Lachie was Scotland's golden star of athletics

Family reports Bonhill hero has passed away after a short illness

- STUART MCFARLANE

Tributes have been paid to an icon of Scottish athletics after the family of Bonhill’s own Lachie Stewart confirmed he had passed away following a short illness.

Lachie produced one of the most defining moments in the country’s athletics history with his stirring Commonwealth Games gold over 10,000 metres on home soil in Edinburgh in 1970.

On a damp July afternoon, Lachie wrote his name into folklore as he sprinted past Aussie Ron Clarke and England’s Dick Taylor to take gold at a packed-out Meadowbank Stadium in the capital.

But that glory was just a single footnote in a storied career and life where he frequently expressed his pride in his home area.

His son Glen announced the sad news on social media: “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.