Rangers icon Ronnie McKinnon has died aged 83.
The Glasgow Islander grew up in a Gaelic speaking household in Govan. Anna Macdonald, his mother, came from Carloway in Lewis and his father grew up in Glendale, Skye.
McKinnon played for the Glasgow team in the 60s and early 70s.
Noted for speed and skilled ball control, he made 473 competitive appearances for Rangers and earned 28 caps for Scotland.
Ronnie and his twin brother, Donnie, who played for Partick Thistle, also turned out for Carloway FC back in the day.
For the last 18 years he and his wife Elizabeth have lived in Lewis.
In 2012 he was thrilled when Lewis and Harris Rangers Supporters Club asked him to become their ambassador.
Mackinnon debuted with Rangers when he was 20-
Of the many highlights of his career is his role in the Scottish squad which defeated reigning world champions, England, 3-
Another of his personal proud moments was being called upon to captain Rangers, when John Greig was incapacitated with flu, in the 1970 Scottish League Cup final, leading the team to clinch the trophy with a 1-
Jock Wallace, then team coach, insisted he should be awarded a winners medal when Rangers took home the European Cup Winners Cup in May ‘72, despite not featuring in the successful final against Dynamo Moscow in Barcelona.
A severe leg break in an earlier tie against Sporting Lisbon ruled him out of action but Wallace was hugely impressed with his determined performance throughout the campaign.
But the injury marked the end of his professional career in Scotland.
He left for South Africa in 1972, initially for a three month stint with Durban United, but stayed in the country for over three decades.
Ronnie and his wife Liz relocated to the Western Isles on their return to Scotland, taking up residence in Point, Lewis.
A statement from the Ibrox club said: “Everyone associated with Rangers Football Club is saddened to learn of the passing of former player, Ronnie MacKinnon, at the age of 83.
“MacKinnon, a Hall of Fame member, won two league titles, four Scottish Cups and three League Cups, while he was also capped 28 times by Scotland.
“The club extends our sympathy to Elizabeth, his widow, and all his family.”
Lewis and Harris Rangers Supporters Club said: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our club ambassador, Ronnie MacKinnon.
“A much respected member of our club and community, Ronnie will be sadly missed by all who knew him. Our thoughts and deepest condolences go to Elizabeth and family at this time.”
Ronnie McKinnon, Rangers legend of Lewis, dies aged 83
18 September 2023
