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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
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Hibs fans pay tribute to ex-owner Sir Tom Farmer
Hundreds of Hibernian fans paid tribute to Kwik Fit founder and former club owner Sir Tom Farmer as his coffin passed Easter Road Stadium. The Edinburgh-born businessman died peacefully at his home in the city earlier this month at the age of 84. Sir Tom owned a majority stake in Hibernian FC for 28 years and built Kwik Fit into the world's biggest independent tyre and automotive chain before selling it to Ford for £1bn in 1999. Following a private family funeral the cortege drove past Hibernian's stadium and through the streets of Sir Tom's native Leith. Sir Tom was born in Leith in 1940 and first opened a tyre business in 1964. He started Kwik Fit in 1971, eventually operating in more than 2,000 locations in 18 countries. 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. Sir Tom's 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. Hibs supporter Jean Campbell said: "As a lifelong Hibs fan I was here when the Hands off Hibs campaign was on and it was a very difficult time for the club. "Sir Tom Farmer came in and basically helped us at a really, really difficult time. "He didn't have to do that, he's not a football man, but he's a proud Leither and I believe he did it for the community." Fellow fan Beth Donaldson said: "I came along because we owe him an awful lot for what he did for the club."
Edinburgh Live
10-05-2025
- Automotive
- Edinburgh Live
Locals react after tragic passing of beloved Edinburgh Kwik Fit philanthropist
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Locals have reacted in the wake of Sir Tom Farmer's passing to share their love for the beloved Edinburgh businessman and philanthropist. Sir Tom sadly passed away at the age of 84, leaving locals "devastated" as they say farewell to the much-loved humanitarian. The prolific businessman - was worth an estimated £126million according to the 2020 Sunday Times Rich List, - was renowned in Edinburgh for founding the Kwik Fit garage chain in 1971. He also owned 90 per of the shares in Hibernian FC between the early 1990s and 2019, Known for his commitment to the Edinburgh community, he was no great football fan and instead spoke of his desire to save the club for the community. Following Sir Tom's passing, the Hibernian Football Club took to X to pay tribute. They said: "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." The Hibernian Historical Trust shared: "It is with great sadness we learn of the passing of Sir Tom Farmer. A true Leither who will always be remembered for his part in saving our club from a hostile and unsolicited takeover. His memory will forever be etched in Hibernian FC history. With the angels high above." Kwik Fit also released a heartfelt statement, saying: "Everyone at Kwik Fit is very saddened at the passing of the company's founder Sir Tom Farmer. Sir Tom will always be a towering figure in our industry. His entrepreneurship revolutionised the UK automotive aftermarket sector and built the foundations on which we stand today. "Although Sir Tom's direct connection with the company ended more than two decades ago, his professional and personal qualities have remained a positive influence on many members of the Kwik Fit team to this day. "Our thoughts are with his family and all his friends within the automotive industry and beyond." Edinburgh public figures also paid tribute to Sir Tom via social media. First Minister John Swinney announced on X: "Very sorry to hear of the death of Sir Tom Farmer, an outstanding entrepreneur and such a generous individual to so many causes in Scotland. My respect condolences to his family." Ian Murray, MP for Edinburgh South, said: "Very sad news about the death of Sir Tom Farmer. Proud Scot, successful business and a family man. Huge contributor to Edinburgh community football and HibernianFC. My thoughts are with his friends and family today." Christine Jardin, MP for Edinburgh West, said: "I am so sorry to hear of the death of Sir Tom Farmer. His economic and philanthropic contributions to our society will forever recognised." Sir Tom was born in Leith in 1940 as the youngest of seven children. His family described him as a "at all times a proud Scotsman".
