IT was simply the best way to mark Rangers’ 55th league title and an image that was shared across the globe.
But the lighting up of the world’s tallest building is set to have a wider impact much closer to home.
Kind-hearted Light Blues fans have made a generous donation to two local charities after coining in cash in their bid to turn the Burj Khalifa, in Dubai, red, white, and blue this month to celebrate the Gers’ first major league title in more than a decade.
A total of £6500 was donated by supporters from all around the world and now the money is set to be split between the Kris Boyd Charity and Rangers Former Players Benevolent Club.
Organised by the likes of the North American Rangers Supporters Association, Oceania Rangers Supporters Association, Bridgeton Loyal and Dubai Loyal, the gesture has been called “the perfect way” to bring the curtain down on Rangers’ season.
Colin McCabe, secretary of Dubai Loyal, said: “There were so many people involved in it and it wouldn’t have been possible without them all.
“We decided quite early on that we wanted to raise money for charity as part of it.
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“I don’t really remember when we started to talk about doing the Burj Khalifa but it was probably around the time of talk about the Red Arrows doing a flyover over Glasgow.
“We saw how quickly they were able to raise the money and we put our heads together and became more determined to do something special to mark the occasion.
“We started to talk to the clubs and Rangers, who were brilliant with all of this. They helped and put some money towards the display.
“We had such a huge reaction across social media and even has Sky Sports News doing a feature on it.”
Father-of-one Colin, who grew up in Bishopton and moved to the United Arab Emirates around eight and a half years ago, added: “Ruary McGregor has been fantastic and the driving force of this. But it’s been a real team effort.
“Some people have asked us why we did this but in Rangers you have one of the most passionate set of fans in the world. After what we have been through in the last ten years, we wanted to mark it in a special way.
“It’s just going to be a challenge to beat it next time.”
The Kris Boyd Charity, established by its former Rangers player namesake in memory of his brother Scott, aims to help tackle the stigma of mental health across Scotland.
The Rangers Former Players Benevolent Club provides medical and financial assistance to ex-Gers when needed.
Colin Stewart, trustee of the club, said: “The charity relies on fan donations to achieve its aims and the trustees were delighted to receive the very welcome and generous donation from our group of fans, who raised funds for the hugely impressive ‘Lighting up the Burj’ visual show.
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“This donation will go towards assisting our former players, who require our support.
"Thank you to all concerned”
A spokesman for the Kris Boyd Charity said: “It is a wonderful gesture and we are thankful for it.
“This money will help us to continue to do the great work of the Kris Boyd Charity and to help people across Scotland.”
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