Champs through the ages

But for the first time we are aiming to collate all the photgraphs of the league winning sides which are available in our archive, or which have been kindly submittted, together in a special league champion picture series.

This week we kick things off in our print edition with a bumper four page spread packed with eight league winners from the Lewis and Harris league.

Our first image is the oldest league winning side available and shows the School Team of 1938 proudly display their spoils.

Prior to 1938, Stornoway Rovers had won back to back titles with Sandwick champs in 1935 and Athletic consistently top of the pile between 1908 and 1933 – save for a league triumph for Unionists in 1933.

No league winning photographs appear to be available prior to 1938 but if any readers have any please submit them and we will add to the series.

The outbreak of the Second World War meant there was no football between 1939 and 1945 and when it returned in 1946 it was Back who won the league both that year and the year following. Both sides are pictured inside.

Athletic and Point shared the baton for several years with Aths taking the crown in 1948, 1949, 1950, and 1953. And Point were champs in 1951, 1952 and 1954.

Pictured inside are the title winning sides of 1952, 1953, 1954 and 1955 (School).

If any readers have images from 48, 49, 50 or 51 please email [email protected]

See all eight images in this week’s Gazette - on sale now.