Andy Murray has suffered a family loss as his grandfather, Roy Erskine, passed away aged 94.
The former Scottish footballer, who was the father Murray’s mother, competed during the 1950s era of the sport.
News of his death prompted tributes from clubs Stirling Albion and Cowdenbeath, two teams Erskine represented during his playing days.
The defender’s career saw him turn out for several Scottish clubs throughout the decade, leaving a sporting legacy that would ultimately influence future generations of his family.
Erskine signed for Stirling Albion in 1954, spending two seasons as a defender before moving to Cowdenbeath.
His earlier years saw him feature for Peebles Rovers, Hibernian and Troon, with a return to Albion in 1958 marking his final campaign.
Beyond football, Erskine possessed considerable tennis ability, advancing to the last four of the Scottish Boys’ Tennis Championships during his youth.
His wife Shirley, whom he wed in 1957, shared his talent for the racquet sport.
Andy Murray has suffered a family loss as his grandfather passed away aged 94
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After retiring from football, Erskine trained as an optician whilst continuing to play tennis.
This dual sporting heritage proved instrumental in shaping grandsons Andy and Jamie’s path towards professional tennis.
The statement read: “Everyone at Stirling Albion was saddened to learn of the passing of former player, Roy Erskine, on the 19th of January 2026.”
“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.”
Erskine signed for Stirling Albion in 1954
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They added: “He was particularly pleased to help celebrate the club’s League 2 title championship win in 2022-23.”
“A well-known and popular figure in Dunblane where he spent many years as an optician, he will be sorely missed.” 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.”
News of his death prompted tributes from clubs Stirling Albion and Cowdenbeath
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GETTY
Erskine said of his talented grandchildren in a 2016 interview with the Radio Times: “Both of the boys loved their tennis from a young age. When we were looking after them, we would play with them, and even then, it was obvious just how competitive they were.”
He added: “Andy didn’t like it when I played drop shots or sliced the ball. He would say to me, ‘For goodness’ sake Grandpa, play properly and stop doing those twiddly shots.'”
In a later interview with the Scotsman, Erskine made no bones about who he believed had the sharper tactical insight.
Erskine said: “I’m very critical when I’m watching him. I think I know better than him the shots he should be playing.”
