How author Stephen King is helping keep Highland League side going

What the report says

Buckie Thistle, a Highland League football club in Moray, have thanked author Stephen King for making a donation to help a fundraising drive aimed at protecting the club’s future. BBC Sport Scotland reports that the relationship between the novelist and the team began six years ago, when King included Buckie Thistle in his book If It Bleeds and later donated copies of the novel to the club.

The latest contribution comes as Buckie Thistle try to manage a difficult financial position. Interim president Daniel Farquhar said the donation was a welcome boost for day-to-day needs such as player costs and running expenses, though he did not reveal the amount. He also said the club had encouraged further support from the public and hoped the gesture would prompt others to contribute.

BBC Sport notes that Buckie Thistle were in the spotlight earlier in 2024 when they played Celtic in the Scottish Cup, losing 5-0. The club has also been dealing with the departure of long-serving president Garry Farquhar for health reasons, while staff work to reduce spending and raise enough money to cover monthly operating costs. The reported donation adds to several recent gifts as the club attempts to stabilise its finances.