Stephen King donation boosts Buckie Thistle survival fundraiser

Stephen King has donated to a fundraising campaign aimed at securing Buckie Thistle’s future, giving the Highland League club support as it works through financial difficulties. BBC Sport reported that the horror author responded after the club contacted him, extending a connection that began with a mention of the team in one of his books.

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Interim president Daniel Farquhar told BBC Scotland that the club would not reveal the size of King’s contribution. He said the money would help cover player expenses and the costs of running the club. Farquhar also described an email from King expressing hope that his donation would encourage other people to contribute to the appeal.

The financial pressures extend beyond the latest donation. Farquhar said Buckie’s operating costs were approximately £20,000 a month and substantially exceeded the income currently coming in. The club is reviewing its spending and trying to reduce expenditure. That work is taking place alongside the fundraising effort, with Farquhar reporting around £55,000 in donations over the preceding five or six weeks.

Buckie have struggled financially since long-serving president Garry Farquhar stepped down earlier this year for health reasons, according to the BBC report. His son Daniel is now serving as interim president and outlined both the scale of the monthly costs and the response to the appeal. He expressed gratitude for King’s involvement while also hoping it would prompt further support from others.

The relationship with the American novelist dates back six years, when Buckie Thistle appeared in If It Bleeds. King subsequently donated two copies of the book to the Moray club, which auctioned one of them. His latest contribution therefore follows an earlier gesture of support, although the club has kept the value of the new gift private rather than announcing an individual donation figure.

Buckie also attracted wider attention in early 2024 when they faced Celtic in the Scottish Cup, losing 5-0 in Glasgow. The current appeal centres on the club’s finances: bringing in donations while examining how to lower running costs. King’s contribution adds to that effort, with Farquhar saying it will help the club meet expenses as the fundraising campaign continues.