MND Scotland have praised the scientist's work in raising awareness of the condition

Tributes have been paid to visionary physicist Stephen Hawking.

Regarded as one of the most important scientists in history, Hawking died this week aged 76.

He had battled motor-neuron disease for almost 55 years, having originally been given two years to live by doctors.

Seen as an inspiration for the disabled and a passionate campaigner, Scottish charities were quick to pay tribute to Hawking on social media this morning.

Craig Stockton, chief executive of MND Scotland, said the great scientist had helped raise awareness of the degenerative condition.

“Professor Hawking raised an incredible amount of awareness of Motor Neurone Disease across the world,” he said.

“The movie the Theory of Everything again brought the illness to light, showing the impact MND has. His contribution to science and our understanding of the world was immense and quite extraordinary in the face of such adversity.”