EX-MONARCH LIDDELL HAS DIED

NEWS Tuesday 10th May 2011, 10:09pm

by Mike Hunter

  Edinburgh Monarchs

1949 Monarchs' rider and character of the post-war Scottish Speedway scene Eric Liddell has died at the age of 81.

Eric was known as ?The Bishop' for no better reason than having been born in Bishopbriggs, and rode for Monarchs just for a short spell early in 1949. His first match was away at Glasgow, a direct replacement for Jack Young who had been taken ill after his first meeting the previous Saturday.

Eric rode just three league matches, each time coming in as a replacement, though he did manage a paid win in that Glasgow match!

He was transferred to Ashfield, so close to his place of birth, and raced 22 matches for them that season. He also rode in 1950 before fading from the scene.

Eric was reputed to be popular with the ladies in his riding days, though he later laughed that off. Certainly he was a striking figure. After speedway he enjoyed success in car racing, including stock cars, midget cars and stunt driving.

At one time he was reckoned to be in the top dozen sports car racers.

He had attended some of the veterans' events in Glasgow in recent times, though not for a few years, and had an entertaining fund of stories. Unfortunately we did not manage to persuade him to attend our 60th birthday celebrations in 2008.

Eric had a son (Robin, a prominent motor racer) and a daughter. His funeral is in Melrose next week.