Highland League club Buckie Thistle saddened by death of stalwart Sandra Paterson
A Highland League club has paid tribute to its longest-serving committee member after her death.
Sandra Paterson - fondly known as ‘Mrs Buckie Thistle’ - passed away on Tuesday, August 26.
Sandra baked cakes for every Buckie home match and travelled on the team bus to all of the club’s away matches.
Her affinity with the Jags began back in 1989 - with her first match a clash with no less than Celtic at Victoria Park.
She was volunteering with her auntie in the tea hut back then, but moved onto the boardroom and provided a tremendous 36 years of service to the club.
Her time at the club fittingly also took her to Parkhead - for a return clash against Celtic - 35 years after her first game volunteering at Buckie.
Sandra referred to the Buckie players as “her boys” and was always seen in the boardroom before and after matches.
Buckie Thistle said: “Everyone at the club is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our longest-serving committee member and boardroom queen, Mrs Buckie Thistle, Sandra Paterson.
“Sandra will be missed throughout the Highland League by the many friends she made along the way, especially by all those who have played for the Jags - "her boys" as she called them!
“Our thoughts go out to husband and former board member Allan, daughter Vicki, sons Shaun and Euan and all the family, many of whom have followed in her footsteps and made big contributions to the running of the club over the years.
“Rest in peace Sandra. Forever in our hearts.”
Buckie club historian Easton Thain added: “To me there is no doubt she should be regarded as one of the greatest ever folk to have served the club in its long, glorious history and one of the shining lights has gone.
“Sandra was the welcoming face at Victoria Park on match days and always engaged in friendly chat with fellow committee members or visitors alike and her half-time food was legendary.”