INVERCLYDE MP Ronnie Cowan has shared treasured memories of his Morton legend dad with a group of elderly football fans who have dementia.

Mr Cowan’s father Jimmy also famously starred for Scotland and he is one of the favourite topics of conversation for those taking part in the new memories group at Cappielow.

Ronnie, who was elected at last year’s general election, was delighted to come along to their latest meeting to chat about the glory days - and it proved an emotional day for all those round the table.

Mr Cowan, 57, said: “I really enjoyed it.

“I spoke with Tracy from Alzheimer Scotland and wanted to do all I could to help, so I brought along images that I have around the house. 

“It is incredible my dad died when he was 42 but people still remember him and talk about him.

“There were stories that I heard growing up, and they were being talked about by the group.

“I thought to myself - ‘so they were true!’.

“It was a great way to get people talking.”

Morton Memories was set up by the local branch of Alzheimer Scotland and the club community trust to help those with dementia revive memories.
Football fan Roy McGibben, who lives in Marchmont Nursing Home, is one of those taking part.

He said: “It is really wonderful, out of this world. Jimmy Cowan was a lovely man.”

Roy spent time talking to Ronnie and others about all the players of Jimmy’s generation. Jimmy Cowan, main pic and inset after Scotland’s famous 3-1 victory over England in 1949, is regarded as one of Scotland’s finest ever ‘keepers.

He signed for Ton in 1944 and stayed for nine years, playing against Rangers in the famous Scottish Cup final of 1948. 

During that time he was capped a remarkable 25 times for Scotland.
Jimmy remained a popular figure in the town after his retirement before he passed away in June 1968.

In 2007 he was recognised as a true Scottish footballing great by being inducted into the Hampden Hall of Fame.

Marchmont’s senior carer Sarah White brought a group of elderly residents to Cappielow for this week’s memories session along with activities co-ordinator Fiona McNeilly and they said it had a terrific impact.

She said: “To get that kind of reaction from Roy and others is incredible. It is amazing. Roy just didn’t want to stop talking.”

Alzheimer Scotland Inverclyde branch co-ordinator Tracy Gilmour today thanked MP Mr Cowan for his support.

She said: “Everyone wanted to talk about Jimmy Cowan, so I got in touch with Ronnie. It worked out so well and was a great success.”

The next Morton Memories group meeting is on November 1 at Cappielow.
To find out more contact Tracy Gilmour on 261102.