A young man who died suddenly in Cupar at the weekend graduated with honours from St Andrews University just weeks ago.
Rian MacAllister, 21, from Oban, was a talented student who had just completed a degree in mediaeval history and Middle East studies.
He died on Sunday after falling ill at his flat in Cupar’s Bonnygate.
Despite having severe sight problems because of a condition called optic nerve hypoplasia, Rian shone at school and had been nominated for a Young Scot Award by former First Minister Jack McConnell in 2006.
The nomination was made when Rian was just 12. At the time, the Oban High School pupil’s ambition was to become a politician.
Following his nomination, Rian was quoted as saying: “I want to be an author but if that doesn’t work out I’ll go into politics – so watch out Tony Blair!”
A spokesman for the university said: “Rian was an exceptionally bright and committed young man.
“We’re extremely saddened by this news. It came as an enormous shock to some of the staff Rian worked with when he was a student here and it will be devastating to many of the friends he made at university.
“Our thoughts are with the family at this very difficult time.”
In 2011, he was again recognised, this time by Highlands and Islands MSP Mike MacKenzie, who invited Rian to be his “local hero” during the procession down Edinburgh’s Royal Mile before the formal opening of Parliament.
Mr MacKenzie said at the time: “It is to be hoped that one day this remarkable young man may become a member of the Scottish Parliament but whichever path in life he chooses I am confident that he will continue to be an inspiration to us all.”
Rian went on to inspire others using technology to overcome disabilities as a speaker at the Assistive Technology Advisers Network annual conference in 2013, when he spoke about his experiences as an undergraduate.