A GROUP of friends have been left shell-shocked following the unexpected death of their dear pal.

Ian McMillan died at his home in Alva on Tuesday, July 4, with the news sending shockwaves among loved-ones.

There has been an outpouring of condolences on social media, with the 36-year-old described as "loving, caring" and as a "gentle giant" by those close to him.

While his friends are still coming to terms with the loss, they are hoping to preserve his memory by raising enough money to place a bench near to his boyhood home as a tribute.

Ian grew up in Tullibody and often frequented the Delph Pond.

And with that in mind his friends want to build the bench there as a testament to his character and keep his name very much part of the community.

Chris Pike spoke with the Advertiser following his close pal's passing, and paid tribute to his friendly and helpful nature.

He said: "Ian was liked by all his fellow employees; worked his finger to the bone and was a very hard grafter.

"He was a loving, caring man and would do anything for anybody; he would give you his last pound if you needed it."

"The lad was very kind, outgoing and would sit and listen if you had a problem."

Chris added: "Over the years, he had three very close friends: Liam [Davies], myself and David [Stewart]. We were your typical lads; going drives, going camping, having laughs and just enjoying life.

"Many adventures were had and sometimes a bit of mischief as boys do. But that's what makes memories, as Ian would say.

"We had our ups and downs and falling outs, but we always come through it and the bond was tight."

Ian was raised by his mum Susan and dad Peter along with his sister Lisa and brothers Andrew and Ewan.

He attended Lornshill Academy and worked as a gardener for Clackmannanshire Council for 20 years.

His friends have set up a Just Giving page to raise funds for Ian McMillan memorial bench, and Chris has watched as a great deal of support for the idea has come in.

He said: "We have organised a fundraising page to get a memorial bench and plaque for him, which will be placed at Delph Pond, Tullibody – his home town.

"Donations have come in fast in all amounts, but we still need a bit more to reach our target."

Ian's friend David added: "Ian was a gentle giant. He had time for everyone and everyone is so sad he has gone.

"I hope this bench will serve to remind the community of what a great person he was."

Police had been treating Ian's death as "unexplained" after his body was found last Tuesday.

The matter has since been passed on to the Crown Office.

A spokesperson for Police Scotland confirmed: "[We] were called to a property in Brook Street, Alva, around 1.10pm on Tuesday, 4 July, following the death of a 36-year-old man.

"The death is currently being treated as unexplained, pending further enquiries, and a report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal."

To donate to the memorial fund, visit justgiving.com/crowdfunding/chris-pike