone but never forgotten x.”
A police spokesman said: “On Friday, December 26, Police Scotland received a report of the sudden death of a 23-year-old man in the Westhill area of Inverness.
“The death is not currently being treated as suspicious.
“Inquiries are ongoing at this time and a report will be submitted to the procurator fiscal.”