For 36 years, Victoria Park had a constant ray of sunshine, a baking legend, and a fiercely loyal fan known simply as ‘Mrs Buckie Thistle.’ Her dedication shaped a community, touched countless lives, and left an unforgettable legacy. What does it truly mean to be the heart of a club for decades?
The football community in the Highlands is mourning the profound loss of Sandra Paterson, affectionately and universally known as ‘Mrs Buckie Thistle,’ whose passing on Tuesday, August 26, has left a void in the hearts of many. For an extraordinary 36 years, Sandra dedicated her life to the Buckie Thistle football club, becoming its longest-serving committee member and a cherished volunteer, embodying the very spirit of grassroots Highland League Football.
Her journey with the Jags began modestly yet passionately in 1989, when she first volunteered alongside her equally committed aunt, Annie Jappy. Their initial contributions were centred around the bustling tea hut on match days, a vital hub where fans gathered, and the foundations of Sandra’s enduring commitment were laid within the vibrant atmosphere of Victoria Park.
As years turned into decades, Sandra’s role blossomed beyond the confines of the tea hut. She became renowned for her legendary baking, meticulously preparing cakes for every home game. These homemade treats quickly became a firm favourite among supporters, adding a unique, heartwarming touch to the matchday experience and further solidifying her place as a beloved Club Volunteer.
Sandra’s dedication was not limited to home ground duties. Her unwavering support for “her boys” extended to away games, where she was a familiar and encouraging presence, travelling on the team bus. This commitment highlighted her deep personal bond with the players and her fervent loyalty to the club, showcasing a level of devotion rarely seen.
In a heartfelt Community Tribute, Buckie Thistle officially acknowledged Sandra’s monumental impact, expressing profound sadness at her passing. The club lauded her “tremendous 36 years service,” affirming that her absence would be keenly felt not just within their ranks but “throughout the Highland League,” a testament to her widespread respect and influence.
The sorrow of her passing reverberates most deeply with her immediate family. Condolences have poured in for her husband Allan, himself a former Jags committee member, and their children Vicki, Shaun, and Euan. Their shared grief underscores the immense personal loss experienced by those closest to her, highlighting the personal touch Sandra brought to every interaction.
As her family eloquently put it, “We were lucky to call her our Mam, but she meant a lot to so many others. Our hearts are truly broken.” Sandra Paterson’s legacy as an unparalleled Club Volunteer, a cornerstone of the Buckie Thistle community, and a figure celebrated in Local Football News will forever be etched into the history of the club and the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing her.
