FAMILY and friends of tragic Shaun Woodburn have paid tribute to the “one of a kind gentleman” with touching New Year messages one year on from his death.
Mr Woodburn was killed after being attacked during a disturbance in the early hours of New Year’s Day in Edinburgh last year.
The junior footballer’s loved ones have recently been campaigning for tougher sentencing after his 17-year-old killer, who was jailed for four years.
Friend’s of the gifted athlete took to social media to remember the 30-year-old as 2017 came to a close.
His sister, Abby Williams, wrote: “2017 has been the hardest year for me and my family.
“Tonight we will be raising a glass for my brother and the short but wonderful life he lived. We love you always Shaun.”
While Mr Woodburns’s dad, Kevin Woodburn, posted: “A huge thank you to each and every single person that supported us this year.
“We wouldn’t have got through it without all of you. We will be thinking of you all over the next two days with love in our hearts. Shaun would be so proud of you all. #justiceforshaun.”
Louis Swanson said: “Almost one year gone, will be having a few Coronas in the house tonight for Shaun.
“It was favourite drink everytime we were out, will be remembering the good times and celebrating his life as he was the best guy I have ever known. Will never forget you big man love you forever.”
While pal Sonny Swanson said: “Tonight we remember a gentleman, a hero and one of a kind. Tonight I will be raising a glass to remember this amazing man.
“You could not find a nicer guy if you tried. Shaun also has an amazing family behind him fighting for the justice that has not been served. Miss you Shaun.”
Last year Kevin had been leading the campaign ‘Justice for Shaun’, by setting up a petition calling for the Crown Office to increase the sentence length handed down to his sons killer.
However despite the petition gaining round 70,000 signatures, the appeal was rejected.
Grieving relatives are due to visit the scene of the tragedy for the first time sinceMr Woodburn’s death on New Years Day.
It is understood flowers will be placed at the spot outside the Gladstone’s pub in Leith where the dad of one was left to die after being fatally punched in the head.
Mr Woodburn died after he was attacked by a teenager in the early hours of January 1, 2017, in Leith, Edinburgh.
The former Bonnyrigg Rose FC player died after suffering massive head injuries.
The teenager, who is now 17 and cannot be named because of his age, was jailed for four years after a jury returned a verdict of culpable homicide.
He had committed several other assaults during the night along with his friend Mohammed Zakariyah, targeting innocent members of the public at random.
Mohammed Zakariyah was found guilty of assault and given community service.
