Scotland’s only Olympic champion boxer Dick McTaggart has passed away aged 89. Heralded as one of the greatest boxers the country has ever produced, the Dundonian boasted a remarkable 610 wins from 634 fights. Amongst those were his historic victory at the 1956 Melbourne Olympics where he brought gold back to the City of Discovery. The lightweight also lifted the Val Barker Trophy during the Games for the best boxing style. McTaggart was amongst the medals just four years later when he brought home a bronze from Rome at the 1960 World Athletics event. He also scooped major medals in the Commonwealth Games. Taking home gold in Cardiff in 1058 and silver in Perth in 1962. He was also crowned European champion in 1961. In a touching statement his family announced the sad news. A statement said: “In loving memory of Dick McTaggart, a cherished husband, father, grandfather and friend. “A true gentleman and legend in the boxing world. “His kindness determination, humour and spirit will never be forgotten. He will be deeply missed but forever in our hearts. Rest peacefully.” After his glittering career McTaggart turned his hand to coaching working with Team Scotland ahead of the 1986 and 1990 Commonwealth Games. In 1985 he was awarded an MBE for services to amateur boxing and was also voted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame and the Scottish equivalent. McTaggart is widely recognised as Dundee’s greatest ever athlete. The legend is immortalised in St Francis Amateur Boxing Club where a statue stands of the great. St Francis Amateur Boxing Club Secretary Norrie McVicar paid a moving tribute calling McTaggart the “people’s champion of grassroots amateur boxing in Scotland.” In a statement he said: “Whilst we express sadness at Dick McTaggart’s passing, we hold him in great esteem and with so much pride in his achievements as an amateur boxer and his humility and humanity as a person.” “Dick never forgot his roots or where he was from and did all he could to help Dundee boxing clubs and their young stars to be. “But more than that Dick McTaggart’s legacy and support for amateur boxing in Scotland has been fantastic over his lifetime.” In one of his last interviews, McTaggart relived the emotional moment he was given a heroes welcome back to Dundee. He told the Courier : “When we got the train back to Dundee, thousands of people in the city turned out on the streets to welcome me home. "It brought tears to my eyes. Fellow boxers John McVicar and Peter Cain hoisted me up on their shoulders and carried me up the stairs and out of the railway station. “And then there were thousands of people who had lined the streets and were cheering. “I couldn’t believe this was happening. We got in an open top motor and made the journey up to our house at Dens Road. “It was unbelievable, but it was the greatest thing in the world.” Further tributes were paid across the boxing world and beyond. London Boxing History wrote on X: “Rest in peace Dick McTaggart who has passed away at the age of 89. A true legend of British boxing. “One of our greatest if not THE greatest amateurs of all time. A sad day for the sport.” And Dundee Culture added: “Absolutely heartbroken to hear the news that Dick McTaggart has passed away at the age of 89. “This amazing Dundonian was a legendary boxer and was a sporting inspiration.”