Watsonians raises glass to rugby legend

A Scottish rugby club has teamed up with a longstanding brewery partner to launch a lager honouring one of its most celebrated former players.

Edinburgh-based Watsonian Football Club has introduced Hastings 13 Lager at its Myreside pavilion in partnership with Scottish brewer Harviestoun Brewery.

The lager honours the life and legacy of Scott Hastings, the former Scotland and British & Irish Lions centre who died earlier this year.

Hastings represented Watsonians during a distinguished career and was part of Scotland’s 1990 Grand Slam-winning side alongside his brother Gavin.

Harviestoun initially introduced Hastings 13 at a recent celebration of Scott’s life in collaboration with pavilion operator Heart of Midlothian.

It has now been introduced at Myreside as part of a wider sponsorship agreement between the brewery and Watsonians, supporting the club’s continued growth.

The official launch took place ahead of the opening home fixtures of the season on September 5, when both Watsonians’ men’s and women’s first teams were in action.

Gavin, the former Watsonians, Scotland and British and & Irish Lions captain, said: “Our family’s connection to Myreside runs incredibly deep and as a tireless champion of the club both on and off the field. 

“I’m sure he would be very proud that our name will continue to be associated with celebration at Myreside, but also the future welfare of the club.

“When Harviestoun stepped up to work with Heart of Midlothian and created the Hastings 13 lager for Scott's celebration of life, it meant a great deal to our family. 

“Bringing this tribute permanently into the clubhouse alongside Harviestoun’s wider support is a wonderful way to connect our family, the club, and Scott’s legacy.”

Andrew McKnight, of Harviestoun Brewery, added: “It’s a real privilege to continue partnering with Watsonian FC and work alongside the Hastings family. 

“Crafting the Hastings 13 beer to commemorate Scott was a deeply meaningful project for our team. 

“We are proud to recognise the club’s past, whilst supporting the club’s future across both the men’s and women’s games, while honouring one of Scottish rugby's true greats.” 

Founded in 1875, Watsonian Football Club has produced more than 70 Scotland internationals during its history, including Grand Slam winners David Johnston, Euan Kennedy and brothers Gavin and Scott Hastings.

The club now operates men’s, women’s and youth sections from its Myreside home.

Pictured, raising a glass of Hastings 13 Lager, are, from left to right, John McLellan, president of Watsonians; Andrew McKnight, chief executive of Harviestoun; Gavin Hastings; and Graeme Pacitti, hospitality and hotel operations director at Heart of Midlothian FC

John McLellan, president of Watsonian Football Club, added: “Scott Hastings represented the very best of what it means to be a Watsonian and as a hugely influential character who was the life and soul of any party I’m sure he would have loved the idea of raising a glass of his own beer to the club’s future.

“Harviestoun is one of our longest-serving and most important sponsors, and the club is privileged to work with them to embed the brewery into Myreside history. 

“Having the Hastings 13 tap permanently on the bar gives our members, players, and supporters a meaningful way to celebrate Scott’s memory and spirit every single matchday.”

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