Allan Herron, one of Scotland’s leading sports journalists and the longest living AGW member, has passed away at the age of 95.
Allan spent nearly 55 years in newspapers and also broadcasting, spending 26 years with the Scotland-based Sunday Mail where he was chief sportswriter after an accomplished period with the now defunct Evening Citizen and subsequently 10 years with The Sunday People.
He joined the AGW in 1959 and had the proud distinction of being the Association’s oldest member by some three years.
As well, Allan was a founding member of the Scottish Football Writers Association (SFWA) in 1957 and served as president between 1975 and 1978. See below for SFWA tribute link to Allan.
Martin Dempster
“When I first came across Allan, I always felt in awe to be in the same room as one of Scotland’s best-known sports writers. I continued to look up to the likes of him, his great friend Martin Frizell, Dixon Blackstock and many others who were predominantly football writers but also loved getting an opportunity to write about golf as well.
“I think Allan had retired by this time, but both myself and my wife Carol will never forget one evening in particular we spent with Allan and his lovely wife, Liz, at a dinner during the 2009 PGA at Cameron House on Loch Lomond. Jim Black was also there that evening and both Carol and I often recall how much fun we all had.
“I know that Allan was a very proud member of the AGW and, along with so many others no longer with us sadly, I will always cherish getting the opportunity to not only know him but also be in his company.”
Nick Rodger
“Allan really was a delightful gentleman and always looked as fit as a freshly buffed up fiddle. One of my memories of Allan is from the AGW Home Internationals, that cherished, celebrated showpiece of jovial excess off the course and compelling incompetence on it.
“This particular edition of the round-robin tussle was held at Close House near Newcastle, a fairly robust course that wends its way up a hill and just about requires great fistfuls of Kendal Mint Cake and a sherpa to aid the assault to the third tee.
“Allan, despite climbing the brae himself on the age front, approached the challenge with admirable gusto and, in the greensomes format, the pair of us dovetailed wonderfully against our English foes.
“The term ‘wonderfully’ may be used loosely, of course. You have to remember that these Home Internationals often involved holes being halved in sturdy nines, people three-putting before they’d reached the green and handshakes taking place in the rough.
“But Allan and myself were more than chipper with our 5&4 triumph as we headed off for lunch and an energising libation before taking to the tee again.
“The rapid turnaround, of course, took a swift toll. I think we started against our polished Irish opponents with a seven, a six and a concession. And then we lost our form completely. A resounding thumping ensued but we’d done our bit for the Scottish cause. Well, that’s we kept telling ourselves.
“Allan was charming man who enjoyed a career of grand longevity. It was a pleasure to know him and the tributes from across the industry speak volumes for his personality, popularity and his enduring professionalism.”
Tribute appearing in the ‘Sunday Mail’ (Scotland) on 14th August, 2024:
Tribute by the Scottish Football Writers Association to Allan:
https://www.scottishfwa.com/news/2024/8/14/allan-herron
Tribute appearing in ‘Hold The Front Page’:
https://www.holdthefrontpage.co.uk/2024/news/legend-who-covered-sort-for-55-years-dies-aged-95/
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