The Ibrox Disaster – 40th Anniversary
The Ibrox Disaster – 40th Anniversary

The Ibrox Disaster – 40th Anniversary

As Sunday 2nd January 2011 was the 40th Anniversary of the Ibrox disaster, as part of the morning service the Rev Alex Forsyth spoke about the five Markinch boys who died that day and said prayers for the boys and their families.

The Bible readings were taken from a Bible which was presented to the church on the first anniversary of the disaster. The inscription in the New English Bible reads, ‘Dedicated to the Glory of God and in grateful memory of Peter Easton; Douglas Morrison; Ronald Paton; Mason Philip; Bryan Todd. Five well-loved lads, victims of the Ibrox tragedy of 2nd January 1971. Presented by Vicar Street Bible Class to Markinch Parish Church on 2nd January 1972’

The kirk session minute from 1971 records, ‘The victims were all members of the Church Youth Club and were all under sixteen years of age. A memorial service was held in the Parish Church conducted by Rev W H Miller on Sunday 10 January 1971. Sir John McWilliam, Lord Lieutenant of the County of Fife officially represented H M Queen Elizabeth. Also present Sir David and Lady Erskine, County Convenor; Matthew Pollock, County Clerk; Depute Chief Constable of Fife; The Provost and members of the Town Council of Markinch and their wives; Provosts of Leslie and Kinghorn. There was a congregation of 750.’
The record continues, ‘On 7 January 1971 there was a funeral service for three (Peter Easton; Douglas Morrison and Brian Todd [note: correct spelling Bryan]) held in the church which was completely packed, with hundreds of mourners unable to gain entrance to the church. Members of Rangers Football Club and numerous other bodies were represented in a total crowd of over 2000. The whole town was in mourning and every shop was closed, the route from church to cemetery was lined with mourners.’

The five boys will never be forgotten in Markinch.