Tributes have been paid to a 'phenomenal' Scots martial arts world champion who has died aged 20. Ian Ford, from Armadale in West Lothian, won multiple kickboxing titles representing Scotland and also became the first Scottish male to win the ITF TaeKwon-Do World Championships in 2017.
Ian had trained with Pro-Edge Martial Arts and Fitness since the age of 9 and his instructor, Master Blair, said he was "set apart" from the other students from the start. He started as a kickboxer before being persuaded to take up taekwondo, which saw him go all the way to the World Championships.
Hundreds of friends, former colleagues and mentors have sent their condolences since Ian's tragic passing. A balloon release was also held in his memory on Saturday in Armadale, with over 100 people attending.
