Fernieside will forever be in debt to Hunter

The passing of Bernard Hunter, the man who literally illuminated Edinburgh, was mourned earlier this month by many, not least the hundreds of young footballers in the south of the Capital who will continue to reap the benefit of his generosity.

Hunter, whose eponymous crane hire business gifts the installation of the Mound's Christmas tree to the city each year, was born and raised in Seafield but dedicated much of his life to helping the community that surrounds his home and business in Gilmerton.

Through the business he took over from his father in 1971 aged 23 and helped to grow, he amassed a vast fortune, much of which was donated to community projects, including Fernieside Football Club.

Fernieside was formed in 1989 and ran three teams at various age groups until 1995, when Hunter stepped in to offer financial assistance.

"Our club had ambitions to progress," said club chairman, Robert Ure. "Because Bernard had dedicated his life to helping others, he agreed to support the club. We have grown from having three teams to 11.

"We took the youth teams to tournaments all over Europe, and these were treasured by all who attended. Bernard was instrumental in assisting us to achieve the dreams of our club members and their families.

"We visited Bernard regularly to update him on our club's progress and to share with him how his support was being valued and used. We were always met with the question, 'What do you need?'. This was typical of his commitment to supporting our club and providing local children with as many opportunities as possible."

Hunter died suddenly of a heart attack earlier this month aged 62, but had only two months ago been the special guest at Fernieside's annual fun day that brings together the players of all 11 of the club's teams and their friends and family.

"This year was special as it's the club's 21st anniversary and Bernard agreed to be our guest of honour and to present the awards," recalls Mr Ure. "Over 200 people attended the fun day and it was a fitting tribute from our club to Bernard."

Hunter went on to become a successful stock car racer and Formula 3 driver. Upon expanding the family business, his philanthropy knew no bounds, and the fantastic facilities now used by hundreds of footballers each season at Gilmerton Park are testament to his giving nature. Fernieside is now the proud owner of an SFA Quality Mark in recognition of the facilities developed with his help.

Club secretary Stewart Laird said: "We couldn't have done half the things we've done since 1995 without his help. Hunter will be immortalised by the Fernieside's Bernard Hunter Sports Centre, built and named as such in 2008 as one of the few all-weather sports surfaces in the city.

"We took the youth teams to tournaments all over Europe, and these were treasured by all who attended" robert ure