Sir Tom Farmer, founder of the Kwik Fit garage chain and philanthropist, has died aged 84 at his home in Edinburgh. Tributes have poured in from across Scotland, with First Minister John Swinney describing Sir Tom as “an outstanding entrepreneur and such a generous individual to so many causes in Scotland”. A prominent business figure, Sir Tom also held directorial roles at MyTravel Group and Scottish Power, and owned a majority stake in Hibernian Football Club for nearly three decades.
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Born in Leith in 1940, Sir Tom was the youngest of seven siblings and often spoke fondly of the affection he received growing up in a large Catholic family. He launched Kwik Fit in 1971, transforming it into an international chain before selling it to Ford in 1999 for £1 billion. He was knighted in 1997 for his services to the motor industry and honoured by both the Royal Family and the Catholic Church for his extensive charitable work, including his role with the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.
The Farmer family shared a statement expressing that “more than anything, Sir Tom was a family man”, recalling his 57-year marriage to Anne, who passed away in 2023. They described his faith as a guiding force throughout his life and emphasised his commitment to his local church and community. His relatives said he often credited Anne for his success, stating: “In later years when asked about the secret to his success, he would often say it was because he ‘married a girl like Anne.’”
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Tributes have also come from the business and sporting worlds. Kwik Fit issued a statement calling Sir Tom “a towering figure in our industry”, whose legacy continues to shape the company today. Hibernian FC, the club he helped save from financial ruin, expressed their sorrow on social media, thanking him for his contributions. As a proud Scotsman and man of deep faith, Sir Tom Farmer will be remembered for his lasting impact on business, sport, and community life across Scotland and beyond.
