James Crombie, Dunfermline FC’s oldest fan, aged 108

One of Scotland’s oldest residents and Fife’s oldest Pars fan has passed away at the age of 108.

James Crombie, of Dunfermline, died following a short illness on November 24.

Former RAF man James was a lifelong Dunfermline Athletic FC supporter and could remember watching strikers Andy Wilson and Bobby Skinner play in the 1920s.

He said one of the best days of his life was seeing his team lift the Scottish Cup in 1961 with Jock Stein at the helm, beating Celtic 2-0 at Hampden in front of almost 88,000 people.

James credited a “wee bit of brandy” for his longevity, as well as daily exercise and his favourite mince pies from Stephens.

Tribute was paid by Dunfermline Athletic Football Club, which posted on its Facebook page: “Everyone at Dunfermline Athletic Football Club was saddened to hear about the passing of supporter James Crombie at the age of 108. “Thoughts are with his family.”

James was born in Pittencrieff Street on July 11, 1909, and went to Pittencrieff Primary School and Queen Anne High School.

He married Mary in 1934 and the couple’s daughter Mabel was born two years later.

Apart from his service with the Royal Marines during the Second World War, he spent most of his working life with the Cooperative, starting at the age of 14 making deliveries with a wheelbarrow from the Randolph Street grocery.

By the time he retired in 1968 he had worked his way up to manage 23 branches.

James had two grandchildren, three greatgrandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

James Crombie.