TRIBUTES have been pouring in to remember one of the most recognisable faces at East End Park and within the local Boys' Brigade movement.

Stuart Arnott, who since the mid-1990s served as Dunfermline Athletic's press officer, died last week at the age of 81 after losing a battle with cancer.

Born and bred in the town, the lifelong Pars supporter – who, while a ball boy, was charged with putting up half-time scores on old, alphabetic noticeboards – spent his working life at Rosyth Dockyard, retiring aged 59.

From there, he became involved with the club as their media officer, a position he held until a couple of years ago, after which he became a boardroom host.

A keen golfer in his spare time, with a membership at Canmore, Stuart also had a long-lasting affiliation with the Boys' Brigade, and in particular the Dunfermline and District Battalion, and the 4th Dunfermline (Abbey) Company.

After joining the movement as a schoolboy, he would go on to serve as an officer in the 4th Dunfermline (Abbey) Company and held the position of secretary of the Dunfermline and District Battalion for more than 30 years.

In 2004, Stuart was honoured for his services to the Boys' Brigade in Dunfermline by being awarded an MBE, and became honorary president of the Dunfermline Battalion.

Former Dunfermline stars such as Scott Thomson, Andy Tod, Austin McCann, Scott Wilson, Sean Murdoch, Andy Geggan and Scotland international Lawrence Shankland were among those who paid tribute on social media, alongside journalists, Pars supporters and those who knew Stuart through the Boys' Brigade.

Athletic chairman Ross McArthur said: "Stuart was a class act and an absolute gent. He was always happy to help out.

"He has assisted the club on match days for many years and, most recently, until the pandemic struck, had been a host in the club boardroom on match days. He was always such good company, respected by all who met him.

"At the same time, he was always happy to assist our schools engagement programme with our school tour events, and I saw first-hand how he had a such great way with the children, explaining how things operated around the club.

"I don't think anyone ever had a bad word to say about Stuart. Because of his background, he was very regimented and disciplined in everything he did, but he always had a smile on his face, and was very supportive of the club and myself.

"He was a great character to have around the club. He will be sorely missed by a lot of people."

Danny Williamson, who served with Stuart in the 4th Dunfermline (Abbey) Company while its captain, said: "Stuart was the most deserved person I know in the Boys' Brigade to get an MBE.

"He helped many a lad qualify for their Queen's Badge, which is the highest honour a BB lad can get. He adored the annual camps in Gifford, Callander and, latterly, Pitlochry.

"He was always a super-optimist. I'd be looking out to the hills of Pitlochry, and it'd be pouring with rain, and he'd say, 'Aye, but there's a wee blue bit there Danny'. There wasn't!

"I can't praise him highly enough. He was a superb person and such an asset to the Boys' Brigade in Dunfermline and District, and nationally."

Stuart is survived by wife Cathy, sons Kenny and Derek, step-son Ewen, grandchildren Michael, Lewis, Vicky, Matthew, Rebecca and Rachel, and great-grandson William.

His funeral will take place on October 7, at 11am, at Kirkcaldy Crematorium.