Dozens line the street to say final farewell to ‘well-loved’ Polwarth Tavern owner

Hearts fans and regulars of popular neighbourhood pub the Polwarth Tavern lined the street outside the pub this afternoon to bid their final farewells to much-loved owner Alan Laidlaw.

Mr Laidlaw, who passed away at age 58, was described as “a man of the people of Polwarth” who created a sense of community for many people and welcomed those who walked in the door of the pub from everywhere - no matter what team they supported.

One attendee said Mr Laidlaw was loved and respected by many in the community who normally would have attended the ceremony.

Coronavirus restrictions in place meant the funeral was limited to 20 people.

Regulars of the Polwarth Tavern in Edinburgh turn out to pay their last respects to popular landlord and Hearts fan, Alan Laidlaw, who died recently.

However, to give Mr Laidlaw a fitting final send-off, those who wished to pay their respects showed up to stand outside the pub dressed in black and maroon - in a nod to his favourite team - at 2pm this afternoon as a silent procession of his hearse passed.

Friends and loved ones stood shoulder to shoulder in the cold to say a final farewell.

Some were donned in Hearts scarves, others with roses on their jackets.

In normal circumstances, it is likely that a celebration of Mr Laidlaw’s life would have taken place in the community pub.

The Polwarth Tavern once raised more than £3,000 for the Jambos through auctioning off prizes, and raising funds through charging to take a photo with the Scottish Cup at the pub in 2012.

However, on the difficult day regulars were able to pay their respects and show how much Mr Laidlaw would be missed outside the hub that created a wealth of good times and good memories.

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