Scone Thistle mourn the loss of Scott Farquharson – “Mr Scone Thistle”

Oct 30 2009

THE junior football scene in Perth and beyond will honour Scott Farquharson with a minute’s silence before every match tomorrow.

And as a mark of respect, Scone Thistle’s Scottish Cup tie with Arbroath Vics and a community football open day planned for the village have been cancelled.

Friends made during the decades of Scott’s involvement with his beloved Scone Thistle will gather at Perth Crematorium on Tuesday at 12.30pm to pay tribute to the one-time Royal Navy officer, meteorologist and secondary school teacher.

And in a nice touch, guests will be invited back to the Scone Arms for pies.

He passed away peacefully at his Scone home earlier this week, having taken in the team’s weekend match and Monday evening training session.

Scott (76) was universally acknowledged as “Mr Scone Thistle” and a grateful club honoured his commitment since their days as a juvenile side in the late sixties during a celebratory dinner at the Royal George Hotel last year.

He was proud to receive a specially made waistcoat in his team’s red and black colours.

Dundee born and bred, in his youth Scott enjoyed a variety of sports, including cricket, tennis and golf.

But junior football, and Scone Thistle in particular, was an enduring passion for a man who once had a trial as a goalkeeper for Dundee FC.

After a successful and globetrotting career in the Royal Navy, where he reached the rank of Lieutenant Commander, Scott taught maths at Perth Grammar School for many years. He played a key role in encouraging youngsters to enjoy schools football.

At Scone Thistle, he served as chairman on three occasions, treasurer and secretary as the club moved into the junior ranks.

Another former president Willie Pennycook yesterday paid tribute to his long-time friend, saying: “Scott was a one-off and junior football owes him a huge debt of gratitude.

“He was utterly committed to Scone Thistle. Since the late sixties he did everything from washing the strips, holding bingo teas, lining the pitch, producing the programmes to and warming-up the pies.

“Scott will be sadly missed by everyone connected with the junior football scene and Scone Thistle in particular.”

A respected administrator, Scott served as an auditor with both the Tayside and East Region and was made a life member of both organisations.

Scott and his wife Elsie married at the North Church in 1958 and celebrated their Golden Wedding last year. He is survived by his wife Elsie, sons Jeremy and Jonathan, daughter Jane and two grandchildren.

GWB