TRIBUTES have been paid to the founder of Kilbarchan Athletic Club, who has died following a short illness.

Elsie Gibson revived the club in its current form in 1974, after it had fallen out of existence for several years.

In November that year, the Kilbarchan woman placed adverts in a local newspaper inviting interest in restarting the organisation, as she was keen to keep her two sons active.

A group of 12 met in the village’s Steeple Hall to bring the club back to life.

Jim Green, current president, said: “I only met Elsie a few times but she always seemed like the sort of person who, if she had an idea, would try to make it happen.

“The club has been so successful thanks to her.

The Gazette: Jemma Reekie is one a number of successful athletes to come out of the Renfrewshire club Jemma Reekie is one a number of successful athletes to come out of the Renfrewshire club

“In later life, she loved her golf. Whenever I went running with her husband Jimmy, he would always say she was playing golf. 

“She will be missed.”

In recent years, club members have achieved huge success, with Callum Hawkins becoming the Scottish record holder in the marathon and the British all-time number three at that distance.

Another member, middle distance runner Jemma Reekie, won two gold medals at the European Under-23 Championships this year.

A post on the club’s Facebook page states: “Few of you will have known Elsie but she was the force, the founding member, of Kilbarchan AAC in 1974.

“Our thoughts are with Jimmy [Elsie’s husband] and his family.”

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