Sir Tom Farmer, founder of Kwik Fit, dies aged 84

Sir Tom Farmer, the founder of the Kwik Fit, has died at the age of 84, his family have said.

The Edinburgh-born businessman died peacefully at his home in the city on Friday, May 9.

Born in Leith, Sir Tom built the Kwik Fit garage chain in 1971 and turned it into the world’s biggest independent tyre and automotive chain, operating through more than 2,300 locations in the UK and Europe, before selling it to Ford for £1bn in 1999.

He also owned a majority stake in Hibernian FC for more than 20 years, selling his interest in the club in 2019.

One of Scotland’s leading and most highly respected entrepreneurs, in 1997 he was knighted by the Queen and also received the highest accolade possible from Pope John Paul II when he was made Knight Commander with Star of the Order of St Gregory the Great.

In 2006, he was the first Scot to be awarded the prestigious Andrew Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy.

In a statement, his family said: “The family of Sir Tom Farmer are deeply saddened to announce his death at the age of 84. Sir Tom died peacefully at home in Edinburgh on Friday May 9th.

“Sir Tom’s long and extensive career touched many aspects of Scottish and UK life. His business career is well documented, as was his commitment to philanthropy, his many public roles and his unwavering support and appreciation for the communities and people that he lived his life within.

“More than anything Sir Tom was a family man. Born in Leith, Edinburgh, in 1940 he was the youngest of seven children. He frequently spoke of the love, care and attention that was bestowed upon him by being the youngest in such a large family. Leith provided a wonderfully supportive environment for him growing up as a child and he retained a lifelong affection and connection to the area.

“Along with his three sisters and three brothers, the siblings formed strong bonds from a young age that they continued to enjoy and cherish throughout their lives. Sir Tom had many nieces and nephews to whom he was proud to be an Uncle to them and their families.

“In 1966 Sir Tom married his dearly beloved wife, Anne. They met at their local church, St Mary, Star of the Sea, and were married for 57 years up until her death in 2023. In later years, when asked about the secret to his success he would often say it was because he “married a girl like Anne.” They lived their whole married life in Edinburgh and are survived by their two children and four grandchildren.

“Sir Tom’s Roman Catholic faith was present throughout all areas of his life. He attended mass weekly in Edinburgh and enjoyed the friendship and company of many people with the Catholic community both here in Scotland and further afield.

“Sir Tom will be remembered by many for his deep commitment to his family, his work and his faith and for being at all times a proud Scotsman.”

First Minister John Swinney paid tribute, saying: “Very sorry to hear of the death of Sir Tom Farmer, an outstanding entrepreneur and such a generous individual to so many causes in Scotland. My respect condolences to his family.”

Hibs paid tribute in a post on X, saying: “Hibernian FC are devastated to hear of the passing of former owner Sir Tom Farmer, aged 84.

“Thank you for everything, Tom. Rest in peace.”