Lifelong football fan from East Kilbride walked out with Scottish Cup Final officials as Specsavers celebrates Football Memories

A lifelong Scottish football fan took centre stage at Barclays Hampden on Saturday as he walked out with the match officials ahead of the Scottish Gas Men’s Scottish Cup Final.

Celtic supporter Des Garrity, 76, from East Kilbride was invited to take part as a referee mascot through Football Memories Scotland, with support from Specsavers.

Des accompanied referee Steven McLean and assistant referees Frank Connor and Scott Anderson out of the tunnel and onto the pitch before kick-off at the national stadium.

The Barclays Hampden walk-out was created to shine a light on Football Memories Scotland, a Scottish Football Museum project run in partnership with Alzheimer Scotland, which uses football memories, images and memorabilia to support people living with memory loss conditions, including dementia, as well as those experiencing loneliness and social isolation.

With nearly 600 groups across the country, Football Memories brings people together through their shared love of the game, celebrating Scotland’s footballing history and helping spark stories, conversation and connection.

For Des, the chance to step out at Barclays Hampden on Scottish Gas Men’s Scottish Cup Final day was a fitting celebration of the role football has played throughout his life.

Des, a devoted Celtic supporter, attends the Hampden Football Memories group. With his wife living with dementia in a care home, the group has helped him feel less isolated and given him the chance to reminisce with people who share his passion for football.

For the third season in a row, Specsavers, the Official Eye and Ear Care Partner of the Scottish FA, has supported Football Memories by helping bring football legends like Darren Jackson and Gary McAllister, retired referees and new memorabilia to groups across Scotland, using the power of the game to spark stories, conversation and connection.

Robert Craig, Chair of the Scottish Football Museum, said: ‘It was wonderful to conclude our journey with Specsavers for the season with such a special moment at Barclays Hampden.

‘For many of our participants, football has been part of their identity for decades. Seeing Des walk out with the match officials at the Scottish Gas Men’s Scottish Cup Final was a powerful celebration of that lifelong connection to the game.

‘The spotlight Specsavers has helped cast on our work continues to demonstrate the real impact Football Memories has across Scotland, and their continued support is invaluable in allowing us to deliver these sessions for people living with memory loss or isolation.’

Laura Baird, Scotland Divisional Chair for Specsavers, added: ‘Specsavers is proud to have supported Football Memories for a third season and to help bring these special moments to communities across Scotland.

‘Seeing Des walk out onto the Hampden turf was incredibly moving and a reminder of what Football Memories is all about - connection, confidence and the lifelong role football plays in people’s lives.’

Specsavers renewed its sponsorship deal with the Scottish FA in 2024, becoming the Official Eye and Ear Care Partner and extending one of the longest-running partnerships in sport.

The agreement runs through to 2028 and includes continued support for referee training and development, as well as raising awareness of grassroots and local football across the country.