Stephen King donates to Buckie Thistle as club tackles financial shortfall

Stephen King has made a donation to Buckie Thistle as the Highland League club works to address a financial shortfall. BBC Sport reported that interim president Daniel Farquhar thanked the author for supporting the fundraising campaign, but declined to reveal the size of his contribution.

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Farquhar told BBC Scotland the money would help cover player expenses and operating costs. He said the club’s monthly running costs were around £20,000 and substantially exceeded its income. Buckie had received approximately £55,000 in donations over the previous five or six weeks, while also examining spending for possible reductions.

The financial difficulties follow the departure of long-serving president Garry Farquhar, Daniel’s father, who stepped down for health reasons earlier this year. Daniel said the club had approached King for help. According to his account of the author’s response, King hoped his contribution would encourage other people to donate as well.

The relationship dates to 2020, when King included Buckie Thistle in If It Bleeds. The Press and Journal reported that he subsequently sent two signed copies to the club, with one raising £900 at auction during the coronavirus lockdown. The club retained the other copy. Its statement thanking King described this latest contribution as his second donation to Buckie.

Alongside that support, the club’s own fundraising appeal sets out a broader effort to change how it is financed following the loss of its president and main benefactor. Buckie says it is working with supporters, local businesses, the community and other partners to bring down costs and develop more dependable income, with a stronger community role in its future.

The club says proceeds from its GoFundMe campaign will provide working capital and help meet everyday expenses while those changes are developed. Contributions are voluntary, one-off donations and do not purchase membership, tickets or voting rights. Separate membership and sponsorship opportunities are planned. The appeal describes the objective as a club able to meet its expenses from its income, rather than simply surviving the immediate financial pressure.