Ian Stirling
The funeral cortège of former Friend, Player, Captain and Chairman, Ian Stirling will tomorrow, Thursday 23rd December leave Gayfield Park at 12pm.
Arbroath FC Supporters and friends of Ian are welcome to meet outside the main Gate at Gayfield Park from 12pm to pay their respects.
Arbroath and the people of Arbroath were a big part of Ian’s life and the family would like to extend a warm welcome to anyone who wish to pay their respects at a memorial service at the West End Kirk, Arbroath at 1pm on Monday 27th December.
In this current climate we ask all supporters who come down to Gayfield tomorrow to please obtain to social distance measures.
Remembering Ian Ross Stirling – 10th October 1942 to 9th December 2021
Former Arbroath FC captain and Chairman, Ian Stirling, of Dickmontlaw farm, Arbroath, died at home with his family around him on 9th December 2021, aged 79 years.
Ian was born in Arbroath on 10th October 1942. He was an exceptional footballer, playing centre half and captain of both the Arbroath High school and the Angus Select football teams before playing his first game for Arbroath F.C’s first team at aged 17 years.
Ian became captain of Arbroath FC at 21 yrs in a career which spanned 11 seasons, helping the part time team gain promotion to the Scottish first division in 1968, around the time when Celtic were European champions.
Ian retired aged 28 years to focus on his farming business, which was based around Arbroath. Ian expanded his farming business during the 70’s and the next few decades to become one of the more prominent and successful Angus farmers.
As well as farming, Ian had business interests in leisure and entertainment. He opened a milk bar in the 70’s which grew into the Meadowbank Inn and Carriage Room restaurant. In 1981 he bought part of the Arbroath outdoor bathing pool and converted it into a leading night club called ‘Smokies’, which opened in 1982.
During the 80’s Ian was also Chairman of Arbroath Football club. Ian also served many years as an Elder at Lady Loan church as well as being a Deputy Lord – lieutenant for Angus.
Ian was a passionate sportsman and after retiring from football, he took up squash and established himself as the No. 1 player for the Prunes squash team at Tarriebank, Arbroath. At one point he was undefeated for 5 years. He was also a keen golfer and tennis player.
Ian is survived by his wife, Florence and 6 children, Peter, Lisa, Emma, Katie, Guy and Nicola, as well as 18 grandchildren.
Rest in Peace Ian
