Baxter the Bridie

The new Forfar Athletic Bridie now has a name – Baxter.  This name was chosen by Ross Milne, who will shortly turn 9, from Kirriemuir who fended off competition from almost 100 other entries.

Ross with Baxter the Bridie

The naming competition ran for a month with entries posted in special Bridie Boxes in the town’s bakeries.  The club was delighted that the competition proved so popular with 96 entries from children ranging in age from 2 to 12 with a collection of wonderful suggestions from all over the local area.

Popular themes for names were related to the bridies – pastry (flaky or shortcrust!), fillings (beef, onions and mince) and the local area and the club (Angus and Loonie).  There were also a few suggestions – no doubt influenced by parents and grandparents - based on former Loons legends Seagull, Brashie and Ian McPhee /TC making into the mix.

After much deliberation by the judges, Morna Saddler and Karen Murray of McLarens they made the difficult decision about the name.  Ross was the only one to choose the name, Baxter, and the judges felt it suited the Bridie as well as being the Old Scots and Anglo Saxon word for a ‘baker’.

The winning name was announced at a special event held at Station Park on Friday 24 June with manager Gary Bollan and first team players and officials joining over 100 supporters at Station Park. The club’s main sponsor, Orchard Timber Products, were represented by Managing Director Scott McKinlay.

Baxter with players, management and Scott McKinlay of club's main sponsor Orchard Timber Products

Ross was at the event but his prize winning entry came as a surprise to him because his parents, Gordon and Vicky, kept it a secret from him until the announcement on the night.

The mascot was made possible through the fantastic sponsorship of local bakers, McLaren & Son and Saddler’s of Forfar and it will make appearances at home games and other special events in the town.  

Ross was presented by Morna and Karen with a voucher entitling him to be the team mascot for a first team home fixture in the coming season which comes with the additional prize of home replica kit.

Karen Murray of McLaren & Son, Ross, Baxter the Bridie and Morna Saddler of Saddler's of Forfar

Congratulations to Ross from everyone at the club and welcome to Station Park, Baxter the Bridie.