Kilmarnock FC sign Armed Forces Covenant

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Kilmarnock Football Club Signs Armed Forces Covenant in Ceremony Honouring Historic Ties and Local Heroes

Kilmarnock Football Club is proud to announce the formal signing of the Armed Forces Covenant, reaffirming its long-standing respect and support for the men and women who serve, or have served, in the British Armed Forces.

The poignant ceremony took place in the club’s 1869 Suite, attended by representatives of East Ayrshire Council, including Provost Claire Leitch, and several dignitaries from the Armed Forces community.

The event was hosted by Club Ambassador Raymond Montgomerie, who welcomed guests with a heartfelt tribute to the club’s enduring connection to the Armed Forces, dating back over a century.

“On behalf of all the directors and staff at Kilmarnock Football Club, I’d like to offer you a warm welcome to Rugby Park for this important occasion,” said Montgomerie. “Signing the Armed Forces Covenant is not just a formality – it’s a promise. A promise that this club will stand beside our Armed Forces community, not just in word but in action.”

Montgomerie spoke movingly about the club’s wartime legacy, recalling how Rugby Park was requisitioned by the government during WWII to serve as a munitions dump, and how the club gave a £1,000 interest-free loan to the war effort – eventually repaid, but never regretted.

“This club gave more than just players to the front lines,” he said. “We gave our ground, our resources, our support – and, sadly, we lost some of our own who played for this badge before fighting for their country. That history is not forgotten here. It’s part of who we are.”

A particularly emotional highlight of the day was the presentation of the Colonel’s Certificate, awarded by HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, to Jock Murdoch, a 99-year-old former Kilmarnock goalkeeper and one of only four surviving Scots Guardsmen from WWII. The award was presented by Eddie Edmonstone, Chairman of the Scots Guards Association, and Colin Downie in honour of Mr Murdoch’s exceptional service.

“Jock isn’t just a former Killie player – he’s a hero,” Montgomerie said. “At 99 years old, he represents a generation whose courage and resilience shaped our world. It was a true privilege to welcome him back to Rugby Park and to recognise his service.”

Guests then moved to the club’s Memorial Garden, established in 2021 to honour the former players killed in the World Wars. Rev James McNay, Club Chaplain, led a solemn service before returning to the 1869 Suite for the signing ceremony.

The official signing of the Armed Forces Covenant was conducted by Club Directors Billy Bowie, Phyllis Carroll, and Cathy Jamieson, signalling the club’s ongoing commitment to supporting veterans, reservists, and their families.

Councillor Jim Todd, East Ayrshire Council’s Armed Forces Champion and a Royal Navy veteran, emphasised the impact of the Covenant: “This is about recognition, respect, and responsibility. For far too long, our Armed Forces community served without expecting thanks. The Covenant changes that – and by signing it today, Kilmarnock FC shows what true community leadership looks like.”

Montgomerie closed the event with one final reflection: “We’re more than just a football club. We’re a part of this town’s fabric, and part of its legacy. That includes the proud tradition of service to our country. Today we reaffirm that we don’t forget – and we do care.”

Kilmarnock FC joins a growing number of organisations across Scotland and the UK who have signed the Armed Forces Covenant and is proud to stand with the forces community now and always.

ENDS