Two best friends have died within days of each other leaving their families “distraught”.

Scott Carrigan and Ross McPherson passed away last week after seemingly battling mental health issues.

The pair, from East Kilbride, have left behind their devastated loved ones who are all in complete shock over the sudden deaths.

Glasgow Times: Ross passed away days after his pal ScottRoss passed away days after his pal Scott

Big Rangers fan Ross, 23, had just returned from a holiday to Ibiza and planned to go to Creamfields at the end of the month.

His dad Neil McPherson told the Glasgow Times he had been in good spirits before something just “snapped in the dark of night”.

He now fears alcohol and the loss of his friend contributed to his death, as he wasn’t aware of any “insurmountable” problems he was battling.

It comes as the tragic blow happened just days after bartender Scott, 22, died on Thursday, August 4, after being rushed to University Hospital Hairmyres from his home in the Easdale area.

Glasgow Times: Scott passed away leaving his family devastatedScott passed away leaving his family devastated

Now the families are trying to come to terms with the devastating loss and are urging others to reach out for help.

Neil hopes his only son has now reunited with his beloved dog Hootch that died earlier this year.

Neil said: “We are just absolutely devastated. He was our only child and not only the light of our life, he brought light to many people's life.

"If I knew what happened in those few hours I'd tell you. He went from as high as a kite, just returned from Ibiza the previous week, Creamfields planned at the end of the month, Magaluf in September, to something snapping in the dark of the night and him thinking that was the best thing.

“We need to stop this now, we're losing too many fine young men.

“He was a good friend of Scott's. I didn't realise how close the were actually, and how Scott's death had affected him.

“He was a hard working lad. He liked to party hard but always did his work.

“Big Rangers supporter, very good looking lad and popular with everyone.

“I think a combination of drink causing a drop in mood, and the fact that his pal just did it caused him to do it. He certainly had no problems that were insurmountable.

“I can't find anyone with a bad word to say about him.

"My personal biggest comfort is that I hope somewhere he is reunited with his big pal Hooch who we lost in January."

Glasgow Times: Neil hopes his son is reunited with his dogNeil hopes his son is reunited with his dog

Ross' mum explained how she couldn't find the words following the loss of her "whirlwind".

Neil added how he will miss how Ross would "come in the front door, raid the fridge, lift his mother's hairspray and raid my deodorant and breenge out the back door leaving his gran in stunned silence".

The family expressed their gratitude for the kindnesses shown by Ross' friends, employers, workmates and the wider community, and even complete strangers.

Now Scott’s sisters have set up a GoFundMe to help take care of his family and pay for his funeral.

Glasgow Times: Ross will be deeply missedRoss will be deeply missed

A GoFundMe online reads: “Hi my name is Jayne, and I am raising funds with my step-sister Brooke on behalf of my dad Trevor and step-mum Aly.

“Very sadly my step-brother Scot Carrigan passed away this week, he has died a hero.

“Scott was an organ donor, and donated his organs which is going to give the gift of life to so many families.

“Understandably the family are distraught and going through something you never think will happen to you.

“Myself and Brooke would love to raise some funds to help the family as on top of the grief they now have a funeral to organise.

“We want to help them as much as we can and this is the only way we know how to.”

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "Around 4am on Sunday, July 31, 2022, police received a concern for person call at a house in Easdale, East Kilbride.

“Police and SAS attended and a 22-year-old man was taken by ambulance to Hairmyres Hospital where he died a few days later.

“The death is not being treated as suspicious and a report will be sent to the Procurator Fiscal.”

If you are struggling and need someone to talk to:

Samaritans: Call 116 123.

Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM): Call 0800 58 58 58.

Childline: Call 0800 1111.

You can also text Shout to 85258 for 24-hour support in a crisis.