RIP Blair Scott

NEWS Monday 20th April 2020, 3:29pm

by Mike Hunter

  Edinburgh Monarchs

We are greatly saddened to have been given the news of the passing of former Monarch Blair Scott at the desperately young age of 39.

Blair, a very popular boy with anyone who knew him, used to ride round in the latter days of Powderhall and clearly had talent in abundance. He led the new wave of Scottish hopefuls of the mid-nineties along with the likes of Barry Campbell and David McAllan and rode for the club for five seasons, being part of two cup-winning teams.

Club Chairman Alex Harkess said "My relationship with the Scotts in Blair's racing days was very much a family affair, most of the team were with their families and met and talked together. It was a different time. There was a very warm and friendly climate in the club at the time.

"I am very sad to see the passing of someone so young. He was a very nice lad and a pleasure to work with. In a way we built our team round our young Scottish prospects Blair and Barry."

Co-promoter John Campbell added , "I'm so sorry to hear that. Blair was super enthusiastic with a great will to win but didn't get as far in speedway as he should have done with the talent he possessed. I travelled with him and Ally to a few long distance away matches. Blair was excellent company and good fun to be with. I'm so sorry to hear of his passing."

Alan Bridgett posted on Facebook "I Knew Blair from him being a young kid! I was Team Manager through all his Monarchs years. Rest Easy BONGO forever in my heart."

Encouraged by his dad Ally (always with him in the pits) and mum Margaret, he became a key man in the Linlithgow set-up under Alan Robertson's ownership, and was part of the great Lightning team which won the Conference League and Knockout Cup in 1996.

Blair made his Monarchs' debut during the Scottish Monarchs' year, riding first at Bradford on 3rd August 1996. The following year he was a full time Monarch in a second string berth as we moved to our new home at Armadale, and Blair was the first rider out on the new circuit.

He was part of our cup-winning sides in 1997 and 1999 and did a solid second string job over 5 seasons, riding more than 150 times for the club. He won the Race of the Season vote in 1999 for a thrilling victory over Frank Smart.

He also had shorter spells with Workington, Berwick and Belle Vue after finishing with Monarchs, though the general feeling was that with a bit more self-belief he might have gone further.

He was back at Armadale for the 500th meeting celebrations and signed the big poster featuring photos of all our riders. Most people know he has had problems in recent times but hoped he would come through them.

We send our deepest condolences to our friends, his family.