The memory of Aberdeen football legend Billy Allan was kept alive at a fish and chip lunch in the city.
More than 100 family members and former Rattrays XI players gathered at the Ashvale, Great Western Road, to remember Billy who gave so much to amateur football over seven decades.
When Billy died aged 94 at the end of 2020, lockdown restrictions meant only 18 or so people could attend his funeral.
His daughter Carol Leslie felt a celebration of her father’s life was required and she worked with Stuart Devine of the Ashvale, who was a friend of Billy’s, and Rattrays XI to organise the event.
Carol and her brothers Derek and Martin all played a part in the gathering.
Martin, a former Montrose player and Keith manager said: “There were about four tables of family and friends and the rest were Rattrays players or former players.
“They just kept arriving and it was great to see. It was a chance for people to share happy memories of our father rather than it being a mournful event.”
Carol welcomed guests, Martin said grace and gave a toast, and Derek recalled a few stories for the company.
“After that, it was quite informal. Former Rattrays players stood up and shared memories of my father,” said Martin.
Stuart Devine, who has had a lifelong association with the Allan family used to take Billy to games in his later years.
He said fish and chips and ice cream were Billy’s favourite and that was what was on the menu at the lunch.
Billy played a part in the foundation of Rattrays XI in 1947 and over many decades was responsible for the development of hundreds of players.
Historic
Rattrays XI is now the oldest amateur team in Aberdeen and plays in Division One North.
Stuart, who is operations director at the Ashvale, said he was delighted to be able to host the lunch.
Both he and his late father played for the team and he took Billy to games until he was no longer fit enough to attend.