Iconic winner at 1970 Games in front of his home Scottish crowd has died aged 81 after a short illness

Lachie Stewart, one of the gold medal winning heroes of the 1970 Commonwealth Games for Scotland, has died aged 81.

Stewart is best known for his rousing victory in those Games in Edinburgh 55 years ago, where he kicked past multiple world record-holder Ron Clarke of Australia with 100m to go to clock 28:11.72.

Taking place on the first day of the Games, it set the tone for a great week for the host nation Scotland as further victories included Ian Stewart in the 5000m, Rosemary Stirling in the 800m and Rosemary Payne in the discus.

Lachie Stewart competed for Scotland in three Commonwealth Games and also ran for Britain in the 1972 Olympics in Munich.

Running for Vale of Leven AC and Shettleston Harriers, he also won 13 Scottish track titles and twice won the Scottish cross-country title. His first Scottish records came over 3000 metres steeplechase and he went on to set 18 Scottish records between 1966 and 1971 at events ranging from the steeplechase to the one hour race.

Born on June 22, 1943, in Alexandria, he showed talent as a runner in his teenage years in Dunbartonshire and in 1960 he was invited to take part in a coaching scheme for young athletes, but high blood pressure was diagnosed in a preliminary medical examination and he was hospitalised for three weeks and advised to give up running completely.

He ignored the advice and carried on running, though, going on to become one of Scotland's best-known and admired athletes. Outside the sport he was a dental mechanic for 44 years.

His son, Glen, posted on social media: "It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Lachie Stewart peacefully today at the RAH Paisley with family by his side after a short illness.

"Famously known for his victory over 10,000m at the 1970 Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh. He also represented Scotland at the 1966 British Empire and Commonwealth Games in Kingston, Jamaica and the 1974 Commonwealth Games in Christchurch, New Zealand.

"He competed on numerous occasions for Great Britain including over 10,000m at the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich.

"Funeral details to be confirmed.

"His hardest race has now been run and he will be greatly missed."