Memorial benches unveiled for trailblazing Bay City Rollers

Memorial benches dedicated to two members of the iconic Bay City Rollers have been unveiled in Edinburgh.

The boyband shot to global fame in the 1970s, selling a total of 120 million 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.

A fan group has raised funds for two memorial benches in Prince’s Street Gardens dedicated to frontman Les McKeown, who died in 2021, and Alan Longmuir, who died in July 2018.

Greg Macvean

A GoFundMe page was set up and stage items worn by the singer were put up for auction.

However, it was unreleased music discovered by the band’s lead guitarist, Eric Faulkner, which helped raise more than half the money required.

Any excess funds will be donated to the charity, Help Musicians.

Greg Macvean

The benches are overlooking Princes Street Garden’s Ross Fountain close to where Alan and founding member brother Derek performed in public for the first time.

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