Scottish Businessman Sir Tom Farmer Dies Aged 84

Sir Tom Farmer, the Edinburgh-born entrepreneur and founder of the Kwik Fit garage chain, has died peacefully at 84. Starting his tyre business in 1964 and launching Kwik Fit in 1971, he built it into the world’s largest independent tyre and automotive chain before selling it to Ford for £1 billion in 1999. A philanthropist and family man deeply connected to his Leith roots, Sir Tom was knighted in 1997 and received numerous honors, including an award from Pope John Paul II. He owned a majority stake in Hibernian FC for over 20 years, helping rescue the club from receivership and witnessing multiple trophy wins before selling his interest in 2019. His Roman Catholic faith and commitment to community were central to his life alongside his family, including his wife Anne, whom he was married to for 57 years until her death. Tributes from Hibernian FC and others highlight his enduring impact on Scottish business, sports, and philanthropy.