A 25-year-old man has died of an Aids-related illness after a late HIV diagnosis

Words: Steve Brown

A man has died of an Aids-related illness after a late HIV diagnosis.

Ross Scott, 25, from Kirkcaldy, found out he had HIV back in 2017 and used his diagnosis to raise awareness of the virus and encouraged people to get tested.

Last week, he was placed in a hospice after he began to develop health problems after he discovered the virus had developed into Aids last summer, with doctors saying they would be surprised if he made it to Christmas.

His mother, Karon Scott, told The Courier: “He had a near-fatal infection in his nose and throat, and after numerous trips to the doctors, it was getting worse and worse, the antibiotics were not doing anything.

“He ended up going into Ninewells Hospital. There they discovered he was HIV positive, and he brought in 2017 with that life-changing news. It was a big shock to everyone.

“He knew he had nothing to fear and wanted to help educate other people, because even in this day and age people don’t understand a lot of things about HIV, such as how it is transmitted.

“But he was told in the summer he had AIDS and the doctors said they would be surprised if he makes it to Christmas.”

Hours after an article was published, Ross sadly passed away from an Aids-related illness.

Ross’ cousin, Julie Shand, set up a GoFundMe page to help cover his funeral costs and in an updated post, Julie confirmed Ross had sadly lost his life.

She wrote: “Last night, 14/01/20, I received a call from Ross’ sister Katrina…Ross gained his angel wings.

“Ross died peacefully in hospice surrounded by family. Surrounded by love.

“Your hearts may be broken, like mine, but please remember Ross is no longer in pain.

“His pain was divided in that moment he died and shared between all that love him! In our pain we are united and ever more determined to meet this target of £3000.

“Ross, I love you my little cousin, I am so proud of you! I shall forever remember you as my constantly singing, dancing and laughing little cousin!

“And always asking for me to make you scrambled egg! I’ll miss your cheekiness, I’ll miss our Facebook convos, I’ll miss watching you talk and laugh and smile with my children.”

Nathan Sparling, chief executive of HIV Scotland, wrote on Twitter: “Hearing the news that Ross has sadly passed away.

“He was a passionate, caring young man who will be missed. Sending my thoughts to his family and friends.”

Hearing the news that Ross has sadly passed away. He was a passionate, caring young man who will be missed. Sending my thoughts to his family and friends. 🧡 https://t.co/AyiK94th60

— Nathan Sparling (@nathansparkling) January 15, 2020

Perthshire Pride has said they will rename one of their stages in his honour, The Ross William Robertson Scott Stage.