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Remembering a Scottish Athletics Great – Lachie Stewart

Sporting Memories were deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Lachie Stewart, one of our Patrons, age the age of 81.

Lachie will be fondly known for his achievements wearing Scottish colours on the running track and inspiring a generation of distance runners in the country, but he will also be remembered at Sporting Memories for his time and support of our work across Scotland.

Lachie’s achievements in Athletics

Joseph Laughlin Stewart, known as ‘Lachie’, was a pioneer in long-distance running in Scotland, having competed at the highest level for his nation and Great Britain at Commonwealth Games and Olympic Games.

Born in 1943 in Alexandira in West Dunbartonshire, Lachie was an emerging talent locally by the time he started to enter competitive running events in the 1960s.

Lachie competed in several long-distance disciplines during his athletics career, having been a steeplechaser and cross-country runner alongside his track running. His remarkable talent saw him win 13 Scottish track titles during his illustrious career alongside two Scottish cross-country title.

However, his crowning glory was in the 10,000m at the Commonwealth Games in 1970 in Edinburgh. Lachie much to his own and the home crowd’s delight went onto to secure victory and the gold medal after running past Ron Clarke of Australia with just 100m to go. Lachie then went on to compete for Great Britain at the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich. You can watch more of Lachie’s great success at the 1970 Commonwealth Games here.

Supporting Sporting Memories

Alongside Yvonne Murray, who Lachie coached during his time in Athletics, he became a Patron of Sporting Memories in Scotland, supporting our work and sharing stories of his career to our Club members and volunteers.

Maurice Donohue, a Trustee for Sporting Memories Foundation Scotland, reflected on Lachie’s involvement with Sporting Memories as well as sharing his experiences and interactions with the Scottish athletics legend.

“With Lachie’s knowledge and experience, he was a great candidate to approach in terms of being a Patron for Sporting Memories Foundation Scotland and he did not hesitate when asked.

“Lachie was a lovely man, very kind and dignified. He had such a keen interest in athletics, especially grassroots athletics, where he gave support to the local clubs in the area as well as local running events.”

“One very fond memory of Lachie I have was when we held a zoom session on the Commonwealth Games for our members and volunteers in 2022. I had brought Lachie to my house and made him a surprise guest appearance for the session.

“This was the first time Lachie had been involved with zoom technology, but he took it like a duck to water. Everyone was so happy to see Lachie and of course his 1970 Gold medal, but Lachie took in all in his stride.”

Everyone at Sporting Memories sends their condolences to Lachie’s family and friends.