It is with great sadness that the Games Committee has to report the passing last night of another of its long term supporters and friends, William McFarlane of Alloa, the sponsor of the Open 1600 metres since the 150th Games and whose name appears on the Trophy presented to the winner.

An Alloa man through and through, Willie celebrated his 88th birthday last month. He retired in 1990 after a life time of service to what was by then British Gas, a company where his late wife, Fay, also worked in the local showroom. He was a keen follower of all things political and held many strong views about the state of the country and those running it. He was a lover of the Great American Songbook and a very accomplished percussionist, never afraid to give a performance when the right music was in the background.