With the sad passing of Edinburgh boxing legend Ken Buchanan, we’ve taken a look back in our archives to find the best photos taken throughout his incredible life. Ken died on April 1, 2023, aged 77, a year after it was revealed he had dementia. One of Scotland’s greatest ever sportsmen, he was Scotland's first undisputed world champion and will always be remembered by those who saw him fight or met him.
. Battle of Scotland
Ken Buchanan taking on Glasgow fighter Jim Watt in a British lightweight boxing match in Glasgow in 1973. Referee is George Smith of Leith Photo: Alan Ledgerwood
. Legend
A statue to celebrate the career of one of Scotland’s most talented sportsman was unveiled at a public ceremony outside St James' Quarter last August, bringing together hundreds of Capital residents to celebrate the occasion. Ken posed for pictures after unveiling the statue. Photo: Neil Johnstone
. Black and blue
16th September 1971: Scottish boxer Ken Buchanan removes his sunglasses on his arrival at London's Heathrow airport, to show his cuts and bruises after the successful defence of his world lightweight crown against Panama's Ismael Laguna in New York. (Photo by Central Press/Getty Images) Photo: Central Press
. Retirement
Former boxer Ken Buchanan outside a sheltered housing complex where he was living in 2019. Photo: Alistair Linford
. A hero's welcome
Ken was welcomed home to Edinburgh with a special open top bus along Princes Street after becoming world champion in February 1971. Photo: TSPL
. Legends of the ring
Ken Buchanan and Mike Tyson at the Hilton Hotel in 2000. Pic Neil Hanna Photo: Neil Hanna
. Champion
Ken holding a collection of boxing belts including the Lonsdale Belt and World Title belt in 1974. Photo: Payment
. Famous friends
Scottish actor Sean Connery at the premiere of Diamonds Are Forever at the Odeon cinema in Edinburgh in January 1972 - with sportsmen (l-r) Jackie Stewart, Ken Buchanan and Tommy Docherty. Photo: Denis Straughan
. Hall of famers
Allan Wells, Helen Elliot and Ken Buchanan at the Launch of the Scottish Sports Hall of Fame. Photo: Justin Spittle
. Family fun
Ken was welcomed home when he first became world champion by his wife Carole and their baby boy Mark. Photo: TSPL
. Scottish Sports Hall of Fame
Ken Buchanan receives his award from First Minister Jack McConnell and Minister for Culture and Sport, Mike Watson. Pic.... Neil Hanna Photo: Neil Hanna
. Proud as punch
Almost 40 years after being voted Britain's Greatest Ever Boxer, Ken Buchanan was honoured for his lifetime achievements by his hometown at a civic reception held within Edinburgh's City Chambers by the Lord Provost. Photo: Neil Hanna
1. Battle of Scotland
Ken Buchanan taking on Glasgow fighter Jim Watt in a British lightweight boxing match in Glasgow in 1973. Referee is George Smith of Leith Photo: Alan Ledgerwood
2. Legend
A statue to celebrate the career of one of Scotland’s most talented sportsman was unveiled at a public ceremony outside St James' Quarter last August, bringing together hundreds of Capital residents to celebrate the occasion. Ken posed for pictures after unveiling the statue. Photo: Neil Johnstone
3. Black and blue
16th September 1971: Scottish boxer Ken Buchanan removes his sunglasses on his arrival at London's Heathrow airport, to show his cuts and bruises after the successful defence of his world lightweight crown against Panama's Ismael Laguna in New York. (Photo by Central Press/Getty Images) Photo: Central Press
4. Retirement
Former boxer Ken Buchanan outside a sheltered housing complex where he was living in 2019. Photo: Alistair Linford