Tag: Myreside

Watsonian FC and Harviestoun Brewery announce Hastings 13 Lager honouring club legend Scott Hastings

***Credit should read Sandy Young/scottishphotographer.com***

Watsonian Football Club has announced the introduction of Hastings 13 Lager into the Myreside pavilion in partnership with longstanding sponsor and Scottish brewery Harviestoun Brewery in honour of the life and legacy of club icon Scott Hastings.

The partnership embeds Harviestoun into the fabric of matchday culture at Myreside while paying homage to Scott, a monumental figure in Scottish rugby who passed away earlier this year having served Watsonians, Scotland and the British & Irish Lions with distinction.

Harviestoun introduced Hastings 13 lager at the 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.

The official launch took place at Myreside before the opening home fixtures of the season, on Saturday September 5, when both the men’s and women’s 1st XVs were in action.

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.”

Scott’s 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.” 

PICTURED (top): Corey Hastings, Gavin Hastings, and Kerry-Anne Hastings

The Watsonian Football Club honours it’s legacy by celebrating over a century of it’s iconic kits

MEMBERS OLD AND NEW CAME TOGETHER TO SHARE MEMORIES OF THE CLUB’S HISTORY, INSPIRED BY MAROON AND WHITE STRIPES

As The Watsonian Football Club celebrates its 150th year, former players and current members came together at the Pavilion at Myreside, adorning variations of the club’s famous maroon and white kit.

With every kit telling a story and sparking memories both on and off the pitch, the opportunity was created for newer members to hear about the ‘Sonians’ that came before them, and for some of the club’s greats to be remembered for their contributions.

From recent triumphs like the Sarah Beaney Cup victories to the rich history of rugby legends who proudly wore the Watsonians crest, the significance of The Watsonian Football Club was brought to life through a remarkable collection of classic jerseys, many of which were rediscovered after years tucked away in attics and drawers. These kits serve as powerful reminders of the club’s lasting impact on generations of players and supporters over the past 150 years.

Marking its 150th year, The Watsonian Football Club is committed to reigniting and energising the community that has shaped its storied journey. A series of ongoing celebratory events and initiatives will complement the club’s on-field achievements, including four successful senior teams and a thriving youth section.

Through sharing their memories made in maroon and white, it quickly became clear that no matter where life has taken people, being part of The Watsonian Football Club is something that leaves a lasting impact.

With a framed shirt by his side, former Club Captain, John Macdonald, reflected on his time playing for Watsonians, saying: “This is all very nostalgic.

“I remember that at my peak, we were playing Melrose with a crowd of 7,500 watching. My sons still think I am winding them up when I bring it up, but they’ve seen some of the old footage. It was a different day, a different game, and obviously things move on, but it was a really golden period to be a part of the club.”

The game of rugby and the landscape of the sport in Scotland continue to be ever-changing, but The Watsonian Football Club has been able to enjoy its long history by adapting and growing with the game.

Notable ways that the club has done so in recent times include the introduction of Watsonian Women’s in the late 90s and success being enjoyed at the semi-professional level with the introduction of the now disbanded Super Series.

Kath Vass, a stalwart of Watsonians Women’s for 17 years, repping a stitched-together 2005 Watsonian Women’s kit, shared memories of success: “When we won the top league in Scottish women’s rugby, it was something truly special.

“Being able to bring the trophy here, to Myreside, is something that I will never forget. When I joined what was known as Watsonian Ladies in the year 2000, it was perfect.

“Having previously played elsewhere but living a stone’s throw away from Myreside, I was welcomed with open arms and immediately wowed by the community and professionalism of the club.”

Departing Club Captain and Super Series winner, Neil Irvine-Hess, reminisced on recent memories, adding: “Having played for Watsonians as a teen, I returned to the club in 2022 after a stint in the Borders.

“It was an honour to get asked to captain the Super Series team two years ago, and it’s something that I have taken seriously ever since. It is special and helps you appreciate the long history of the club.

“When I finish playing, I will look back with pride on my name being amongst so many great Watsonians players. The community at Watsonians is brilliant, from being dragged to the ground by the minis at a family day to winning the Super Series Championship, it is special to be part of The Watsonian Football Club’s history.”

With multiple Watsonians teams across different generations enjoying the highs of success and battling through tougher seasons, it has been important for the club to welcome players from across Edinburgh and further afield to sustain competitiveness and create a growing community.

By rediscovering the magic and the memories possessed by old stripes of maroon and white, The Watsonian Football Club continues to inspire its community to come together during its milestone 150th year.

With a full calendar of events planned in the lead-up to the 150th Gala Dinner in November, The Watsonian Football Club warmly invites past and present members to be part of this historic 2025 celebrations.

For more information on Watsonian Rugby Club, please visit:

 https://watsoniansrugby.com.