Scottish Conservative and Unionist MSP Jeremy Balfour has offered his congratulations to Heart of Midlothian Football Club on their 150th Anniversary.
He has recognised the many achievements of the club throughout their long history and commends all the work that Hearts does in the surrounding community.
Jeremy Balfour has submitted a Scottish Parliament motion at Holyrood congratulating Heart of Midlothian Football Club on this happy occasion which has already achieved cross-party support.
Lothian MSP Jeremy Balfour said: “I am happy to congratulate Heart of Midlothian football club on all they have achieved in their 150 year history.
“They have had amazing success across the sport, including winning the Scottish FA Cup eight times and the League Cup four times.
“Hearts also have a very positive impact on the community by having extensive youth initiatives to develop the next generation’s talent, as well as programmes for older people by the club’s football charity Big Hearts, to create community and remember good times.
“I would like to congratulate them again on a great 150 years, and to wish them more success in the future”
Motion Number: S6M-12120
Lodged By: Jeremy Balfour
Date Lodged: 08/02/2024
Title: Hearts' 150th Anniversary
Motion Text:
That the Parliament congratulates Heart of Midlothian Football Club on its 150th Anniversary; notes that the club is one of the oldest in Scotland, is well-beloved and has an extensive history and rich traditions; understands that Hearts played at The Meadows originally, with the first derby match being played there on Christmas Day in 1875; recognises that Hearts then moved around Edinburgh, before moving to Gorgie in 1881, and then settling in Tynecastle Park in 1886; acknowledges that, in November 1914, 16 Hearts players bravely enlisted to fight during the First World War, making them the first British team to sign up en masse, with seven tragically losing their lives in France; wishes to note the contributions of players such as John Robertson, Gary Mackay, and Rudi Skácel to what it sees as Hearts’ incredible legacy; commends the hard work of managers such as Tommy Walker, Robbie Neilson and Craig Levein, who helped to bring the club to victory many times; celebrates what it considers to be the very successful youth programmes in developing the next generation’s talent; praises the work of Big Hearts, the football charity that is affiliated with Heart of Midlothian Football Club, in its projects such as the Big Hearts’ reminiscence programme, which is aimed at helping older people to remember Hearts nostalgia from the past using archived pictures and themed memorabilia; acknowledges that Hearts football club has been crowned league champions in the top flight of Scottish football four times, in 1894-95, 1896-97, 1957-58 and 1959-60, has won the Premiership Cup four times, the Championship Cup three times, the Scottish FA Cup eight times, and the League Cup four times, and wishes Hearts success and all the best for the future.
