Ally McCoist’s wife is Vivien Ross, also known as Vivien McCoist. The couple married in New York in 2014 and have two sons together, Arran and Harris. Before marrying Vivien, the Scottish football legend was married to Allison McCoist, with whom he shares three sons. Despite being married to one of Scotland’s best-known football personalities, Vivien prefers a relatively private life away from the media spotlight.
Ally McCoist is widely admired for his remarkable football career, especially his achievements with Rangers FC. Today, fans also recognise him for his entertaining television commentary and cheerful personality. Naturally, that popularity has created interest in the people closest to him.
While McCoist regularly appears on television and radio, his wife is much less visible. Here is a closer look at Vivien Ross, their relationship, their children, and the family life behind the famous football name.
Who Is Ally McCoist’s Wife?
Vivien Ross is the second wife of Ally McCoist, the former Scottish international footballer, Rangers manager, and television pundit.
Vivien became publicly known through her relationship with McCoist, although she has never pursued the same level of media attention as her husband.
Before their marriage, she was associated professionally with Rangers Football Club. Published profiles have described her as working in the club’s events and commercial operations.
Her connection with Rangers is particularly interesting because the club has played such an important role in McCoist’s life. He spent much of his playing career there before returning to work in coaching and management.
Unlike many partners of famous sports personalities, Vivien rarely gives public interviews about her marriage or private experiences.
How Did Ally McCoist Meet Vivien Ross?
Ally McCoist and Vivien Ross are understood to have developed their relationship through their connections with Rangers Football Club.
McCoist was already a celebrated figure at the Glasgow club, having established himself as one of its greatest goalscorers.
Vivien also worked in a professional capacity connected to Rangers, giving the pair a shared connection to the football world.
Although reports have linked their relationship to their time around the club, the couple have not widely discussed the exact circumstances of their first meeting.
Their relationship developed over several years before they decided to marry in 2014.
When Did Ally McCoist Marry Vivien Ross?
Ally McCoist married Vivien Ross in May 2014 during a private trip to New York.
The wedding attracted attention in Scottish newspapers because McCoist was managing Rangers at the time.
Rather than organising a heavily publicised celebrity ceremony, the couple chose a more discreet celebration.
Their decision reflected an approach to privacy that has remained a feature of their relationship.
The wedding also represented a new chapter in McCoist’s personal life following the end of his first marriage.
More than a decade after their wedding, Vivien continues to be identified in established reporting as his second wife.
Does Ally McCoist Have Children With Vivien Ross?
Yes. Ally McCoist and Vivien Ross have two sons, Arran and Harris.
Both are part of McCoist’s wider family, which includes three older sons from his previous marriage.
Although Ally occasionally refers to his children during interviews, he generally avoids sharing unnecessary details about their personal lives.
His affection for his family has appeared in several interviews over the years.
In a November 2024 interview with The Guardian, McCoist spoke about the importance of loved ones and said he hoped to leave his children happy memories.
That response offered a touching glimpse into what matters to him beyond football.
How Many Children Does Ally McCoist Have?
Ally McCoist has five sons from his two marriages.
His children are:
- Alexander McCoist – His eldest son from his marriage to Allison.
- Argyll McCoist – One of his twin sons with Allison.
- Mitchell McCoist – Argyll’s twin brother.
- Arran McCoist – His son with Vivien Ross.
- Harris McCoist – His youngest son with Vivien.
McCoist has spoken particularly warmly about his son Mitchell, who was born with serious health difficulties.
In interviews, the former striker has described the strength shown by his son and the importance of family support.
Although football has brought McCoist international recognition, his comments suggest that his responsibilities as a father remain central to his life.
Who Was Ally McCoist’s First Wife?
Before marrying Vivien Ross, Ally McCoist was married to Allison McCoist, whom he met in 1981.
Their relationship began during the early stages of his professional football career, when he was playing for Sunderland.
Allison was associated with Tyneside and was described in contemporary newspaper profiles as a former beauty queen.
The couple married in October 1990, during an important period in McCoist’s career with Rangers.
They went on to have three sons together and spent many years as a family while McCoist enjoyed success as a professional footballer.
However, their relationship eventually experienced difficulties, and the couple separated.
Their divorce was finalised in 2004.
Why Did Ally McCoist Divorce Allison?
Ally McCoist and Allison separated following difficulties in their marriage that received considerable newspaper attention.
One widely reported issue was McCoist’s relationship with actress Patsy Kensit in 2001.
The situation became public and was subsequently discussed in coverage of the couple’s separation and divorce proceedings.
Their legal and financial disagreements were also reported in the British press.
In January 2004, the Irish Examiner covered proceedings involving the couple at Scotland’s Court of Session.
Their divorce was completed later that year.
Although the breakdown of the marriage attracted significant publicity, it is worth remembering that the couple also had three children whose wellbeing remained an important consideration.
Allison has largely stayed away from public attention following the divorce.
What Does Vivien Ross Do for a Living?
Vivien Ross has been linked with professional work at Rangers Football Club, particularly in events and commercial activities.
However, there is limited reliable public information about her current occupation.
She is not known for maintaining a prominent career in television, sports commentary, or celebrity entertainment.
Some online articles make detailed claims about her business activities or personal finances, but not all of these claims are supported by dependable reporting.
For that reason, it would be misleading to assign her a specific current occupation without reliable confirmation.
What is publicly established is that she had a professional connection with Rangers before marrying McCoist.
How Old Is Vivien Ross?
Vivien Ross’s exact date of birth has not been reliably established through widely available public reporting.
Although certain websites publish estimated ages, these figures should not be mistaken for confirmed biographical information.
Unlike her husband, whose career has been documented for decades, Vivien has kept much of her personal background private.
Details about her childhood, education, and early family life are also limited.
This is not unusual for someone who is primarily known through a relationship with a public figure rather than through a public career of their own.
Where Do Ally McCoist and His Wife Live?
Ally McCoist and Vivien Ross have been associated with Renfrewshire, Scotland, particularly the Bridge of Weir area.
The region lies west of Glasgow and is relatively close to the city where McCoist built much of his footballing reputation.
In November 2024, The Guardian reported that McCoist lived with his second wife in Renfrewshire.
Despite his broadcasting commitments, he has continued to maintain strong connections with Scotland.
The couple’s exact residential details are private, and there is little reason to assume that publicly reported locations provide a complete picture of their current living arrangements.
Does Vivien Ross Appear in Public With Ally McCoist?
Vivien Ross occasionally receives mentions in media coverage of her husband, but she does not regularly seek public attention.
McCoist, on the other hand, has spent decades in front of cameras, first as a footballer and later as a broadcaster.
His friendly manner, quick humour, and enthusiasm for football have made him popular with audiences across Britain.
Vivien’s comparatively quiet public presence creates a clear contrast with her husband’s highly visible profession.
However, being less active in the media does not mean she is absent from his public life.
McCoist occasionally mentions his wife in relaxed conversations and radio appearances, sometimes making affectionate jokes about everyday family situations.
These moments provide small insights into their relationship without revealing much about their private routines.
How Does Ally McCoist Balance Football and Family?
Football has been part of Ally McCoist’s life since childhood.
His career has involved professional playing commitments, coaching responsibilities, management, and television appearances.
Such a demanding schedule naturally requires time away from home.
However, McCoist has consistently shown that his family holds an important place in his life.
In his November 2024 Guardian interview, he identified losing the people he loves as one of his greatest fears.
He also described happy memories as something meaningful he hoped to pass on to his children.
These comments reveal a more reflective side of a man usually associated with football celebrations and lively commentary.
His public persona is cheerful and energetic, but his interviews suggest that personal relationships are equally important to him.
Who Is Ally McCoist?
Alistair Murdoch McCoist, commonly known as Ally McCoist, was born on 24 September 1962 in Bellshill, Scotland.
He began his professional career with St Johnstone before moving to Sunderland in 1981.
In 1983, he joined Rangers, where he would become one of the most important players in the club’s history.
His exceptional goalscoring ability made him a favourite among Rangers supporters.
According to BBC Sport’s historical profile, McCoist scored 355 goals for Rangers in competitive matches and became the club’s all-time leading goalscorer.
He also represented Scotland internationally and appeared in major international tournaments.
After retiring as a player, he moved into coaching and management before establishing himself as a football pundit and commentator.
In 2024, he was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to football and broadcasting.
His long career helps explain why interest in Ally McCoist’s wife and family remains strong.
Why Is Ally McCoist’s Wife So Private?
There is no publicly confirmed explanation for why Vivien Ross prefers to maintain a low profile.
However, not every person married to a celebrity wishes to become a celebrity themselves.
Vivien has generally avoided the regular interviews, lifestyle coverage, and public exposure associated with entertainment personalities.
Her limited media appearances have also contributed to curiosity about her background.
Much of the information available about her comes from reports discussing her husband’s life rather than interviews she has given personally.
This makes it particularly important to distinguish established facts from online speculation.
Her marriage, her two sons with McCoist, and her previous professional links with Rangers are documented. More detailed claims about her private activities should be treated carefully unless supported by credible sources.
What Makes Their Relationship Interesting?
One of the interesting features of Ally McCoist and Vivien Ross’s relationship is their shared connection to Rangers.
For McCoist, Rangers is much more than a former employer.
The club shaped his professional career, established his reputation, and remained a major part of his life after he stopped playing.
Vivien’s previous professional involvement with the club means they have a common connection to an organisation central to Scottish football.
Their New York wedding also stands out because it took place while McCoist was dealing with the pressures of managing Rangers.
Since then, the couple have maintained a relatively private family life despite the continuing public interest surrounding him.
Their story is not defined by constant celebrity appearances. Instead, the available reporting presents a relationship that has remained largely outside the entertainment spotlight.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who is Ally McCoist’s current wife?
Ally McCoist’s publicly reported wife is Vivien Ross, also known as Vivien McCoist. They married in 2014 and have two sons together.
2. Is Ally McCoist still married to Vivien Ross?
The available credible reporting identifies Vivien Ross as McCoist’s second wife. No verified announcement of a divorce or separation has been established.
3. When did Ally McCoist marry Vivien Ross?
Ally McCoist and Vivien Ross married in May 2014 in New York, according to contemporary Scottish newspaper reporting.
4. Who was Ally McCoist’s first wife?
His first wife was Allison McCoist. They married in October 1990 and divorced in 2004.
5. How many times has Ally McCoist been married?
Ally McCoist has been married twice. His first marriage was to Allison McCoist, and his second was to Vivien Ross.
6. How many children does Ally McCoist have?
He has five sons: Alexander, Argyll, Mitchell, Arran, and Harris. His first three sons are from his marriage to Allison, while Arran and Harris are from his marriage to Vivien.
7. Does Vivien Ross work for Rangers FC?
Vivien previously worked in a role associated with Rangers’ events or commercial operations. Her current employment status has not been reliably confirmed.
8. Where does Ally McCoist live with his wife?
Published reports have linked the couple to Renfrewshire, Scotland, particularly the Bridge of Weir area.
9. How old is Ally McCoist’s wife?
Vivien Ross’s exact date of birth has not been reliably confirmed in widely available public sources.
10. Is Ally McCoist’s wife a celebrity?
Vivien Ross is publicly known mainly through her marriage to Ally McCoist. She does not have the same prominent media presence as her husband.
11. Why did Ally McCoist divorce his first wife?
His first marriage experienced widely reported difficulties, including publicity surrounding his relationship with actress Patsy Kensit. The couple separated and finalised their divorce in 2004.
12. What is Vivien Ross’s net worth?
There is no dependable, publicly verified figure for Vivien Ross’s individual net worth. Estimates published on some celebrity websites should not be considered confirmed financial information.
Final Thoughts
Ally McCoist’s wife, Vivien Ross, has been an important part of his personal life for many years. The couple married in New York in 2014 and share two sons, Arran and Harris.
McCoist also has three sons from his first marriage to Allison, making him a father of five.
Although he remains a familiar voice in football broadcasting, Vivien has chosen a much quieter public presence.
Their shared connection to Rangers, long relationship, and family life have naturally attracted interest from supporters who have followed McCoist’s career over the decades.
Ultimately, while fans know Ally McCoist for his goals, humour, and football knowledge, his own interviews show that family and the people closest to him are among the most meaningful parts of his life.
Sources and Further Reading
This article draws on established newspaper reporting, interviews, and football records. The following sources provide background on the facts discussed above:
