Leading Scottish bookmaker Norman Miller dies aged 91

Leading Scottish bookmaker and former chairman of the National Association of Bookmakers, Norman Miller, has died at the age of 91 following a long illness.

Miller was the son of Harry Miller, one of Scotland's best-known bookmakers in the post-war period, described by Lord John Oaksey in his autobiography as "the grand old man of Scottish betting".

Miller took over his father’s Glasgow-based business in the 1960s with shops across the west of Scotland.

From the 1970s he became closely involved in the politics of bookmaking and worked tirelessly to promote and protect bookmakers' interests.

Together with Alfie Bruce, he achieved the landmark decision that enabled bookmakers to buy and sell their on-course pitches – a move that involved years of negotiations with Parliament, the Racecourse Association, Jockey Club & Tote.

He maintained an on-course presence on all Scottish tracks until his retirement from the sport in 2007.

Miller, who lost his wife Anne two years ago, is survived by their five children, Iain, Harry, Keith, Dianne and Andrew.

The family will warmly welcome his friends from bookmaking and horseracing to celebrate his life at Masonhill Crematorium, Ayr on Friday November 15 at 9.45am and later at Western House Hotel, Ayr racecourse.