Police have hailed the 32 months jail sentence handed out to a sex offender whose online grooming led to unlawful sexual activity.

Police say the sentencing of 50-year-old Derek Stewart at Forfar Sheriff Court today, sends a clear message to those who would attempt to exploit children.

Stewart was found guilty of sexual offences involving Child Sexual Exploitation including online grooming which led to unlawful sexual activity.

Detective Inspector Scott Fotheringham said: “This was a protracted police investigation carried out by the Public Protection Unit in Tayside Division.

“Police Scotland is committed to the protection of vulnerable young people who regularly communicate with unknown persons online. Today’s sentencing sends a clear message to those persons who seek to target children and young people in this manner for the purposes sexual activity.

“Officers work alongside partner agencies and are committed to ensuring that all incidents of sexual exploitation involving children or young persons are professionally and thoroughly investigated.

“We are acutely aware of the potential impact on the victims of these types of crimes and will ensure by the use of specially trained officers that they receive a tailored, sensitive approach providing support on every occasion.

“Those individuals who pose the greatest risk of harm will be actively targeted and those who seek to sexually exploit children or young persons can expect a robust response.

“Anyone who has concerns about a child or young person that they believe may be at risk of sexual exploitation is asked to contact Police Scotland on the non-emergency telephone number 101.”

Police Scotland is appealing for information on the whereabouts of a 70-year-old man who went missing in Tayside.

Officers said there were “concerns” for David Cutler, who was last seen in the Kirk Square area of Arbroath, at about 1pm yesterday.

Mr Cutler is described as being 6 feet tall, of heavy build, with dark thinning hair. At the time he was last seen, he was wearing a blue baseball cap and black clothing.

A Police Scotland spokesman said: “Anyone who knows David, or may have seen a man matching his description, should contact Police Scotland on 101 or speak to any officer.”

A FORMER Tayside social worker is facing allegations of breaching confidentiality and potentially compromising a police investigation.

A hearing into the conduct of Maureen Konov will begin at the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) at Compass House in Dundee on Monday.

Ms Konov will face seven claims during the proceedings, which are expected to continue through to Thursday next week.

It’s alleged that Ms Konov, while employed as a social worker by Angus Council, submitted “integrated assessments” to the Scottish Children’s Reporters Administration about two youngsters, which she knew would be shared with the pair’s family.

This action is said to have breached confidentiality requirements of the two kids, as the assessments detailed serious allegations of sexual abuse made by one of the children against other members of the family.

Her actions, said to have happened in 2013, are also alleged to have “potentially compromised a police investigation” into the claims, as they would have alerted those family members before officers had completed interviews with them.

Ms Konov is further accused of failing to manage supervised contact between the two children and their mother.

Another accusation is that in 2013, Konov failed to undertake a pre-birth risk assessment on a child.

The final allegation is that, in 2013, Ms Konov failed to take appropriate action when informed that the child was in a relationship with a registered sex offender.

The “appropriate action” would have been for Ms Konov to consult with her team manager, to convene an “initial referral discussion” with other agencies and to visit the child within 24 hours of finding out about the relationship.

Ms Konov no longer works for Angus Council but the local authority would not say whether she had left of her own accord or if she had been dismissed.

A spokesman said: “We can confirm this individual is no longer employed by Angus Council.”

The SSSC’s conduct sub-committee will consider whether the claims against Ms Konov are proven and if she has breached its code of practice.

The Tele made efforts to contact Ms Konov but she could not be reached before going to press.

THEY’RE the places people go to be prosecuted for their alleged crimes.

But dozens of folk have been caught committing criminal acts within the walls of Tayside’s sheriff courts.

Incidents including possession of drugs and knives, assaults and even stalking have been reported at Dundee, Perth and Forfar sheriff courts since 2013.

In total, there were nearly 100 crimes in the buildings between January 2013 and last month, according to figures obtained by the Tele under the Freedom of Information Act.

Of all the sheriff courts in the Tayside area, Dundee had the most recorded crimes, with 55 over the past three years.

Last year at Dundee Sheriff Court, nine of the 17 recorded offences were classed as threatening and abusive behaviour.

Meanwhile, at Perth Sheriff Court, 24 offences have been recorded since 2013, including eight offences last year — four of which were assaults.

In Forfar Sheriff Court, four of the six reported crimes in 2015 were assaults.

In total, 19 offences have been recorded at the Angus court over the past three years.

One crime of carrying a knife or bladed weapon was recorded at Dundee Sheriff Court in 2013.

Perth and Forfar sheriff courts have each had one recorded incident of drug possession since 2013, although none was reported at Dundee. One crime of stalking was recorded at Perth.

A spokesman for the Scottish Courts Service said: “All criminal incidents within court buildings are treated extremely seriously and police are present in courts to ensure public order.

“Serious criminal incidents are rare and are reported to police.

“Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service also employs contractors to maintain security in some court buildings.”

A spokeswoman for Victim Support Scotland said: “We believe that victims and witnesses, who may already be vulnerable and anxious, are entitled to feel safe and to be protected when they are within any court building.

“As sheriff courts are public buildings, we know that, unfortunately, crimes can be committed in and around these premises.

“The safety and security of victims and witnesses should be a primary concern for us all to ensure the effective operation of justice in our courts across Scotland.”

Last week, a 16-year-old girl was locked up for 12 months for attacking a police officer at Dundee Sheriff Court.

A broken-down train is causing disruption to rail services from Dundee to Aberdeen this morning.

National Rail reported that the stricken sleeper train had closed the northbound line at Arbroath.

A spokesman said: “A broken down train at Arbroath is causing disruption to journeys between Dundee and Aberdeen.

“This is expected to continue until 10am. Trains are currently unable to run from Dundee towards Aberdeen.”

@ScotRail all trains running north from Dundee have been cancelled due to sleeper train falling asleep !!!!

— Calum Race (@CalumRace) March 31, 2016

Scotrail said a replacement bus service was being set up for ticket holders heading north, but that customers “may want to make their own arrangements.”

It’s expected that the buses will run from around 8am.

@ScotRail my trains cancelled, would you pay my taxi to work from Montrose to stonehaven, I have no way of getting to work…

— megatron (@meganleven) March 31, 2016

Police have launched an investigation after a number of vehicles were damaged by vandals.

Several cars were targeted across Arbroath sometime between Friday April 1 and Saturday April 2.

The vehicles, parked in the areas of St Leonards Street, Grimsby Place, Nolt Loan Road, Newton Avenue and Chalmers Street, suffered damage ranging from broken off wing mirrors, scratches and even smashed windshields.

Anyone with any information that may be useful is urged to contact Police Scotland, Tayside Division on 101, or any police officer.

Alternatively information can be passed anonymously via the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

More than £100 million was spent in Dundee and Angus by visitors last year, tourism bosses have revealed.

And they’re now looking to increase the number of folk coming to the region from abroad.

The leading attractions for visitors in 2015 included Dundee Contemporary Arts and The McManus.

Forfar Loch Country Park, Crombie Country Park and Camperdown Wildlife Centre rounded off a top five that revealed the rural appeal of Dundee and Angus.

In total, tourists spent £105m across the area.

Jim Clarkson, VisitScotland’s regional director for the area, said: “There’s lots of stuff to see and do with a key selling point being the great mix of rural versus city.
“The central location in the country, as well as the ease of accessibility and the area’s great travel links, mean we have a really strong offering for visitors.

“It’s already a pretty healthy tourism revenue, but we’re looking to increase our visitor numbers by 5% this year, particularly among the overseas market.”

Visitors from the UK spent an average of £216.50 per person as 485,000 people visited Dundee and Angus in 2015.

But tourists from abroad accounted for only 16% of the visitor count, despite spending 28% of the total amount.

Almost 50% of visitors to Dundee and Angus came from other places within Scotland.

“People don’t think about the east of Scotland as a tourist spot and a large part of my job is to ensure that we’re a part of the mix,” Mr Clarkson added.

“We have some fantastic assets in the area, from Broughty Ferry Castle to Discovery Point.

“I would like to see the visitors to Discovery boosted this year, it’s so close to the airport and the new Amsterdam link and should absolutely be a focus for tourism — it’s a fantastic asset to the area.

“But Discovery has been surrounded by construction due to the Waterfront project and this has had an impact on visitor numbers I think.

“The redevelopment is fantastic, though, and is totally transforming Dundee – we’re heavily promoting things with this as the backdrop, telling people to come now as it’s only going to get more fantastic.

“To achieve an increase in visitor numbers, it’s essential we work with local businesses and this is something I feel is increasingly happening.”

Mr Clarkson says that tourism bosses are keen to keep developing other opportunities in the area in order to give other parts of the country a run for their money.

He added: “It’s such a competitive tourist industry in the UK but we can compete with the best I believe.

“And it’s not just Dundee but Angus too — there are so many opportunities for development, such as Hospitalfield in Arbroath.

“It has a great story and I would love to see this developed.”

Billy Gartley, head of cultural services at Leisure & Culture Dundee — which runs the likes of The McManus — said: “We continue to provide a range of cultural activities across Dundee which we hope will increase visitors and encourage tourism.

“We are pleased our visitor figures have remained healthy and we are optimistic the new programmes, events and exhibitions at our key sites will continue to attract people to the city.”

A teenager who torched a former hospital building – completely destroying it – was today facing jail.

Aarron Beveridge set fire to a building at the former Strathmartine Hospital, by Dundee, on June 1 2013.

Forfar Sheriff Court heard the derelict hospital – earmarked for future building projects – has been repeatedly targeted by teenage vandals and fireraisers.

Beveridge and a pal went to the hospital and set the outbuilding alight, destroying its entire contents and rendering it unsafe.

Fiscal depute Joanne Smith told the court: “At the time of the incident there had been a number of problems with youths vandalising the area and setting fires.

“The fire was discovered around 10am on June 1 2013 and police were contacted.

“They found the building well alight.

“A farmer gave a description of two males walking away from the locus and the accused was then traced.

“He smelled strongly of smoke.

“The accused was found to be in possession of a pair of gloves and a balaclava.

“He gave a no comment interview but when he was charged he said ‘I know I did it like, it was stupid, I know’.”

Beveridge, 19, of Teviotdale Avenue, Dundee, pleaded guilty on indictment to a charge of wilful fireraising.

His co-accused, Liam Burns, 18, of Ballantrae Terrace, Dundee, had his not guilty plea to the same charge accepted by the Crown.

Sheriff Gregor Murray deferred sentence until next month for social work background reports and released Beveridge on bail meantime.

He said: “You have no record at all and have appeared on indictment for a serious offence.

“A custodial sentence is still a possibility even despite your lack of record.”

The scenic coast near the Barry Buddon firing ranges has been ruined by rubbish, prompting residents to band together for a cleaning operation.

The land — where the North Sea meets the mouth of the River Tay — is covered in plastic and waste.

Monifieth residents have arranged a community clean-up, the first of the year, asking people to gather together to tidy the SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest) land.

It will take place over April 16 and 17 with the Rotary Club, Monifieth Eco Force, Zero Waste Scotland and the local cadets among others involved.

The military are custodians of the site which is open to the public for 26 weekends a year. The rest of the time the area is off limits as it is part of the MOD firing range.

Commanding officer of Barry Buddon Training Camp Captain Harry Roy said the coastline used to be immaculate. He added: “I do wonder where the rubbish is coming from. There’s quite often large debris from fridges to tractor tyres and I think people are increasingly fly-tipping in the water.

“It’s a shame as it’s a lovely beach that’s there for the community.

“I can help by offering days when we won’t be using the firing ranges and helping to organise that but it really is down to locals.”

Capt Roy said that about 45 volunteers helped last year and he hopes even more will get their hands dirty this year.

He said: “To be honest, it’s not enough to do what we do. The whole thing has evolved over the years but the volume of rubbish this year is disastrous.

“They are going to have their work cut out this year — it’s unusual to see so much. I’m no expert but the floods probably had a lot to do with it.

“We want people to take pride in the area and to see people clearing it up as often as possible. It’s very rare, but two years ago an old Second World War shell was found. It was inert but shows why it’s also useful to have military expertise so let us know before cleaning.”

A spokesman for Angus Council said: “We work closely with many volunteers and volunteer groups who play an important role in helping to Keep Angus Beautiful and we are always delighted when people step forward to assist.

“Anyone can play their part. Every neighbourhood litter pick, beauty spot tidy-up and beach clean makes a difference. All our residents are encouraged to have a Pride in Place and get involved in a clean-up event, or organise their own community clean up.”

A Dundee union chief has said cases of bullying within NHS Tayside are not just restricted to one ward — with the issue spanning across the health board.

Colin Coupar, Unite’s regional coordinator in Dundee, said he has been dealing with ongoing cases of bullying and intimidation in NHS Tayside on a regular basis.

The union boss’s comments come after serious allegations of bullying within the maternity ward at Ninewells Hospital were uncovered by the Tele.

Unite has not been directly involved with the alleged issue in that particular ward, but Mr Coupar said he has represented NHS staff in other departments.

He cited one case within the medical records department in which he represented staff complaining of being intimidated by senior members.

He said: “Medical records is just another department where there have been at least six official and unofficial complaints against management about bullying and intimidation raised just a few months ago.

“In August we were approached by a staff member who raised behavioural concerns she was on the receiving end of in the workplace.

“After further research, it was then found that six different people were subject to intimidation within the same ward.

“I took this forward to the managers within the department who looked into the case. By March the investigation has progressed to a disciplinary hearing.

“Because of confidentiality reasons it is now an internal matter.”

Mr Coupar criticised the way NHS Tayside implements its policy on bullying and intimidation in the workplace.

“These problems didn’t just crop up last week or last month — it’s not a new phenomenon.

“The issue is a regular occurrence within NHS Tayside, with the case in the medical department just one example of the serious problem NHS Tayside has with bullying and intimidation.

“The policy is there, but it seems that it is not taken seriously or is just completely ignored.”

NHS Tayside has not yet responded to Mr Coupar’s comments.

A spokeswoman previously said: “NHS Tayside is committed to providing a working environment which is free from bullying and harassment.

“Therefore, the bullying or harassment of any member of staff for any reason is unacceptable.”

A restored 1940s train carriage has been ‘completely destroyed’ in a devastating fire at a tourist attraction.

Firefighters were called out to a blaze at the Caledonian Railway on Brechin’s Park Road at 11.06pm yesterday.

The vintage train carriage was just recently restored by volunteers, according to the attraction’s Facebook page.

The post read: “The wooden body of our recently restored 1940’s LMS brakevan was set on fire and has unfortunately been completely destroyed.

“This has been a huge blow to the volunteers who operate the railway and costs of the damage are estimated to be in the range of between £20,000 and £25,000.”

It continued: “Details on damage to the vehicle’s underframe… are still being collected and we would like to thank the police and the fire and rescue service for their assistance. If anyone has any information which would help our investigations, please contact us either via our Facebook page or email.”

Fire crews extinguished the blaze within a wooden carriage using two water jets.

Train on fire at Caledonian Railway, Brechin. Park road closed meantime. Avoid area #keepingpeoplesafe pic.twitter.com/HK4sAZZSyD

— PC Billy Rattray (@BrechinPC) April 6, 2016

The blaze was tackled over an hour later and firefighters were stood down at 12.23am.

Nobody was injured and it is not known whether the fire was deliberate or not.

Police sealed off the road as a precaution.

Police are continuing their investigations after a woman’s body was discovered off the Arbroath coast.

A cordon was set up around the town’s harbour following the discovery at about 11.45am yesterday.

The body of the 45-year-old was discovered in the water prompting a response from the Arbroath RNLI lifeboat.

The death is not believed to be suspicious and the woman isn’t thought to have been from the area.

Officers are now seeking information from anyone that could help with their investigation.

A statement from Police Scotland today read: “Police Scotland continue to make inquiries into the sudden death of a 45-year-old woman whose body was found in the water at Arbroath Harbour at about 11.45am on Sunday morning.

“The family have been informed and a report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal in due course.

“Anyone who was in the area of Arbroath Harbour during the early hours of Sunday morning (April 10) and has information that could assist officers with their enquiries is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101.”

The distraught dad of a man whose body was found in a flat has today paid tribute to his son.

Christopher Drahony, 34, died of a suspected drugs overdose on Tuesday.

Police were called to two addresses — Stedfast Lane and Don Street — in Forfar around 2pm, with officers still on scene on Monday.

His dad Simon Drahony, 58, told the Tele he was devastated at the news.

Speaking at his home in Montrose, Simon said his son had moved to Forfar from his dad’s hometown a few years ago to “get away from the drugs scene”.

He added: “I was aware for some time that Christopher had a drugs problem.

“However, he was desperately trying to sort his life out and he moved to Forfar to try to make a fresh start.

“He wanted to get away from bad influences in his life but sadly after he moved to Forfar he got involved with another group who also took drugs.”

Simon said he was told the news about his son’s death when police visited his home around 3pm yesterday.

He added: “They said they couldn’t tell me much about the circumstances but they confirmed he appeared to have died from a drugs overdose.

“I didn’t sleep a wink last night. The upset keeps coming in waves over me.

“I feel all right for a little while and then it just hits me all over again.

“It’s going to take a long time to come to terms with what has happened.”

Simon said he hadn’t seen his son since last autumn but they texted each other regularly.

Christopher’s passions in life revolved around the outdoor life, with Simon saying his son’s hero was Bear Grylls.

He added: “He loved everything he did.

“Christopher used to go wild camping and knew loads about surviving outdoors.

“He loved going up the Angus glens and his own private special place was up the coast from Montrose at the mouth of the North Esk.”

Christopher grew up in Montrose and went to Montrose Academy before working for a while as a process worker at a factory in the town.

He is also survived by his mum Bella Longmuir and his brother Benj Longmuir, who both also live in Montrose.

A Police Scotland spokeswoman said today: “We are making inquiries into the sudden death of a 34-year-old man at an address in Don Street, Forfar, yesterday afternoon. A report will be submitted to the procurator fiscal in due course.”

Dundee could see snowy showers even though we are half-way through April.

Just when you thought you’d seen the last of the gritters in the streets – think again!

While it would not seem unreasonable to expect mild temperatures and sunshine for this time of year, instead, we might see flutters of snow.

The Met Office has issued a yellow ‘be aware’ weather warning for snow for the area immediately north of the city – but Dundee might not escape the white stuff.

The warning is in place for first thing tomorrow morning until about 10am.

Higher up areas are likely to see 1-4cm of snow, while Dundee could see wintry showers.

Nicola Maxey, a spokeswoman for the MetOffice, said: “A weather warning has been issued for the area north of Dundee, but Dundee itself could see flutters of snow.

“Areas about 300m could see one to four centimetres, but again areas on lower ground can expect to see snowfall.

“It will feel very chilly overnight. In the city centre, temperatures will hover just above freezing but those out in more rural areas it will be below freezing.

“April is the transition period between winter and summer so it’s not unusual to see different extremes in weather.

Things won’t get any warmer going in to the weekend with the chilly feel sticking around until next week.

Nicola added: “We’ll experience similar cold temperatures over the weekend with it struggling to get in the double figures.

“The cold air will still be around but warming slightly into next week.”

An elderly man who was reported missing after a car crash last night has been traced.

John Miller, 75, was understood to have a head injury following the smash near Arbroath.

The accident happened at about 7pm on the A835  near Denhead of Arbirlot and Mr Miller hadn’t been seen since.

Police said officers carried out a search of the area last night in a bid to trace the pensioner.

Locals near to the site spoke of seeing helicopters and ambulance crews join the search.

However, this morning he was found.

A statement from Police Scotland read: “Police Scotland can confirm that John Miller, 75, from the Arbroath area has been traced safe and well.

“His green Honda CRV motor car was found unattended following a single vehicle road accident near to Denhead of Arbirlot Farm, Arbroath, which occurred about 7pm last night. Police carried out a number of searches following concern for his welfare.

“Thank you for your assistance and concern.”

Three people have been rushed to Ninewells Hospital after a crash between two cars in Angus.

Fire fighters were called the accident on the A935  at the junction at Roadside Cottage just after 10am this morning.

Two appliances were sent to the incident on the Montrose to Brechin Road where fire fighters had to free two people from one of the cars.

Paramedics treated all four at the scene. Three people have been taken to Ninewells Hospital for further treatment.

Three ambulance vehicles were sent to the incident to treat four people involved in the crash.

Paramedics have still to report on the condition of the three being treated.

A Scottish Fire and Rescue spokeswoman said: “We received the call at 10.03am and two appliances from Montrose were sent to the incident.

“Fire fighters had to remove two people from one of the cars.

“The four people were treated by paramedics at the scene and were then taken to Ninewells.”

Hundreds of residents have backed a new two-day festival showcasing the best in global dance music.

Organisers of Festival of House, due to be held at Panmure Estate near Carnoustie on June 10 and 11, have delivered close to 500 letters of support to Angus Council.

The festival will showcase some of the biggest names in global electronic music, as well as providing a platform for some up and coming local talent.

Residents and local businesses have responded to an open invitation from the organisers to register support ahead of the event’s licensing meeting on April 29.

Although concerns have been raised about noise levels and blue light access, supporters have cited the economic impact and raising the profile of Angus as reasons for the event to go ahead.

Festival director Craig Blyth said: “The continuing positive support from the community is tremendous.”

Despite the hundreds of letters of support for the festival, concerns have been raised from some residents, including fears over security and widespread traffic disruption.
There were also fears raised for badgers in the area, with claims the festival will cause “irreversible harm” to the ecosystem.

The licensing meeting will be held at the Town and County Hall in Forfar.

A Tayside man has won over £10million on the National Lottery.

After days of speculation, it was confirmed that the jackpot had been scooped by a Forfar resident.

He is set to be named later today.

A National Lottery spokesperson described the win as “life-changing.”

The spokesperson said: “A 59-year-old man from Forfar is celebrating becoming Scotland’s newest millionaire after scooping the £10,317,199 jackpot in Saturday’s Lotto draw.”

Further details of the win were to be announced at the five-star Mar Hall hotel near Glasgow this afternoon.

Forfar man John Bowman has been celebrating after he scooped the £10m jackpot in Saturday night’s Lotto draw.

The 59-year-old was over the moon when he thought he had won £10,000 until a friend informed him it was actually more than £10 million.

John said of the moment he discovered his win: “I checked my numbers in the house on Sunday morning and thought I’d been lucky enough to win £10,000. I went over to a friend’s so he could double check it for me and when he looked it up on his phone he realised it was actually 1,000 times that amount –  £10,317,199 to be exact! I was delighted.

“I went back home and phoned my two daughters Lisa, 28, and Emma, 26, I told them to sit down because I had some news for them – they didn’t believe me at first.”

His next stop was the local pub to celebrate his win: “My first drink as a millionaire was still a pint of beer.”

John has played Lotto since it launched more than 20 years ago, playing five lines of the same numbers every week. When 10 extra balls were added to Lotto last October John decided to update his lines to include some of the new numbers.

“I’ve played the Lottery since it started but I haven’t had any big wins, just three numbers here and there. When the new balls were introduced I thought I better update my lines to include some numbers in the 50s. Lucky I did because my winning line had 51 and 55 in it!”

He intends to splash out on a place in the sun with some of his winnings: “The first thing I did was to look after my daughters and I will also be sharing some of my good fortune with family and friends.

“I want to buy a home abroad, somewhere with plenty of sun, and I also like travelling so I’ll be looking at holidays in Europe. I enjoy Formula 1 too so I think a trip to the Monaco Grand Prix will be on the cards.”

John, who played for  St Johnstone when he was younger, is still a sports fan: “I enjoy watching football but I don’t support any particular team. I quite often go along to see my local side Forfar Athletic so I’ll keep doing that.

“The win also means I’ll have plenty of time to play more golf and bowls, I’m a member of Canmore Bowling Club.”

One thing John won’t be doing is heading back to work. The former ladder builder worked for local firm Ramsay Ladders: “They are a lovely local family business. I’ve been in touch and they are all delighted for me but I won’t be keeping on my job.”

John bought his ticket from RS McColl on East High Street, Forfar.

The winning numbers from the Lotto draw on Saturday were 2, 5, 14, 42, 51 and 55 and the bonus ball was 54.

Friends of an Arbroath man who collapsed and died three miles short of the London Marathon finish line want to “complete what he started”.

Captain David Seath, a fire support team commander in 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery, suffered a suspected cardiac arrest while running the 26.2 mile course on Sunday.

He was taken to hospital by the London Ambulance Service but later died.

Mr Seath had been running for the charity Help For Heroes because he said on his fundraising page “the forces community need our help and continued support”.

Friends and colleagues of the Army captain are now vowing to “complete what he started” – finishing the marathon course for him and continuing to raise cash for his chosen charity.

In a JustGiving page created by James Walker McClimens, it reads: “He was three miles short of the finish line and collapsed on Upper Thames Street.

“His friends and colleagues are planning to complete what he started, in his honour. We will walk as one, the final three miles of the marathon, starting where he fell.

“We’re raising money for Help For Heroes, a cause he ran and died for. He was our friend and hero. Please share this page far and wide.”

Mr Seath completed two masters degrees at the University of Aberdeen before joining the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in 2009.

Before the run he posted on his JustGiving page: “A big thank you to everyone that has been so generous and sponsoring me for tomorrow.

“I am sure H4H will be equally as appreciative. Every penny counts and to have broken the £200 mark with your help is very special. Thank you all so much.”

Since his death the total on his JustGiving page  (https://www.justgiving.com/David-Seath-London-Marathon) now stands at more than £812.

In a statement, organisers of the London Marathon, said: “With deep sadness, we confirm the death of a participant in the 2016 Virgin Money London Marathon.

“David Seath, a serving officer in the British Army, collapsed at the 21 mile mark and, although he received immediate medical treatment, he died later in hospital.

“David’s parents Libby and Pete, his brother Gary, his girlfriend Gabby Judd, and his aunt Morag paid tribute to David and welcomed donations in David’s memory to his Help for Heroes fundraising page.”

Libby Seath said: “David has achieved more in 31 years than most people do in 70. He lived his life on the edge and to the full. He was running to raise money for Help the Heroes, a cause which was very important to him.”

Lieutenant Colonel Jon Cresswell, Commanding Officer of 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery, paid tribute.

He said: “The Regiment was devastated to learn of the tragic loss of Captain Dave Seath during 2016’s London Marathon.

“Dave was an outstanding commando officer, a natural leader and a true gentleman. He was my Assistant Adjutant and so I knew him very well.

“He served on operations in Helmand with 19th Regiment Royal Artillery before joining the Commando Gunners and earning his green beret.

“Witty, charming and polished, Dave was a fabulous host and stylish performer. As such he was the obvious choice to lead the Blue Peter Ten Tors team last year.

“Selected to train the future officers of the Afghan National Army later this year in the rank of major, Dave had a great career ahead of him.

“The thoughts of the Regiment are with Gabby and Dave’s family and friends at this tragic time. We have lost one of the great characters of our Regiment and take strength from the memory of his example and leadership.”