Sir Tom Farmer passes away, leaving a legacy in Scottish business and sports

In Scotland, Sir Tom Farmer, the founder of the Kwik Fit garage chain, has passed away peacefully at his home in Edinburgh at the age of 84. He died on a Friday, as confirmed by his family, who highlighted his impactful career and philanthropic contributions. Sir Tom was a significant figure in the automotive industry, transforming his business from a single tyre shop opened in 1964 into the largest independent tyre and automotive chain globally, boasting a £1 billion sale to Ford in 1999. Moreover, Sir Tom was deeply involved in the football community as the majority stakeholder of Hibernian FC for 28 years. He made the decision to sell his interest in the club in 2019, having contributed to its development and supported many initiatives through his ownership. His commitment to his local community, sports, and philanthropy greatly shaped his reputation, making him a beloved figure in Scottish life. Throughout his life, Sir Tom Farmer was recognized for his contributions to industry and society. He was knighted in 1997 for his services to the automotive sector and received the Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (CVO) distinction in 2009 for his charitable efforts. His family noted his unwavering faith, as he was a devoted Roman Catholic who attended mass weekly, which played a significant role in his life and community engagements. After his death, Hibernian FC expressed their sorrow through a message on social media, recognizing the profound impact Sir Tom had on the club and the Scottish football scene. A statement from his family described him as a proud Scotsman whose commitments to his family, work, and faith will be remembered fondly.