Andy Murray's Grandfather Roy Erskine Dies at 94: Football Clubs Pay Tribute
Tennis star Andy Murray's grandfather, Roy Erskine, has passed away at the age of 94, with heartfelt tributes pouring in from his former football clubs and the local community.
Football Clubs Express Sadness
Stirling Albion and Cowdenbeath, two Scottish football clubs where Mr Erskine played during the 1950s, have issued official statements expressing their profound sadness at his death. Both clubs described him as a popular Dunblane figure, highlighting his enduring connection to the area.
In its tribute, Stirling Albion stated: "Everyone at Stirling Albion was saddened to learn of the passing of former player, Roy Erskine, on the 19th of January 2026." The club noted that in recent years, he had been a regular attendee at club hospitality events with his daughter Judy, where he enjoyed engaging with supporters and reminiscing about his time with the team.
The club added: "He was particularly pleased to help celebrate the club's League 2 championship win in 2022-23. A well-known and popular figure in Dunblane where he spent many years as an optician, he will be sorely missed."
Similarly, Cowdenbeath expressed that everybody at the club was "deeply sorry and saddened" to learn of Mr Erskine's passing. The club highlighted his transition to tennis after retiring from football, where he played at county level.
A Life in Sport and Community
Roy Erskine, the father of Judy Murray, had a notable sporting career that spanned both football and tennis. He signed for Stirling Albion in 1954 before moving to Cowdenbeath in 1956. Additionally, he had spells with other clubs including Hibernian, Peebles Rovers, and Troon.
Beyond football, Mr Erskine was a talented tennis player from a young age. As a child, he reached the semi-finals of the Scottish Boys' Tennis Championships. He continued to play tennis actively even after his football career ended and he began working as an optician in Dunblane.
He married his wife Shirley in 1957, who was also a skilled tennis player. Together, they shared a passion for the sport that would influence future generations of their family.
Legacy in Tennis
Cowdenbeath's tribute poignantly noted the Erskine family's impact on British tennis: "But of course maybe Roy (and Shirley's) greatest contribution to tennis in this country is the genes they passed on to Judy, Jamie and Andy." The statement humorously added, "And maybe a little bit of tuition over the years – indeed Roy was wont to claim he was the man who invented topspin in tennis."
This legacy is evident through his grandchildren, with Andy Murray becoming a world-renowned tennis champion and his brother Jamie also achieving success in the sport. Roy Erskine's life story reflects a deep commitment to both his local community in Dunblane and the sporting world, leaving behind a memorable legacy cherished by many.
