THE funeral of an "outstanding" and "exceptional" Royal Marine who died while out running in the hills has taken place.

Luke Ireland was found dead in the Glen Cova area of Angus on November 14 after a large-scale search when he went missing during a run the previous day.

The 20-year-old, from Monifieth, was a serving Marine with Arbroath-based 45 Commando and was described by his family as a "care-free and fun-loving person" during the service.

Mourners at St Luke's Church in Broughty Ferry heard a eulogy in which his parents Paul and Carol, and his brother Nathan, said: "His zest for life and his positive spirit was infectious; he was and will continue to be, a role model to many. As a family we are immensely proud of Luke as he put his all into everything he did and he thoroughly enjoyed everything about his life."