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Scottish Leader backs Tartan Army versus Estonian Select charity football match
Scottish Leader Blended Scotch Whisky has announced that it is to sponsor the charity football match between a Tartan Army Select and an Estonian Select, which will be played at Love Street, Paisley on Friday 4 November (kick off at 7.00pm).
The brand, which is the best selling whisky in Estonia, will thus ensure that fans from the two countries can re-unite and rekindle the spirit forged back in 1996 in Tallinn when, famously, the Estonian national team chose not to turn up for the scheduled match against the Scots.
Andrew Holmes, regional director of CL World Brands, commented: "We are absolutely delighted to be providing sponsorship for this event, and can assure spectators that the Estonian select team will turn up this time.
"With Scottish Leader's strong presence both in Scotland and Estonia, it was natural that we would offer support, and the fact that the money raised is to go to charities in the two countries made this all the more worthwhile.
"This will be a good-natured and enjoyable occasion, and we are very pleased to be providing the backing which will enable this to happen."
Iain Lawson, the Honorary Consul in Scotland for Estonia, also welcomed the sponsorship deal. "The financial support of Scottish Leader has been absolutely vital in allowing us to stage this match, and we are very grateful for their backing," he said.
"The Scottish-Estonian links post that country's independence started with a football match, so we are delighted that the friendships are being maintained in this highly appropriate manner and with an excellent sponsor," he continued.
A number of other sponsors have provided important help for the match. The Scottish Football Association and Diadora have supplied full Scottish kit for the Tartan Army squad, while the Estonian Football Association has done likewise for the Estonian team.
St Mirren Football Club have also lent invaluable support by providing the stadium on the night, as well as security and balls. Their backing means that this will be the first occasion that the Tartan Army will play in a top-grade Scottish stadium.
And Edinburgh consultancy Shaw Marketing and Design has provided support on the promotion of the match.
The majority of the Estonian team will come from the National Male Choir, who have been in strict training for the event and will be in Scotland touring during the Estonian Days in Scotland festival between 1 and 9 November. "It is unlikely that they will only sing when they're winning," commented Iain Lawson.