THE MEMORY of a tragic “gentle giant” will live on after a memorial bench was unveiled for him at the weekend.

Ian McMillan, who sadly passed away at his Alva home last summer, will be remembered after family, friends and his employer Clackmannanshire Council got together to immortalise his character.

The 36-year-old grew up in Tullibody and used to love camping in the Ochils, according to sister Lisa, who unveiled the bench on Saturday, March 24.

It is located by King O'Muirs Road between his childhood town and Glenochil with excellent views onto the same hills he used to frequent.

Sister Lisa explained to the Advertiser that finding the right spot was not easy and a number of hurdles had to be overcome before the appropriate place was finally picked.

However, she was delighted to finally realise the plans at the weekend and hopes it will provide a lovely resting sport for passers by while making sure Ian's memory lives on.

She told the Advertiser: “Ian liked the scenery and he loved the hills and going up camping when he was younger, so it's really appropriate.

“It is close to home as well.

“Also, there are a lot of people who walk their dogs and go for walks [in the area] so it's good for passers by as well.”

Close friends, including Chris Pike and David Stewart, quickly started raising funds for the bench and for the family following Ian's death and previously described Ian as someone who would go out of their way to help others.

While remembered as a gentle giant, those who knew him recall how he “worked his finger to the bone and was a very hard grafter”.

The former Lornshill Academy pupil was employed as a gardener for Clackmannanshire Council, which agreed to supply the bench.

Lisa added: “I will always remember Ian as – there are so many different things I could say – but he would always go out of his way to help you.

“He was such a gent, everybody that knew him absolutely adored him.”

She paid tribute to Ian's pals who came together in the wake of his death to support the family and turn the bench into a reality.

The Clacks woman added: “It's been quite good that Chris and Dave all took the effort to do this because it has been such a great comfort to us as a family.

“When you lose someone so dear to you, one of your biggest fears is that they are going to be forgotten about.

“It's been such a great comfort to know that actually, his memory will always live on.”

Lisa wanted to thank everybody involved, including Kenny Inglis and his team at the council who provided comfort at what was a difficult time.