Tributes paid to Rangers fan killed in supporters' bus crash
Tributes have been paid to a Rangers fan who died after a supporters bus he was travelling on crashed in East Ayrshire, leaving 18 other people in hospital.
Ryan Baird, 39, from Sanquhar, died after the coach overturned on the A76 at the Crossroads roundabout near to Bowhouse Prison at about 1.15 pm on Saturday.
One passenger said the coach "swerved" at the roundabout and the bus landed on its side on a grass verge.
The coach was taking the Nith Valley Loyal Rangers Supporters' Club to Ibrox Stadium to watch the club take on Partick Thistle in the Scottish Premiership.
Mr Baird, originally from Northern Ireland, was named by a family member and fellow fans. He had been living in Sanquhar, Dumfries and Galloway.
His cousin, Louise Evanne Baird, said he was "amazing" and would be "sadly missed".
His partner, Sarah Hughes, also paid tribute to him, saying he had loved the club.
Many of Mr Baird's friends and family members have changed their profile pictures to a Nith Valley Loyal scarf in his memory.
The club said in a statement: "The club would like to thank everyone for their good wishes and concern at this sad time."
Tributes were paid online from fans on both sides of the Old Firm divide.
Rangers football club said it was "deeply saddened" by the "dreadful accident".
Managing Director Stewart Robertson said: “Everyone at the football cluband every member of our Rangers family is thinking of all of those caught up in this terrible accident.
"Clearly this is a deeply distressing time and the Board extend our deepest sympathies and concerns.
“While winning today’s match was of vital importance everything that happened on the pitch between 3pm and 5pm pales into insignificance in light of this awful news.”
The other side of the Old Firm released a statement passing on their condolences.
Celtic said: "In relation to news of today's accident involving Rangers supporters on their way to the match, everyone at Celtic sends our sincere condolences following the death of a supporter.
"We would like of course to also offer our best wishes to all those involved in this accident.
"We understand a significant number of people have been affected and our thoughts are very much with them at what will be a difficult time for all these supporters and their families."
Police Scotland said in a statement:
A total of 36 passengers and the driver were on board the bus at the time of the crash.
Police said inquiries are ongoing and appealed for information.