A STEVENSTON man has appeared in court charged with the murder of ‘Mr Scotland’ bodybuilding champion Michael O’Hanlon.

Steven Kirkwood, 43, made no plea or declaration when he appeared at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court on Tuesday.

He was arrested following the death of Mr O’Hanlon, 45, at the Moorpark Industrial Estate in Stevenston on Monday, July 25.

Emergency services raced to the area at around 12pm following Mr O’Hanlon’s reported injuries but he died at the scene.

Mr O’Hanlon, who lived in the Perceton area of Irvine, won the Mr Scotland bodybuilding championship in March of this year and ran the Musclebox bodybuilding shops.

He was due to get married next month, the Herald understands.

Following the bodybuilding champion’s death, his partner Eileen Kirkwood said that she would “stay strong for her man” and continue with the couple’s Musclebox fitness supplement company.

Eileen posted on social media that she wanted “To let people know the O’Hanlon name and both businesses will remain – I and Michael’s family and close business friends will make sure of that.”

She added: “I will stay strong for my man and although we didn’t get to make our wedding day on the 15th Aug my name will still change to O’Hanlon.”

Family and friends described O’Hanlon as “a gentleman” and “a lovely big guy”.

O’Hanlon had 30 years bodybuilding experience. He was crowned this year’s

Mr Scotland, having previously won the title 23 years ago.

Friends paid tribute to him on social media this week.

Fellow bodybuilder and gym coach James Llewellin said: “Today we have lost a great, great man, a man I became very close to over the last coupleof years.

“He was one of the kindest, loyal, loving men I have ever met.

“His wonderful fiancee loved this man to the moon and back as he did her.

“We have lost not just a great bodybuilder, but a great man.”

A Police Scotland spokesman said: “A 43-year old man has been arrested and detained in police custody in connection with the death of Michael O’Hanlon of the Irvine area.

“Relatives are aware and a report will be sent to the procurator fiscal."