TRIBUTES have been paid after a Scottish runner died at just 38-years-old.

Alastair Hay competed for Scotland at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in India, with Scottish Athletics confirming the death of the running “legend”.

Hay finished 12th in the 1500 metres at the India Commonwealth Games and was a long-term member of Central Athletic Club in Stirling and Clackmannanshire.

Mark Pollard, head of performance at Scottish Athletics, said: "Ali was a gentle giant in our sport whose quality and consistency was extraordinary over the years.

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"He was a multiple Scottish champion over the years and Commonwealth Games representative at Delhi 2010, Ali will be missed greatly by the athletics community in Scotland and of course by the Central AC family.

"For me, he was a real catalyst for the resurgence in male 1500m in Scotland – Ali showed the way for the likes of a young Chris O’Hare to aspire to, which led to a chain of success down the years that continues to this day.

"His record at the National XC in particular was superb.

"He won the senior men’s gold on two occasions and a bronze medal in two further years. But I am pretty sure he took just as much enjoyment from being a mainstay in the Central AC team who won the Senior men’s team gold year after year after year.

"Ali was a massive influence on his club-mates and many others.”

Central Athletic Club added: “It is with deep sadness that we would like to inform members and friends of the passing of Alastair Hay.

“Ali was an outstanding performer for Central for over 20 years. Moreover, he was an even better friend to all within the club, incredibly kind spirited, and a great supporter of the club and all its athletes.

“Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with his wife Lynsey, his young sons and all his family.

“A memorial and funeral service will be held at West Lothian Crematorium on Thursday June 27 at 11am for all to attend.”