Special Olympian Ian Stott, who attended Stonehaven’s Forest View Centre, has died aged 73.
Tributes have now been paid to the Montrose Football Club superfan known for his big heart and passion for the Gable Endies.
Family life
Born on December 23 1949, Ian was the youngest son of David and Marion Stott (née Stewart). He was raised on Commieston Farm between St Cyrus and Montrose with older brother Bruce and his sister Marion.
Like Bruce, Ian had a learning disability, and the brothers lived with each other for much of their lives. Both of them also spent a lot of time in Stonehaven, where Ian attended the Forest View Centre.
During his time at the day centre Ian learned vocational skills including gardening, crafts, and IT. He formed good connections with staff and other adults attending the centre but his real passion was Montrose FC and his family.
All about Montrose FC
Ian, a resident of St Cyrus, was a devoted fan of the Gable Endies since the 1960s and a well-kent face in Montrose and the surrounding area.
The club paid Ian tribute by lowering its flag to half-mast and holding a minute’s applause before the recent match against Queen of the South.
Noting Ian’s death on January 11, stadium announcer Ross Thomson said: “The club was saddened to learn of the passing of one of our most devoted supporters, Ian Stott from St Cyrus.”
“Ian was a well-kent face to fellow supporters for loyally following the team up and down the country, on Supporters’ Club buses with his late brother Bruce, and latterly at every home game he could attend when travel was no longer possible due to his health.”
A true superfan
Before the match kicked off, Ross added: “In Ian’s immortal words, ‘We’re going to win today!'”
Montrose went on to bag a 1-0 win.
Ian’s sister Marion Corral said: “If Ian stopped you in the street he’d ask if you support Montrose. Even in hospital when he was being treated for cancer, he asked the surgeon if he supported them!
“He loved Montrose Football Club and talked about the team all the time. The games and times were in his calendar, so he knew what was coming up.
“If Ian was a stick of rock, Montrose Football Club would be the words inside him. That was his passion. It was a constant for him.”
Special Olympian
Outside of football Ian loved to bowl. He was a member of St Cyrus Bowling Club, which he represented in competitions around the north-east.
In 1990, he was selected to represent Scotland in the European Special Olympic Games in Glasgow where he won a gold medal and two silver medals.
Marion is taking comfort in the outpouring of love shown for her brother since his death.
She said: “I’m so grateful to everyone who has reached out to extend their sympathies to us. And to the team at Montrose FC, who were so generous to Ian throughout his life.”
Family bond
Ian’s older brother Bruce passed away in 2010.
“Ian had deep feelings,” said Marion. “When Bruce died, he wanted to hold a cord at the funeral. He was always affectionate, telling me, ‘you’re my darling’ and, ‘I love you.’
“Wherever he went he’d tell others he loved his sister. I’ll miss that confirmation. He didn’t want to hurt people’s feelings or do something wrong. He really did have a big heart.
“He’d speak to people that maybe others wouldn’t. He was cheery, and cheeky. He’d say ‘I’m awa oot to speak to the loons’ and walk around St Cyrus.”
Final farewell
A celebration of Ian’s life is to take place at 11am on Monday January 23 at St Cyrus Church.
Donations will go to the Forest View Centre in Stonehaven.
“Ian was well-loved by the family and the local community in St Cyrus who supported him and looked out for him. Many will be sad to hear that he’s passed away,” Marion said.
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