Hi I’m Colin Cairney, a 63year-old retired Engineer and avid Edinburgh Monarchs fan.
2026 at Armadale will be my 50th season following our beloved Monarchs, having first attended at Powderhall’s 4th meeting versus Crayford on 6th May 1977. I was hooked from my first visit with Bert Harkins being my new sporting hero. I have always had a soft spot for the Scottish riders and therefore have enjoyed watching Brian Collins, George Hunter, Benny Rourke, Harry MacLean, Scott Lamb, Kenny McKinna, Kevin Little, James Grieves, Ross Brady and Derek Sneddon all battling for The Monarchs cause.
My favourite Monarchs meeting at Powderhall was the 1981 BLKO Cup match against first division Sheffield, who The Monarchs beat 49-47 with a last heat 5-1!!
I continued to follow The Monarchs under the Scottish Monarchs banner at Shawfield, but it was not a memorable time, but it certainly brings it home to you of the importance of having your team local to you.
This brings us up to date at our home tracks as The Monarchs enter their 30th season at Armadale, and you will not be surprised that my favourite meeting at the ’dale is the 2014 PL play-off final where The Monarchs clinched the league title in the very last heat – who can forget those immortal words from Bill Purnell “and the race has been awarded” – followed by jubilant scenes.
I am a very keen Monarchs Memorabilia collector and love working on The Monarchs history in conjunction with Mike Hunter.
I am also one of the Track Staff volunteers and you will see me most weeks as 4th Bend Flag Marshal and often shovelling shale onto Paco’s favourite inside passing line!!, although I can pop up anywhere from car park attendant to the turnstile operator when you come in.
I also have involvement with the Scottish Speedway Riders Association as treasurer and presenter/interviewer at our annual dinner with the Association President.
I was asked to join the Monarchs Fans Trust committee in December 2025 and had no hesitation in coming on board to hopefully add some fresh impetus to the great work the MFT have done to date and to do my bit in helping to secure The Monarchs future.
I would love to be able to chat to you on anything Edinburgh Speedway or Fans Trust related and you will find me most weeks at the MFT gazebo from 6.30 to 7.15.
