His father, also named Peter Aird, served as a corporal in the Gordon Highlanders during the First World War, and played for local side Glencraig Rovers with future professionals Mick Gilhooley and Bob Rowan.
According to a local historian, Peter Aird was not involved in the violence but—as he was a member of the Communist Party of Great Britain—was singled out to serve as an example.
He served nine months in jail and was blacklisted after his release, forcing the family to move to Bowhill near Cardenden.
[3] Inspired by his elder brother Willie Aird — a centre-forward for Greenock Morton and Queen of the South — Peter was able to escape the dangers of the mines through football.
His ashes were scattered on the pitch at Easter Road, where he and his wife had celebrated their golden anniversary in 1997 with a special floodlit party.