I will be with you: Hibernian FC, angles and a seat to sit in

Words: Laura Gates

Images: Laura Gates

Nestled in the vibrant city of Edinburgh lies the historic Hibernian Football Club, where passion for the beautiful game intertwines with tradition and community spirit. A match day at Easter Road is more than just 90 minutes of football; it's a celebration of culture, camaraderie, and unwavering support for the green and white.

When people think of Scottish football, the stories of Celtic and Rangers tend to be at the forefront, however, the Hibees themselves are a club with a rich and fascinating history.

The stirring chorus of Sunshine on Leith often reverberates throughout the stadium, a tribute to the club's roots in the Leith neighbourhood and a reminder of the deep connection between the team and its community.

Few things in football are as intertwined as certain songs and football clubs, and this is particularly true for Sunshine on Leith and Hibernian Football Club. The two have become forever synonymous, thanks to the poignant battle to save the club from near-extinction. The famous Proclaimers song was adopted by the Hibees during the Hands off Hibs campaign in 1990.

©Laura Gates/ Terrace Edition. Hibernian FC.

The then Heart of Midlothian owner, Wallace Mercer, was set to take over Hibernian and merge the two clubs together, an act that would’ve gone down as one of the most sinful in Scottish footballing history. However, fans rallied together for 40 days in the summer of 1990 in order to help save the club.

The rally was headlined by The Proclaimers and fans instantly adopted the anthem as their own. Many felt that Hibernian were fighting a losing battle up until the adoption of Sunshine on Leith.

Even years on, the anthem can be heard all around the ground, and even within the local community – especially after a derby day win. In 2018, it was voted the best football song in BBC Radio 6’s ‘Football Anthems World Cup’ and, at times, the post-match singing can be heard from the historic Arthur’s Seat.

So for those who bleed green and white, a match day at Easter Road is more than just a game; it's a cherished tradition, a source of joy, and a testament to the enduring power of football to unite and inspire. The club’s motto “persevere” encapsulates the community of Leith perfectly, uniting together in harmony to protect the club they love.

You can Laura on Twitter: @_laurag23 and Instagram: @lauragatesphoto

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