Scots football fan dies during match as tributes paid to 'true gentleman'
Peter Gow, 65, passed away after falling ill while watching his beloved Nairn County take on Brechin City on Saturday.
Tributes have been paid to a "true gentleman" who died during a football match at the weekend.
Peter Gow, 65, passed away after falling ill while watching his beloved Nairn County take on Brechin City on Saturday. The Highland League match at Station Park was abandoned at half time as medics raced to his aid.
Sadly, despite the best efforts of everyone involved, Peter died at the scene. Peter was a much-loved member of the local community who played shinty in her younger years and tributes have flooded in following the devastating news.
Paying tribute to the well-known fan, Nairn County FC chairman Kevin Reid said: "Everyone at the club is devastated at the sad passing of Peter Gow.
"Saturday was a difficult day for the Nairn County family, as we tragically lost Peter. He was a huge supporter of the club, a previous Nairn County Fan of the Year winner, and long-time sponsor for not just the first team, but our youth teams as well.
"As a club, our thoughts are with both Dot and Peter’s family, and we are all here to offer any help to them during this sad time."
Peter played for a number of clubs, including Caberfeidh Shinty Club. He went on to win a North Division 4 winners’ medal in 1981 before moving to Lochaber Camanachd Club. He also served as a player, coach, committee member and president at Inverness Shinty Club.
Kevin added: "I’m sure there are very few around the club who didn’t know Peter and his wife, Dot. They attended the majority of games, both home and away, with the occasional exception, usually because Peter was attending a major game of his other sporting love, shinty. A sport that he was equally passionate about, and where he will be greatly missed across the entire shinty community.
"We would like to thank the emergency services and medically qualified supporters for their heroic efforts to assist Peter in his time of need, as well as the supporters and management teams of both Brechin City and Nairn County for their empathy and understanding during this most difficult day. We will miss you, Peter."
Roddy Gillies, who played shinty alongside Peter during their time at Inverness, added: "Heartfelt condolences to family and friends of Peter Gow at this sad time. Got to know Peter when he joined Inverness Shinty Club where we played together for years.
"A true gentleman on an off the pitch. Became a Legend with Inverness and the many posts he held with the club through out the years. Always loved a chat. Taken far too soon. R.I.P. Peter Gow. God bless."
A spokesperson for Fort William Shinty Club added: "All at the club were devastated to hear about the untimely passing of Peter Gow. Peter was the perfect gentleman and would always welcome you with a smile and open arms wherever you met up with him.
"He was a shinty man at heart and few did as much for the game as Peter over the years be it playing, committee member or sponsor. His loss is immense but his legacy will continue. Everyone at the club would like to pass on our sincere condolences to his wife Dot and his extended family at this time. RIP Peter."