Deep sense of loss: Sad news as Edinburgh 1970 hero Lachie Stewart passes away

Sunday 1st June 2025

Scottish Distance Running History profile piece

The athletics community in Scotland felt a deep sense of loss this weekend with passing of Lachie Stewart.

One of the icons of our sport passed away in hospital in Paisley after a short illness.

Lachie’s son Glen announced the news with a short tribute on social media.

Lachie’s Commonwealth Games gold medal over 10,000m was one of the big moments when Edinburgh hosted in 1970 and indeed one of the all-time iconic moments for athletics in Scotland.

The distance runner was to compete for Scotland at three Games and also represent GB and NI at the 1972 Olympics in Germany.

Much later, Lachie was still to be found at events and not too many years ago he helped present medals at a West District XC event in Balloch – very much his neck of the woods.

He was inducted to our Hall of Fame in 2018 (when a number of initial omissions were re-addressed). Lachie is also in the Scottish Sports Hall of Fame.

He was a dental mechanic for 44 years and hailed from Alexandria. After starting in the sport locally, he became associated with Shettleston Harriers.

Everyone at scottishathletics and within our community sends our thoughts at this sad time to Lachie’s family and his many friends across the sport.

Scottish Athletics Hall of Fame

Lachie presented medals at the West District XC in December 2021 (photo by Bobby Gavin)

Glen’s post read as follows:

‘It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Lachie Stewart peacefully today at the RAH Paisley with family by his side after a short illness.

‘Famously known for his victory over 10,000m at the 1970 Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh.

‘He also represented Scotland at the 1966 British Empire and Commonwealth Games in Kingston, Jamaica and the 1974 Commonwealth Games in Christchurch, New Zealand.

‘He competed on numerous occasions for Great Britain including over 10,000m at the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich.

‘Funeral details to be confirmed.

‘His hardest race has now been run and he will be greatly missed.’

Scotland at the 1970 Commonwealth Games