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Edinburgh Reporter
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Edinburgh Reporter
Hibs fans pay tribute to Sir Tom Farmer as funeral cortege passes Easter Road
Hibs fans turned out in their numbers to pay tribute to former club owner Sir Tom Farmer as his coffin passed Easter Road Stadium this afternoon following a private family funeral. The Edinburgh businessman died peacefully at his home earlier this month at the age of 84. Sir Tom built Kwik Fit into the world's biggest independent tyre and automotive chain before selling it to Ford in 1999. His philanthropic work saw him awarded the Carnegie Medal and he became a Knight Commander with Star of the Order of St. Gregory the Great, an honour bestowed by the Pope, in 1997. He was knighted in 1997 for his services to the automotive industry and was made a Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (CVO) in 2009 for his charitable work. Hibs fans waiting on Sir Tom Farmer's funeral cortege Sir Tom saved Hibs from a hostile takeover in 1990 and owned a majority stake in the club for 28-years before selling to Ron Gordon. Responsible for the transformation of the stadium from a crumbling old football ground into the magnificent arena of today, he also saw two League Cup wins in 1991 and 2007 and the Scottish cup triumph in 2016. Roy Campbell, a Hibs fans of 60-plus years said: 'He was a great man who saved this club.' Another fan said: 'I can bring my grandson here now thanks to him. Because otherwise Hibs were finished. They were in receivership. They'd had a hostile bid before that and Tom Farmer stepped in and saved them which is great. 'Plus he was a good man. He was staunch in the Roman Catholic church and did a lot there. Another added: 'He supported lots of charities, Quite a ot of people l know tell me he did this and that but he never wanted publicity. It was all done for the good of the community. 'I think he was a very very community minded fellow and anybody from Leith loved the guy. 'A Leither made good is better than anything else. He was a great guy who will be sorely missed.' Another added: 'He's been in my taxi a few times and I also saw him at St Mary's Star of the Sea, down in Leith, the chapel there in years gone by. He was a great man, a great person.' Like this: Like Related
Daily Record
3 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Record
Hibs saviour Sir Tom Farmer given heroic Easter Road send off by emotional fans
Hundreds gathered outside Easter Road as Sir Tom journeyed past the ground and club he saved in the 90s. He held a majority stake in Hibs for 28 years. Former Hibs owner Sir Tom Farmer was given a heroic send off today as fans lined the streets to pay their respects and share stories of the legendary tycoon. Hundreds gathered outside Easter Road as Sir Tom journeyed past the ground and club he saved in the 90s. He held a majority stake in Hibs for 28 years. As Edinburgh Live reports, the successful businessman was born in Leith in July 1940. He founded the Kwik Fit chain of garages back in 1971. Some emotional fans shared their stories outside the stadium as paid tribute to Sir Tom. Speaking outside Easter Road Lorraine Meedham, 62, said: "We are here for everything he did for the fans. "Back in the 90s, Tom really stepped in and saved Hibs. We are also here because of everything he has done for charity. He is a really good man and we wanted to show our respects." Alan and William Budge are lifelong Hibs fans and were also in attendance on Wednesday afternoon. Alan, 60, said: "He saved the club. We needed to be here just for the fact he is an incredible man who rescued Hibs." Stuart Graham, 55, who said he will "die a Hibs fan" added: "It's all because of Tom that Hibs are still alive. If it wasn't for him coming in when he did, the club wouldn't be where it is today. "I have been a Hibs supporter all my life - born a Hibs fan and I will die a Hibs fan - it was extremely important for me to be there for him today." Theresa Ferguson, 67, teared up as she described the Edinburgh icon. She said: "Tommy was a hero. My uncle worked for him when he had Kwik Fit - he was a family man and a true gentleman. "We are so sad to have lost him and it was devastating to find out he had passed." Nicky Ferguson, 37, added: "I have been a Hibs fan for 37 years. "The turnout shows how much he was loved and the difference he made for the fans. He did so much for the club, if it wasn't for him, the club would not be here." His hearse was driven past Hibernian FC's Stadium and it's understood a memorial service will be held for Sir Tom later in the year to commemorate his contribution to civic and public life throughout the country and beyond. Details are yet to be confirmed. Sir Tom, a former director of MyTravel Group and ScottishPower, was hailed by Scotland's First Minister John Swinney as a "generous individual to so many causes in Scotland". According to the Sunday Times Rich List from 2020, he was worth an estimated £126million. He grew Kwik Fit to become an international chain before selling it to Ford for £1 billion in 1999. A touching statement from his family reads: "Sir Tom's long and extensive career touched many aspects of Scottish and UK life. His business career is well documented, as was his commitment to philanthropy, his many public roles and his unwavering support and appreciation for the communities and people that he lived his life within. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. "More than anything Sir Tom was a family man. Born in Leith, Edinburgh, in 1940 he was the youngest of seven children. He frequently spoke of the love, care and attention that was bestowed upon him by being the youngest in such a large family. "Leith provided a wonderfully supportive environment for him growing up as a child and he retained a lifelong affection and connection to the area. Along with his three sisters and three brothers, the siblings formed strong bonds from a young age that they continued to enjoy and cherish throughout their lives. "Sir Tom had many nieces and nephews to whom he was proud to be an Uncle to them and their families. In 1966 Sir Tom married his dearly beloved wife, Anne. "They met at their local church, St Mary, Star of the Sea, and were married for 57 years up until her death in 2023. In later years, when asked about the secret to his success he would often say it was because he 'married a girl like Anne'. "They lived their whole married life in Edinburgh and are survived by their two children and four grandchildren. Sir Tom's Roman Catholic faith was present throughout all areas of his life. "He attended mass weekly in Edinburgh and enjoyed the friendship and company of many people with the Catholic community both here in Scotland and further afield. Sir Tom will be remembered by many for his deep commitment to his family, his work and his faith and for being at all times a proud Scotsman." Hibs previously paid tribute in a post on X, saying:"Hibernian FC a re devastated to hear of the passing of former owner Sir Tom Farmer, aged 84. "Thank you for everything, Tom. Rest in peace."
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Huge Edinburgh crowds gather as Sir Tom Farmer's hearse passes Easter Road
Massive crowds gathered at Edinburgh's Easter Road stadium to pay their respect to business tycoon Sir Tom Farmer. Before 12.45pm on May 28, dozens of Hibernian FC fans were in attendance to say their goodbyes following his private funeral. Sir Tom passed away at the age of 84 on May 9 with his family describing him as 'a proud Scotsman'. Born in Leith in July 1940, he founded the Kwik Fit chain of garages back in 1971. READ MORE: Tributes pour in for Edinburgh-born football 'legend' as clubs issue heartfelt messages READ MORE: Touching tributes for 'legendary' Edinburgh musician hailed as 'colossal talent' The icon also owned a majority stake in Hibs for 28 years, selling his interest in 2019 to US businessman Ron Gordon, and was credited by current head coach David Gray as having "saved the club at a time of need". His hearse was driven past Hibernian FC's Stadium and it's understood a memorial service will be held for Sir Tom later in the year to commemorate his contribution to civic and public life throughout the country and beyond. Details are yet to be confirmed. Sir Tom, a former director of MyTravel Group and ScottishPower, was hailed by Scotland's First Minister John Swinney as a "generous individual to so many causes in Scotland". According to the Sunday Times Rich List from 2020, he was worth an estimated £126million. He grew Kwik Fit to become an international chain before selling it to Ford for £1 billion in 1999. A statement from his family reads: "Sir Tom's long and extensive career touched many aspects of Scottish and UK life. His business career is well documented, as was his commitment to philanthropy, his many public roles and his unwavering support and appreciation for the communities and people that he lived his life within. "More than anything Sir Tom was a family man. Born in Leith, Edinburgh, in 1940 he was the youngest of seven children. He frequently spoke of the love, care and attention that was bestowed upon him by being the youngest in such a large family. "Leith provided a wonderfully supportive environment for him growing up as a child and he retained a lifelong affection and connection to the area. Along with his three sisters and three brothers, the siblings formed strong bonds from a young age that they continued to enjoy and cherish throughout their lives. "Sir Tom had many nieces and nephews to whom he was proud to be an Uncle to them and their families. In 1966 Sir Tom married his dearly beloved wife, Anne. Sign up for Edinburgh Live newsletters for more headlines straight to your inbox "They met at their local church, St Mary, Star of the Sea, and were married for 57 years up until her death in 2023. In later years, when asked about the secret to his success he would often say it was because he 'married a girl like Anne'. "They lived their whole married life in Edinburgh and are survived by their two children and four grandchildren. Sir Tom's Roman Catholic faith was present throughout all areas of his life. "He attended mass weekly in Edinburgh and enjoyed the friendship and company of many people with the Catholic community both here in Scotland and further afield. Sir Tom will be remembered by many for his deep commitment to his family, his work and his faith and for being at all times a proud Scotsman." Join Edinburgh Live's Whatsapp Community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages. Hibs previously paid tribute in a post on X, saying: "Hibernian FC are devastated to hear of the passing of former owner Sir Tom Farmer, aged 84. "Thank you for everything, Tom. Rest in peace."
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Edinburgh Hibs fans hail Sir Tom Farmer a 'hero' as they say final farewell
Edinburgh locals have shared moving stories and memories of Edinburgh philanthropist and Hibs icon Sir Tom Farmer Hundreds gathered to pay their respects on Wednesday afternoon at Easter Road stadium as Sir Tom's coffin was driven by around 12.45pm. He passed away on May 9 at the age of 84, and many Hibs fans and locals have been left saddened by his death. Described as a 'true gentleman' and a 'hero', Sir Tom owned a majority stake in Hibs for 28 years. READ MORE: Edinburgh's Sir Tom Farmer funeral procession to make way past Easter Road READ MORE: Viral Edinburgh bakery tells punters 'stop eating pastries on neighbours' property' Born in Leith in July 1940, he founded the Kwik Fit chain of garages back in 1971. Speaking to Edinburgh Live at Easter Road, Lorraine Meedham, 62, said: "We are here for everything he did for the fans. "Back in the 90s, Tom really stepped in and saved Hibs. We are also here because of everything he has done for charity. He is a really good man and we wanted to show our respects." Alan and William Budge are lifelong Hibs fans and were also in attendance on Wednesday afternoon. Alan, 60, said: "He saved the club. We needed to be here just for the fact he is an incredible man who rescued Hibs." Stuart Graham, 55, who said he will "die a Hibs fan" added: "It's all because of Tom that Hibs are still alive. If it wasn't for him coming in when he did, the club wouldn't be where it is today. "I have been a Hibs supporter all my life - born a Hibs fan and I will die a Hibs fan - it was extremely important for me to be there for him today." Theresa Ferguson, 67, teared up as she described the Edinburgh icon. She said: "Tommy was a hero. My uncle worked for him when he had Kwik Fit - he was a family man and a true gentleman. "We are so sad to have lost him and it was devastating to find out he had passed." Nicky Ferguson, 37, added: "I have been a Hibs fan for 37 years. "The turnout shows how much he was loved and the difference he made for the fans. He did so much for the club, if it wasn't for him, the club would not be here." His hearse was driven past Hibernian FC's Stadium and it's understood a memorial service will be held for Sir Tom later in the year to commemorate his contribution to civic and public life throughout the country and beyond. Details are yet to be confirmed. Sir Tom, a former director of MyTravel Group and ScottishPower, was hailed by Scotland's First Minister John Swinney as a "generous individual to so many causes in Scotland". According to the Sunday Times Rich List from 2020, he was worth an estimated £126million. He grew Kwik Fit to become an international chain before selling it to Ford for £1 billion in 1999. Sign up for Edinburgh Live newsletters for more headlines straight to your inbox A touching statement from his family reads: "Sir Tom's long and extensive career touched many aspects of Scottish and UK life. His business career is well documented, as was his commitment to philanthropy, his many public roles and his unwavering support and appreciation for the communities and people that he lived his life within. "More than anything Sir Tom was a family man. Born in Leith, Edinburgh, in 1940 he was the youngest of seven children. He frequently spoke of the love, care and attention that was bestowed upon him by being the youngest in such a large family. "Leith provided a wonderfully supportive environment for him growing up as a child and he retained a lifelong affection and connection to the area. Along with his three sisters and three brothers, the siblings formed strong bonds from a young age that they continued to enjoy and cherish throughout their lives. "Sir Tom had many nieces and nephews to whom he was proud to be an Uncle to them and their families. In 1966 Sir Tom married his dearly beloved wife, Anne. "They met at their local church, St Mary, Star of the Sea, and were married for 57 years up until her death in 2023. In later years, when asked about the secret to his success he would often say it was because he 'married a girl like Anne'. "They lived their whole married life in Edinburgh and are survived by their two children and four grandchildren. Sir Tom's Roman Catholic faith was present throughout all areas of his life. "He attended mass weekly in Edinburgh and enjoyed the friendship and company of many people with the Catholic community both here in Scotland and further afield. Sir Tom will be remembered by many for his deep commitment to his family, his work and his faith and for being at all times a proud Scotsman." Join Edinburgh Live's Whatsapp Community here and get the latest news sentstraight to your messages. Hibs previously paid tribute in a post on X, saying: "Hibernian FC are devastated to hear of the passing of former owner Sir Tom Farmer, aged 84. "Thank you for everything, Tom. Rest in peace."
Scotsman
3 days ago
- Business
- Scotsman
Dozens of Edinburgh Hibs fans pay tribute to Sir Tom Farmer at Easter Road Stadium
Sir Tom Farmer, who passed away peacefully at his home aged 84 on May 9, was known for founding Kwik Fit in 1971, his charitable work and philanthropy - and saving Hibernian FC from possible extinction in 1990 when he invested nearly £3 million to rescue the club from receivership. The Edinburgh businessman owned a majority stake in Hibs for 28 years, selling his interest in 2019 to US businessman Ron Gordon. Sir Tom presided over the historic Scottish Cup success in 2016, ending 114 years of hurt while also seeing two League Cup trophies during his time at the helm. Today, Wednesday May 28, Hibs fans and staff lined Easter Road Stadium to pay their respects to the Leith legend. Here are 14 pictures of the funeral procession. 1 . Sir Tom Farmer 1940 - 2025 Hibs supporters and staff paid tribute to Sir Tom Farmer outside Easter Road Stadium on Wednesday, May 28 | Lisa Ferguson Photo Sales 2 . Final farewell to Easter Road The procession passed by Easter Road Stadium | Lisa Ferguson Photo Sales 3 . Never forgotten Sir Tom Farmer saved Hibernian FC from possible extinction in 1990 | Lisa Ferguson Photo Sales 4 . Farewell to an old friend Hibernian Director Kit Gordon (right) arriving before the funeral procession | Mark Scates / SNS Group Photo Sales
