Corey, Gavin and Kerry-Anne Hastings
A rugby club and a brewer have joined forces to recognise a Scottish sporting icon, writes JULENA DRUMI
Watsonian Football Club has marked the passing of Scotland rugby ace Scott Hastings by introducing a new beer to honour his contribution to the club. Hastings 13 Lager is added to the range of beers at the Myreside pavilion in partnership with longstanding sponsor Harviestoun Brewery.
Scott Hastings died earlier this year having served Watsonian FC, Scotland and the British & Irish Lions with distinction.
Harviestoun launched Hastings 13 lager at a recent celebration of Scott’s life, in collaboration with pavilion operator Heart of Midlothian, and now the brewery and club have introduced the lager at Myreside as part of a sponsorship deal to support Watsonian FC’s growth.
John McLellan, president of Watsonian Football Club, said: “Scott Hastings represented the very best of what it means to be a Watsonian and as a hugely influential character who was the life and soul of any party I’m sure he would have loved the idea of raising a glass of his own beer to the club’s future.
“Harviestoun is one of our longest-serving and most important sponsors, and the club is privileged to work with them to embed the brewery into Myreside history.
“Having the Hastings 13 tap permanently on the bar gives our members, players, and supporters a meaningful way to celebrate Scott’s memory and spirit every single matchday.”
His brother, former Watsonians, Scotland and Lions captain Gavin Hastings said: “Our family’s connection to Myreside runs incredibly deep and as a tireless champion of the club both on and off the field, I’m sure he would be very proud that our name will continue to be associated with celebration at Myreside, but also the future welfare of the club.
“When Harviestoun stepped up to work with Heart of Midlothian and created the Hastings 13 lager for Scott’s celebration of life, it meant a great deal to our family. Bringing this tribute permanently into the clubhouse alongside Harviestoun’s wider support is a wonderful way to connect our family, the club, and Scott’s legacy.”
Andrew McKnight of Harviestoun Brewery, commented: “It’s a real privilege to continue partnering with Watsonian FC and work alongside the Hastings family. Crafting the Hastings 13 beer to commemorate Scott was a deeply meaningful project for our team.
“We are proud to recognise the club’s past, whilst supporting the club’s future across both the men’s and women’s games, while honouring one of Scottish rugby’s true greats.”
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