Getty ImagesFans of Bay City Rollers are raising money for two benches in Edinburgh to commemorate two members of the band.
The Edinburgh boyband shot to global fame in the 1970s, selling a total of 120m records worldwide.
At the peak of their popularity the tartan-clad pop group consisted of Eric Faulkner and Stuart Wood, singer Les McKeown, bassist Alan Longmuir, and drummer Derek Longmuir.
Gail Shackley, from Lancashire, was a big fan of the Bye Bye Baby and Shang-a-Lang singing sensations during the 70s.
After losing touch with the band as they toured America, Gail rediscovered her love for the pop group in the 1990s.
She eventually joined a fan club and got to know Les McKeown over the years.
In April 2021, the frontman died suddenly at home, three years after founding member Alan Longmuir died following a short battle with illness.
After discussing with Les’ wife, Peko, and son, Jubei, the Bay City Rollers’ fan group decided to raise funds to pay for memorial benches to be placed in the capital.
Gail ShackleyGail told STV: “We organised a gathering on October 5 to mark the 50th anniversary of the Bay City Roller’s first studio album.
“I met with Peko and Jubei McKeown, Les’ wife and son before.
“Whilst we spoke about ways we could mark the 50th anniversary, Peko mentioned that Les had always wanted a memorial bench in Princes Street Gardens.
“He used to like walking through the gardens and reading the plaques. She donated stage clothes for us to auction off for it.
“We revealed the challenge to raise money for the bench in October.
“After beginning the fundraiser, I thought it would be good to also raise money for a bench for Alan Longmuir, who was a founding member of the band.
“After checking with the family we updated the target.”
Stage items worn by Les McKeown are currently up for auction with the hopes of raising the £10,090 needed to pay for the benches.
Gail ShackleyGail believes the addition of the memorials would be a fitting tribute to the two iconic Scottish musicians.
The fan said: “The legacy of the Bay City Rollers needs to be remembered in Edinburgh.
“We’ve campaigned for plaques or statues to commemorate them. They put Edinburgh and Scotland on the map during the 1970s.
” A few years ago, a fan-funded plaque was revealed at Ryries Bar. Apart from that there is nothing in the city to remember the Edinburgh lads.
“Having the benches would let people who might not be fans know who the band were. It would also give fans, who still travel to Edinburgh specifically to see the Bay City Roller sights, a place to remember the band.
“I just think it is the right thing to do.”
You can find out more about the auction here and the fundraiser here.
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