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Daily Record
Daily Record
National
Leona Greenan

Charity to honour memory of tragic Lanarkshire teen who died at Falls of Clyde

The family of a Lanarkshire teen who tragically died in an accident at the popular Falls of Clyde are in the process of setting up a charitable foundation in his memory.

Liam Scott was just 18-years-old when he lost his life after slipping off the water's edge and into the river near Corra Linn in Lanark back in the summer of 2020.

The talented young footballer's death caused shockwaves across the county with hundreds of people paying tribute to the former Hamilton Accies' youth player.

Now his parents Pauline and Wullie, of Motherwell, along with close pals including Archie Hall, hope to raise vital funds to enable them to purchase better signage and life saving equipment to be placed at danger spots, such as the Falls of Clyde, across the county.

They have also teamed up with several local football teams who have pledged to help raise cash and awareness of the Foundation including Bellshill Athletic who recently hosted a football match as a tribute to their teammate Liam.

Other fundraising events to help kick off the Foundation have included a golf day at Torrance Park Golf Club, an open day at Roundknowe Farm and a group of family and friends of Liam setting out on the West Highland Way on May 7.

Teenager Liam Scott, from Motherwell, who died after accident at Falls of Clyde Lanark. Liam played for Bellshill Athletic (WSH])

Archie Hall, a founding member of the charity, told Lanarkshire Live : "The Foundation idea came about when a funding page was started at the time of Liam's passing.

"It was the last thing on Pauline and Wullie's minds as their lives had been severely shattered, but the generosity of friends and family blew them away.

"They didn't want to seem rude by declining the donations and discussions initially started with the local councillor whose ward covered the Falls of Clyde offering funds for safety equipment and better signage.

"While covid has played a part in stalling the set up of the Foundation we are aware that new signage has been erected at the site which is definitely a start."

Liam with sister Lara and brother Harry (Hamilton Advertiser)

In addition to liaising with local councils on Lanarkshire hot spots sadly known for fatalities and installing life-saving equipment at these sites, the Liam Scott Foundation will also support under privileged children to enjoy hobbies or past times they may struggle to participate in.

This incudes the backing of Holytown Colts Football Club who have created a boot bank which recycles football boots that boys and girls have quickly grown out of to be made available for future use to anyone in need.

It is the ambition to then set up a hub to accommodate this and make it a relaxing environment for parents and young players to visit and feel comfortable in.

Liam's mum Pauline, originally of Bothwell, added: "On May 7 family and friends of Liam will set out on the West Highland Way with the ambition to raise further funds for the Foundation.

"They are being supported by Lti Transformations who are are providing transport for all of our kit and supplies donated by New Stevenston Grocers to each daily destination.

"A just giving page has been set up to enhance the sterling efforts of fundraisers to date and sponsor sheets have also been requested by local businesses and individuals who have kindly offered their backing.

"So far we have had a golf day which was a great success, my friends at Roundknowe Farm had a fundraising day and just recently Bellshill Athletic donated gate receipts from a friendly football match so it's been a great start to Liam's legacy.

"We hope to raise more funds on the upcoming West Highland Way walk and then get the Foundation fully up and running. Wullie is also in the process of sounding out close friends to form a committee.

"None of this would have been possible without the support of friends and family and of course the Lanarkshire community who have donated to help our cause in memory of our Liam. Thank you to everyone involved."

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