The club was saddened to learn of the death of former player Ian Burns. 

Ian passed away on Sunday night aged 76 at his home in Larbert. 

Born in Aberdeen, Ian was signed by the Dons on 22nd June 1957 from Banks O’ Dee. Burns played for the Aberdeen Junior club between 1949-1956 and he made his Aberdeen first team debut against Queen of the South in a League Cup tie at Pittodrie on 10th August 1957 in a 5-1 win.

Burns developed into a traditional right half of great promise and injury robbed him of a Scotland U-23 cap against Wales in 1958. 

During his eight seasons at Pittodrie Ian went on to make 141 appearances for the Dons in the league, 192 appearances in total and scored 6 goals.                

During his early career at Aberdeen his progress was thwarted by his stint in the National Service. His role at Pittodrie was also a part time one as he worked in the insurance industry in the city.

In January 1961 he was selected for the Scottish League squad in a representative international against Scotland at Celtic Park. Burns was in good company as a reserve along with the likes of Alan Gilzean of Dundee. Aberdeen team mate John Ogston was in the Scottish League starting XI.  

In 1966 as Eddie Turnbull was changing the Aberdeen squad, Burns joined Brechin City where he made 82 appearances before finishing his playing career in 1970.

Our thoughts are with Ian’s family at this sad time.