The Spreading Wings Of The Heron Family

Gil Heron’S Grandchildren Finally Visit Paradise

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THE story of Gil Heron is one of those that writes its own chapter in the annals of Celtic Football Club.

Although he only played a handful of games in 1951/52 after arriving from Detroit Corinthians, the Jamaican-born striker becam the first black player to play professionally in Scotland.

Andrew Watson played as an amateur for both Queen’s Park and Scotland in the 1880 and, of course, Indian-born Mohammed Sali had played for Celtic reserves in 1936, but Heron blazed a trail.

The intrigue surrounding the former Celt increases, as his son was Gil Scott-Heron, the poet, musician and one of the true originator of Rap and Hip Hop music.

Heron was spotted on a tour of the States, impressing with the electric pace that would see him dubbed, ‘The Black Arrow’ by Celtic supporters, he did enough to earn an invite to Glasgow for a public trial match in August, 1951. Heron scored twice and was immediately offered a contract.

He made five appearances, scoring on his debut against Morton in a 2-2 draw and was capped by Jamaica.

After leaving Celtic, he played for Third Lanark and Kidderminster Harriers, before returning to the States.