With great sadness, we have to advise the death of Robert Stenhouse, a former player, and a lifelong Hearts supporter.
He was born in the capital at New Street, Gilmerton, on 29 March 1942, and was popularly known as “Robin” to avoid confusion with his father, also Robert, a local coal miner.
On the football field, Robin played inside-right and on 30 July 1958, Hearts booked the 16-year old attacker from Edina Hearts Boys Club. A year later, he was farmed out to Loanhead Mayflower and while in the juniors, Robin was often seen at right-half. At that time he was also learning his trade as a die stamp engineer.
On 17 July 1961, Robin was called-up by the Hearts’ manager, Tommy Walker, and on 30 September 1961, Robin made his senior debut against Airdrieonians in a League match at Tynecastle. The inside-right scored in a 4-1 victory, playing alongside of one of his heroes, centre-forward, Willie Bauld, who scored twice.
Robin held his place for the next four fixtures, scoring against Stirling Albion and Aberdeen in the League, and Union St. Gilloise in the European Fairs Cup. He also played in the League Cup Semi-Final when Hearts defeated Stirling Albion by 2-1 at Easter Road.
Tommy Walker, was experimenting with the team and Robin then spent the rest of the season with the Reserves. He was outstanding at that level and on 3 March 1962, Robin was chosen at inside-right for the Second XI Association against the Scottish Junior Association. He scored in a 4-1 victory.
There was genuine surprise when the well-built forward was released by Hearts on 30 April 1962, because Robin had played five competitive games and scored four goals. The media regarded him as a promising link-man and finisher, with bags of potential.
He had gone full-time at Christmas 1961 and was determined to remain in the game. Robin therefore spent the summer of 1962 in Canada with Hamilton Steelers and then he signed for Third Lanark on 9 August 1962. Financial issues led to Robin being released in April 1963 and after a spell with Crewe Alexandra, he played for the junior sides, Penicuik Athletic and Dunbar United. Indeed, Robin assisted Penicuik to the Junior Cup Final in May 1970.
Robin subsequently worked as an office machinery service engineer and remained a season ticket holder at Tynecastle. While his time with Hearts had been brief, Robin was immensely proud just to have worn a maroon shirt.
Robin Stenhouse passed away on 17 July 2024 and everyone connected with the Heart of Midlothian Football Club extends their sincere condolences to his family and friends.
Words by David Speed.
