HIBERNIAN Football Club fans are set to pay tribute to an East Lothian man who tragically died outside Hampden Park in Glasgow on Saturday.
Ian Berwick, 67, from Wallyford, had attended Hibs’ Viaplay Cup semi-final defeat against Aberdeen FC when he fell ill outside the stadium after the match and later passed away from a suspected heart attack.
His fellow supporters will now hold a minute’s applause in the 67th minute of the club’s home fixture against Kilmarnock FC this Saturday in tribute to the lifelong fan.
Mr Berwick was a much-loved member of the Whitecraig community and was well known as the president of the village’s Deantown Bowling Club.
Members of the bowling club paid tribute to him on social media.
One person said: “What a guy. Gave his absolute all to the club and will be massively missed. RIP Ian. Thoughts are with Gail, Katie and the rest of the family.”
Another said: “Cannot believe Ian passed away, he was a great guy, will be sadly missed by his family and the village, he done so much for Deantown Bowling Club. Thoughts are with his family.”
A spokesperson for the bowling club's committee told the Courier that Mr Berwick would be "impossible to replace".
They said: "He was the heart and soul of the club for a generation.
"We have no idea how we are going to replace him - he is impossible to replace."
Mr Berwick also worked “hand in hand” with the organisers of Whitecraig Gala who stressed the loss his passing was to the local community.
Rebecka Melrose, Whitecraig Gala governor, said: “It’s a big loss – not just for the bowling club as lots of people [in the community] knew him.
Ian’s role with the bowling club saw him regularly help out the gala with fundraisers and other events which made him very well known locally.
Rebecka said: “It’s a huge loss not just for the gala but the entire village. He was not [originally] from here but he did a lot for the community.”
She also confirmed that the gala organisers would “definitely do a tribute” for Ian but shared her devastation that they wouldn’t have their “main man” for 2024 and beyond.
A Hibernian spokesperson also paid tribute to the lifelong fan after he passed away.
They said: “Hibernian FC are devastated to learn of the passing of one of our supporters outside Hampden Park after the game.
“The thoughts of everyone at the club are with the gentleman’s family, friends and loved ones.
“We send our condolences at this extremely sad time.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here