Ken Buchanan was a true legend of boxing, recognised the world over for his talent – Angus Robertson

Flowers now bedeck the base of the statue, as fans mourn the passing of the sporting icon who has just passed away at the age of 77. Buchanan was Scotland's first undisputed world champion and is seen by many as the nation's best-ever boxer. His breakthrough success came in 1970 when he won the WBA lightweight world title by defeating the Panamanian holder Ismael Laguna. In the same year, he came out ahead of Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier to be crowned as the American Boxing Writers' Association's Fighter of the Year.

He won his first 33 professional fights and topped the bill six times at Madison Square Gardens in New York City before his retiral in 1982. It would take half a century from becoming Scotland’s undisputed world champion for that feat to be matched by fellow Scot Josh Taylor.

Josh Taylor said: “It's a very, very sad day. My very first coach was one of his sons, Raymond. My condolences go out to him and all of Ken's family – they are putting to rest a true Scottish legend. I'm so proud and honoured to have the same titles as him, to follow in his footsteps. He's a massive inspiration to me, and he'll always be remembered as Scotland's greatest ever.”

RIP Ken Buchanan.

Angus Robertson is the SNP MSP for Edinburgh Central and Constitution, External Affairs and Culture Secretary