Former Edinburgh Monarchs' speedway star Blair Scott has died aged 39

Blair Scott leads the ways for the Edinburgh Monarchs

As news of the Blair's death broke on Facebook yesterday, the Armadale-based speedway club said in a statement, "We are greatly saddened to have been given the news of the passing of former Monarch Blair Scott at the desperately young age of 39."

The Edinburgh racer, who was educated at Liberton High School, was a popular rider with management, fans and team mates alike in his five years as a Monarch, although he actually first took to the shale at Powderhall Stadium in the early-90s, when he appeared as the team mascot.

Mike Hunter, a Director of the club, said: 'Blair, a very popular boy with anyone who knew him, used to ride round in the latter days of Powderhall and clearly had talent in abundance. He led the new wave of Scottish hopefuls of the mid-nineties... and rode for the club for five seasons, being part of two cup-winning teams.

As news of his passing spread, tributes to Blair began to appear on social media platforms with former team-mate ‎Ben Shields, who rode for the Armadale team in 2001 and 2002, writing: 'RIP Blair Scott was great years being your team partner, great memories. Stay side-ways brother, see you on the other side.'

Australian rider ‎Cameron Woodward‎, who came to the UK to race for the Monarchs in 2004 and 2005 wrote: 'Thank you for your help and friendship in my first year so far from home. It could have been easier to head home, but your help was awesome. Rest in peace mate. Sending love to your family and friends.'

In the statement, Club Chairman Alex Harkess said, "My relationship with the Scotts in Blair's racing days was very much a family affair, most of the team were with their families and met and talked together. It was a different time. There was a very warm and friendly climate in the club at the time.

"I am very sad to see the passing of someone so young. He was a very nice lad and a pleasure to work with."

Monarchs' co-promoter John Campbell added, "Blair was super enthusiastic with a great will to win but didn't get as far in speedway as he should have done with the talent he possessed. I travelled with him and Ally to a few long distance away matches. Blair was excellent company and good fun to be with. I'm so sorry to hear of his passing."

Former Monarch and ex team manager Alan Bridgett also took to Facebook to post, "I knew Blair from him being a young kid. I was Team Manager through all his Monarchs' years. Rest Easy Bongo forever in my heart."

Encouraged by his dad Ally who was always with him in the pits, and his mum Margaret, Blair quickly became a key man with the junior speedway team Linlithgow, which won the Conference League and Knockout Cup in 1996.

He made his Monarchs' debut in 1996 and was the first rider out on the new circuit when the team moved to Armadale in 1997. A member of the club's cup-winning sides in 1997 and 1999 and rode more than 150 races in the team's blue and gold colours.

Blair later went on to ride for Workington Comets, Berwick Bandits and Belle Vue Aces.

In recent years Blair had personal problems, which were highlighted in an appearance on the Jeremy Kyle Show, but appeared to be turning the corner.

He is survived by his children Lennon, Jamie and Kodi and his mother and father Margaret and Ally Scott.