Buckie Thistle legend George Cowie has died aged 87.
The thriving football star had a stellar career with the club between 1953 and 1961 where he played a vital role in a major part of the club’s 125 year history.
The father-of-two had stints with Huntly FC, Fraserburgh and Stafford Rangers, and even trialled for Chelsea FC, Manchester United and Aberdeen.
He eventually became manager of Parkvale FC in 1975 and was at one point a scout for Dundee United.
In total, the sportsman collected 10 medals at Buckie Thistle, including three league championships, three Highland Cups, two north qualifying cups and two Aberdeenshire cups.
Mr Cowie donated his medals to the function room of Victoria Park in Buckie on its opening night.
Mark Duncan, former president of Buckie Thistle said that great gesture was typical of the man.
He added: “He was offered £2,000 or £3,000 for them but he decided to donate them to our hall so Highland League fans could see them for years to come.
“It’s quite an impressive display on the walls.
“To win three league championships is a major achievement.”
Mr Cowie was born in Aberdeen on May, 5 1928 and died on Thursday, December 17 2015.
He married June from Huntly in 1956 and they had two sons, Grant, 55, and Scott, 52.
June still lives at the family home in Aberdeen.
Mr Cowie is also survived by his six grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
His eldest son Grant said: “His life was packed with football, he loved it and it was his life.
“He worked a lot and Sunday was always the day when the family would get together.
“But once he retired, that was it for football.
“He spent all his time with his grandkids.
“He loved everyone to bits.”
Mr Duncan described him as a great character and a “Buckie legend”.
He said: “He would mingle and chat with the fans and they loved him. He was really outgoing.
“We loved meeting him and he came to a lot of matches as he loved and supported the club.
“I know he was delighted when we won the league champion again five years ago after a 52 year wait.
“We loved hearing his great stories from the old days when he played in the best team the club has ever had.”