Raising a glass to Arbroath’s record 36-0 win

Arbroath Football Club have set up a weekend of events to celebrate the 130th anniversary of their remarkable world record 36-0 victory.
John Stirling and John Christison with the drinks and the dress.John Stirling and John Christison with the drinks and the dress.
John Stirling and John Christison with the drinks and the dress.

The victory was over Aberdeen Bon Accord in September 1885. This remarkable score-line, although equalled earlier this year, has never been surpassed and is an extremely important part of the club’s history, something the directors were determined should be marked in a special way.

Next Friday, September 11, the club will hold a celebratory gala dinner in a marquee erected on the pitch at Gayfield, for which all 290 tickets have been sold.

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The dinner will be sponsored by Arbikie Highland Estate, who have produced special limited edition brands of gin and vodka to mark the anniversary.

Lorraine Kelly wearing the dress now up for auction.Lorraine Kelly wearing the dress now up for auction.
Lorraine Kelly wearing the dress now up for auction.

These will be available for sale to members of the public, as well as the guests attending the dinner.

Arbikie Highland Estate’s John Stirling, whose uncle Ian Stirling was a former Arbroath club captain, said: “We are a new distillery and we’ve already developed award-winning vodka and gin. We felt a one-off limited edition of 3600 bottles was the ideal way to help the club celebrate - it’s a perfect association for us.”

Arbroath Chairman, John Christison, added: “It’s great that a new company has come in to celebrate with us, one of the oldest “companies” left in Arbroath. It really is a tie-up between old and new.”

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The Estate and the Club are offering Bottle No. 36 of the specially-produced gin for sale by auction and bids can be placed by sending an email to [email protected] with the auction closing at midnight on Sunday, September 13.

An auction is also to take place at the gala dinner and included in the many generous items donated is an evening dress which has kindly been given by television presenter Lorraine Kelly.

The club wishes to thank Lorraine and all other contributors to the auction and raffle.

As a follow-up to the gala dinner, the marquee is to be the location for an evening of musical entertainment in the shape of “Relay on the Park”.

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This event is part of Arbroath’s Relay for Life in aid of cancer relief. Only a few tickets remain and these can be purchased by contacting 07908 689103.

The limited edition branded spirits can be purchased through the club or online by contacting Arbikie