A towering figure of Scottish enterprise
Sir Tom Farmer, the industrious founder of Kwik Fit and iconic Scottish entrepreneur, passed away at his Edinburgh home on Friday at the age of 84, his family announced. From humble beginnings in Leith to building one of the UK’s foremost automotive service chains, his life story spans innovation, philanthropy and a deep devotion to family and faith.
From Leith roots to garage empire
Born in 1940 as the youngest of seven siblings, Tom Farmer credited his family upbringing for instilling in him resilience and drive. “More than anything Sir Tom was a family man,” his relatives said in a statement on Saturday. “He frequently spoke of the love, care and attention bestowed upon him by being the youngest in such a large family.”
In 1971, he opened the first Kwik Fit garage with a simple mission: offer fast, reliable tyre-fitting and general vehicle maintenance. Through a combination of ambitious expansion and a focus on customer service, Kwik Fit grew from a single outlet into an international chain. By 1999, Sir Tom had negotiated a sale to the Ford Motor Company for £1 billion, marking one of the most lucrative exits in UK automotive history.
Boardroom roles and sports patronage
Beyond Kwik Fit, Sir Tom served as a director of MyTravel Group and Scottish Power, leveraging his business acumen to shape major public companies. His passion for football led him to acquire a majority stake in Hibernian Football Club in 1991. For 28 years, he stewarded the Edinburgh side through highs and lows, finally selling his interest in 2019 to US businessman Ron Gordon.
Hibernian FC paid tribute on its official X account, stating that “everyone at the club is devastated to hear of the passing of former owner Sir Tom Farmer, aged 84. Thank you for everything, Tom. Rest in peace.”
Honours, philanthropy and faith
Sir Tom’s contributions extended far beyond business. He was knighted in 1997 for services to the automotive industry and made Commander of the Royal Victorian Order in 2009 in recognition of his charitable work, notably as chairman of the board of trustees for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. He became the first Scot to receive the Andrew Carnegie Medal for philanthropy and was also honoured as a Knight Commander with Star of the Order of St Gregory the Great by the Roman Catholic Church.
His family emphasised his lifelong Catholic faith: “Sir Tom’s Roman Catholic faith was present throughout all areas of his life. He attended mass weekly in Edinburgh and enjoyed the friendship and company of many people within the Catholic community both here in Scotland and further afield.”
Legacy of leadership and generosity
- Entrepreneurial spirit – turning a single garage into an international aftermarket leader.
- Philanthropy – chairmanship of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and major charitable gifts.
- Recognition – knighthoods by the Crown and papal orders for service to industry and charity.
- Community impact – stewardship of Hibernian FC and support for local causes.
A post on Kwik Fit’s social media expressed that “Sir Tom will always be a towering figure in our industry. His entrepreneurship revolutionised the UK automotive aftermarket sector and built the foundations on which we stand today.” Despite ending his direct connection with the company more than two decades ago, his professional and personal qualities remain a guiding influence for many in the Kwik Fit team.
A devoted husband, father and uncle
In 1966, Tom married Anne after meeting at their local church. The couple remained together for 57 years until her passing in 2023. Sir Tom often spoke of Anne’s influence on his success, quipping in later years: “I married a girl like Anne.” They lived their whole married life in Edinburgh and are survived by their two children and four grandchildren. As the family noted, Sir Tom was “proud to be an uncle” to his numerous nieces and nephews, cherishing his role within a large extended clan.
Remembering a proud Scotsman
Sir Tom Farmer’s passing marks the end of an era for Scottish enterprise. His blend of business savvy, charitable commitment and steadfast faith shaped countless lives across Scotland and the wider UK. Though he has left this world, his legacy lives on—in the garages of Kwik Fit, the stands of Easter Road Stadium, and the inspired stories of entrepreneurs he mentored and motivated.
