Robert Pettigrew was a right-back with Ardrossan Celtic Football Club in its first season, 1901-02. He was born at 25 Princes Lane on 20 June 1880. His parents were James Pettigrew, a seaman, and his wife Elizabeth Paton. He had older sisters Kathleen, Elizabeth, Mary and Flora and a younger brother John. Robert became a grocer's porter and lived at 8 Hill Street, Ardrossan. On 6 June 1901, he played for Ardrossan Celtic against Saltcoats Seaside Rangers. Three days later, Robert and seven other young men left Ardrossan Harbour in a yacht for a sail. On their return and about two hundred yards from the harbour, a violent gust of wind struck the boat wheeling it right round then over. Seven of the men, including Robert, were thrown into the sea. Four were rescued but the others were swept out to sea. Robert's body was the last to be recovered when he was found near Troon Harbour on 9 July 1901. He was buried in Ardrossan Cemetery later that day.
Robert is probably in the photo of Ardrossan Celtic above which was taken on 20 April 1901.