Roy Erskine dies aged 94 as Hibs send tribute to former player and Andy Murray's grandpa after passing

Hibs are amongst the clubs to pay tribute to Roy Erskine after his passing, aged 94.

Erskine – father of Judy Murray and grandpa to Sir Andy Murray and Jamie Murray– played for Hibs, Stirling Albion and Cowdenbeath, alongside stint at Peebles Rovers and Troon. He married his wife, Shirley, in 1957 and was also a talented tennis player on top of footballing abilities.

He reached the semi-finals of the Scottish Boys’ Tennis Championships in his childhood, and continued to play tennis after his career in football ended, working as an optician after hanging up his boots. Hibs said in a statement: “Everyone at Hibernian FC is saddened to hear of the passing of Roy Erskine. Roy began his footballing career at Hibernian before moving on to Stirling Albion and Cowdenbeath during the 1950s. Our thoughts are with Roy’s friends and family at this sad time.”

Tributes to Roy Erskine after passing

Cowdenbeath stated as part in a detailed address: “Everyone connected with Cowdenbeath FC was deeply sorry and saddened to learn of the passing of our former player Roy Erskine on 19th January 2026. Roy was aged 94 and our condolences go out to all the family. Roy got married in 1957 to Shirley Edney from Berwick. Shirley at that time was reigning singles champion at Berwick Tennis Club.

“Roy retired as an optician when he was 60 in 1991 but Erskine Eyecare continued to be run by the family in Bridge of Allan. 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!

“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. Roy joined us to celebrate Cowdenbeath's title win at Wee Jimmies back in 2006 and he was always a popular club guest back at Central Park on many occasions over the years since. We enjoyed his company and good humour.”

Stirling Albion said: “Everyone at Stirling Albion was saddened to learn of the passing of former player, Roy Erskine, on the 19th of January 2026. Roy joined Albion from Troon Juniors in August 1954 and played with the club for two seasons before leaving for Cowdenbeath in April of 1956. He rejoined briefly in 1958. He also played with Whins of Milton, Valleyfield Juniors, Hibernian and Peebles Rovers (on loan).

“In recent years, Roy had been a regular with his daughter Judy at club hospitality where he enjoyed speaking with supporters and chatting about his time at the club. He was particularly pleased to help celebrate the club’s League 2 championship win in 2022-23 (picture). A well-known and popular figure in Dunblane where he spent many years as an Optician, he will be sorely missed.”