Football and shinty representatives pay tribute to man who died while watching football game between Nairn County and Brechin City
SPORTS clubs throughout the Highlands have paid tribute to a man who died while watching a football match on Saturday afternoon.
Peter Gow (65) passed away after falling ill whilst in attendance at the Highland League match between Nairn County and Brechin City at Station Park.
Emergency services were called to the stadium after Mr Gow had fallen ill in the ground and the match was abandoned at half time.
Police Scotland confirmed that Mr Gow died at the scene.
They said: “Around 4.10pm on Saturday, we were called to Balblair Road in Nairn following a medical emergency.
“A 65-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene.
“There do not appear to be any suspicious circumstances and a report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.”
Nairn County chairman Kevin Reid paid tribute to Mr Gow, who was a partner at Utility Warehouse, for the support he gave the club throughout his life.
Mr Reid said: “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.
“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.”
Mr Gow was also a big shinty fan and officials and clubs from the sport paid tribute for his contribution and support to the game.
He supported women’s shinty and was the very first sponsor of the Valerie Fraser Camanachd Cup in 2002 which he supported through to 2017, when he became the Player of the Match sponsor for both the Valerie Fraser and Challenge Cups. He supported the women’s game for over two decades.
The Women’s Camanachd Association paid tribute to Mr Gow saying: “His generosity, commitment, and love for the sport have left an enduring legacy that we will never forget.
“Cup Finals Day will never be the same without Peter — always immaculately dressed in his suit, which he proudly said was “for special occasions like days like today.
“His passion for the game shone through in every conversation, and he never hesitated to share just how much he loved women’s shinty.
“Cup Finals Day was one of the highlights of his year, and it was only fitting that he received a standing ovation at this year’s players’ reception from all four teams, following a moving speech that so perfectly captured his passion and pride for our game, there was not a dry eye left in the marquee.
“Peter was a true gentleman — kind, warm, and full of genuine care for those around him. His presence brought joy and encouragement wherever he went.”
Strathpeffer outfit Caberfeidh Shinty Club also paid tribute to Gow who he had played for during his younger days.
They said: “Peter was introduced to the Cabers by the late Andy Davidson and won a North Division Four winners medal in 1981. Following a spell back with his home club Lochaber Camanachd Club , Peter moved to Inverness Shinty Club where he served as a player, coach ,committee member and president.
“Peter was a frequent visitor to Castle Leod and enjoyed getting the craic with his former teammates.”
Inverness Shinty Club also paid tribute to Mr Gow on social media saying: “As a club, Inverness Shinty Club and so many players and supporters will always be Indebted to the enormous contribution that Peter gave to the club over many years of hard work and dedicated service.
“In just about every role possible including player, coach, committee member and finally president from 1986-2016.
“Peter was always encouraging the younger players, welcoming visitors and tourists from all over the world and by always, we do mean always waving to the open top tourist bus that passed the Bught.”