Date of Birth – 02/01/63
Height –
Weight –
Profession –
What made you become a referee?
After finishing football I took up refereeing to carry on enjoying the game.
Highlights so far?
Doing a couple of cup finals.
What do you enjoy about refereeing?
It keeps you fit and keeps you in touch with a lot of friends.
What was your first game?
County Division 2 in Caithness.
Your refereeing ambitions?
Just to carry on refereeing as long as I enjoy the game.
What was your most memorable game?
David Allan Cup Final between Swifts v Castleton.
What are your other hobbies & pastimes?
Indoor Bowls.
Any pet hates in football?
Bad language.
What is your favourite film?
What is your favourite drink?
Vodka and water.
What is your favourite band/singer?
What advice would you give to someone thinking of becoming a referee?
Enjoy your games and ignore the spectators.
Jim Lyon
Date of Birth – 06/07/69
Height –
Weight –
Profession – Head Teacher
What made you become a referee?
I was not good enough as a player. I played one season in a pub league as a sixteen year old and was not given a signing on form for the next season. I saw a small advert in the Dundee Courier about referee training restarting and I turned up to watch. Colin Sinclair ( Then Class 1 referee) encouraged me to join in and I’ve been refereeing ever since.
Highlights so far?
Senior Listed since 1993.
Scottish Cup Semi-Final – Inverness v Dundee 2002/03 season- Assistant Referee
Scottish Cup Final – Hearts v Gretna 2005/06 season- Assistant Referee
Over 180 Premier League Matches including 4 “Old Firm” matches
FIFA Assistant Referee for five seasons 2003-2008
40 European appointments including
Benfica v CSKA Moscow- Last 16 UEFA CUP 2005-06
N.Ireland v Germany, Czech Rep v Greece
Semi-Final UEFA U-19 Championship Finals 2003
What do you enjoy about refereeing?
Maintaining mental and physical fitness, working with a referee team, and seeing good play developing knowing that you are part of the game.
What was your first game?
Steakhouse B versus Marykirk in the Montrose and District Welfare League- 1986.
Your refereeing ambitions?
Have been very lucky to realise my ambitions and now wish to maintain enthusiasm and enjoyment and if I can help anyone else along the way that would be great.
What was your most memorable game?
Apart from Scottish Cup Final, Zenit St Petersburg v Sevilla in minus 15 temp and 1996 my first live tv match between St Johnstone and Partick Thistle.
What are your other hobbies & pastimes?
Play badminton against the Jannie at school.
Any pet hates in football?
When players use the derisory term, “Hey You!”
What is your favourite film?
Any Comedy film: can’t beat the old Monty Python films of Holy Grail and life of Brian. “Stir Crazy” with Gene Wilder and Richard Pryor is hilarious.
What is your favourite drink?
Since moving up to Highlands , I do enjoy a whisky ; Isle of Skye. More often than not I’m on coke and the occasional rose wine at meal times.
What is your favourite band/singer?
Billy Joel.
What advice would you give to someone thinking of becoming a referee?
Very rewarding if you are committed to it, work hard and listen to advice from your refereeing community. Try to develop a culture of self improvement and confidence to pick yourself up when you’ve had a bad game.
Billy Murray
Date of Birth – 04/12/55
Height –
Weight –
Profession -Document Control Manager
What made you become a referee?
My uncle was a referee and he persuaded me to follow in his footsteps.
Highlights so far?
13 years on the Senior List.
European Cup Winners Cup tie, FC Viking of Stavanger v FC Bruges of Belgium, in Norway.
Running the line in the Premier League.
2 North Qualifying Cup Finals as Fourth Official.
North of Scotland Cup Final line.
What do you enjoy about refereeing?
I enjoy being involved in the game of football. I did not quite make it as a player but my involvement as a referee has made up for it particularly at senior level.
What was your first game?
My first game was in 1980, can’t remember the teams.
Your refereeing ambitions?
To encourage and help our young officials to progress in the game.
What was your most memorable game?
European Cup Winners Cup tie, FC Viking of Stavanger v FC Bruges of Belgium, in Norway.
What are your other hobbies & pastimes?
Sport and taking our pet dog for a walk.
Any pet hates in football?
Grown men, 12 stone plus, falling about as if they have been shot, simulation and people in the ‘technical areas’ who think they know about football?
What is your favourite film?
The Alamo (John Wayne version).
What is your favourite drink?
Whisky particularly Glenfiddich.
What is your favourite band/singer?
Abba.
What advice would you give to someone thinking of becoming a referee?
To stick at it and don’t be put off by the behaviour of people they will come in contact with during their career.
Andy Grant
Date of Birth – 30/01/60
Height –
Weight –
Profession – Factory Worker
What made you become a referee?
Injury when I was 26.
Highlights so far?
Honestly too many to mention.
What do you enjoy about refereeing?
The craic amongst the boys, the lessons you learn about yourself and just enjoying my games.
What was your first game?
5-a-sides down in Kingussie with Mr Kidd and also my first game with Mr Bissett.
Your refereeing ambitions?
At my age none really. I would have liked to have done the Highland League line, but it was not to be.
What was your most memorable game?
Too many but all the cup finals I have done in the middle.
What are your other hobbies & pastimes?
I love golf and Boxing, but mostly Golf now.
Any pet hates in football?
Yes have to say it ALL THE PUNTERS who think they can do a better job than you, but when you indicate for them to take over they suddenly become very quiet. I wonder why?
What is your favourite film?
Too many to mention.
What is your favourite drink?
Lager.
What is your favourite band/singer?
Kings Of Leon, Bob Marley, Dire straits, The Police, Ub40, Snow Patrol etc.
What advice would you give to someone thinking of becoming a referee?
If you think you are good enough, Do it! Stick in and listen to your peers, but be your OWN man and stick by your decisions. The younger you do it the more chance you have of refereeing in the Premier League.
Colin Whyte
Date of Birth – 11/06/91
Height –
Weight –
Profession – Student/Part-time sales assistant
What made you become a referee?
Always been interested when I was 14 and when I hit 16 (Youngest age you can start) I just decided to go for it and best decision I’ve made.
Highlights so far?
Making new friends, being a part of some very competitive games and just simply refereeing.
What do you enjoy about refereeing?
Meeting other referees, keeping fit, sharing a pitch with talented players and exploring Scotland travelling to games.
What was your first game?
Culloden Academy U17’s Vs Charleston Academy U17’s.
Your refereeing ambitions?
To Have at least Refereed in UEFA but would love to Referee in at least one World Cup.
What was your most memorable game so far?
So far, Assistant for Friendly between Inverness CT FC Vs Elgin City FC.
What are your other hobbies & pastimes?
Keeping Fit and Playing Football.
What is your favourite film?
Hangover.
What is your favourite drink?
Not Really Fussed.
What is your favourite band/singer?
The Killers, Editors, Coldplay.
What advice would you give to someone thinking of becoming a referee?
Don’t think about it just do it, I started when I was 16 and have really enjoyed meeting and making new friends, feeling part of a team and Refereeing games. It doesn’t matter what age you start at, the benefits which you can get from refereeing are fantastic. Just contact your local Referee Association and who knows where it will take you and the great people who you will meet.
Bobby Urquhart
Date of Birth – 22/12/59
Height –
Weight – 11st
Profession – Building Contractor/Ambulance Technician
What made you become a referee?
Got my arm twisted by current referees! Also wanted to keep involved in Football after playing and managing teams in the past.
Highlights so far?
All games are a highlight be it good or bad. Assisting at the Mecca of Highland Football…Clach Park was a nice one for a few reasons…..
What do you enjoy about refereeing?
Getting out and meeting up with other Referees(craik can be good) also the teams and coaches. Youth Development can be good also as you will see some stars of the future(hopefully).
What was your first game?
Clach u19 v British Legion.
Your refereeing ambitions?
To keep enjoying it and see how far it takes me.
What was your most memorable game so far?
Merkinch v Pheonix (enough said!!)
What are your other hobbies & pastimes?
Spending time with my Wife and two Daughters, playing Football, Badminton and Darts.
What is your favourite film?
Goodfellas.
What is your favourite drink?
Stella and Malt Whiskies(any kind).
What is your favourite band/singer?
Bon Scott ex AC/DC.
What advice would you give to someone thinking of becoming a referee?
Go for it, you never know you might enjoy it!! Don’t just talk a good game put it in to action! Oh and be a bit thick skinned!!
Donald John MacLean
Date of Birth – 22/12/59
Height –
Weight – 11st
Profession – Building Contractor/Ambulance Technician
What made you become a referee?
Had to give up playing due to knee cartilage problems, became a team manager but did not enjoy it,still wanted to stay involved in the game, then became a referee in 1987 and loved it and have been doing it ever since.
Highlights so far?
Referee
Ross County v Lewis Select
Dundee v Westside
Scotland Amateur Select v Lewis Select
Highland Amateur Cup Semi Final Athletic V Back
Aberdeen Over 40 Select v Lewis Select.
Assistant Referee
With Kevin Bissett Aberdeen v Lewis Select
Highland Amateur Cup Final Ness v ?, Ross County Ground Dingwall, 1993
What do you enjoy about refereeing?
I just love being involved in the game.
What was your first game?
Ness v Athletic April 1987.
Your refereeing ambitions?
Would love to referee Highland Amateur Cup Final and referee game in the Highland League.
What was your most memorable game so far?
Ross County v Lewis Select, and Aberdeen v Lewis Select as they both brought up their full first team squads.
What are your other hobbies & pastimes?
My wife says refereeing and more refereeing.
What is your favourite film?
None.
What is your favourite drink?
None.
What is your favourite band/singer?
None.
What advice would you give to someone thinking of becoming a referee?
I would advise them that it is a very enjoyable role as long as they can remain strong and focused and not let player and spectators comments affect them.
Gavin Dearie
Date of Birth – 16/12/67
Height – 5ft 8 ins
Weight – 11st
Profession – Window Fabriator
What made you become a referee?
I always had an interest in refereeing, but as I was playing competitive football I never took my interest further. When I decided to stop playing I then decided to sit the course and here I am.
Highlights so far?
Every game at the moment is a Highlight but being an assistant in the Highland League is great.
What do you enjoy about refereeing?
The responsibility of the role is enjoyable and that you meet so many people who are actively involved in football. Also when you have a good game is pleasing but you can learn from mistakes that you possibly made during a game.
What was your first game?
My first game was a legendary fixture given to me by Mr Johnstone. Millburn u-15s V Inverness Royal Academy u-15s.
Your refereeing ambitions?
To get as far as I can in refereeing, but mainly to enjoy myself in the process and to stay fit and healthy.
What was your most memorable game so far?
Being an assistant in the Scottish Qualifying Cup tie between Wick and Inverurie Locos.
What are your other hobbies & pastimes?
My wife says refereeing and more refereeing.
Referees get a negative press, why do you do it?
Personal tolerance is important, but I also know that most people at matches do not know the laws of the game and how they are applied which in turn leads to bad press. With myself having played for many years at a semi-pro level even I was taught things I didn’t know at the classes.
What advice would you give to someone thinking of becoming a referee?
GO FOR IT! The opportunities for any young person who takes up refereeing are fantastic. Even at an older age you can still reap many benefits from refereeing. With SPL football in the area you can officiate in matches involving all the clubs at levels from u-13s through to u-19s at an early stage in refereeing (3 months in my case).For those that progress through the levels, who knows being in charge of an old firm game could be reached. In refereeing I believe it is up to the individual what they want to achieve through both ambition and ability.
Graham John
Date of Birth – 11/01/70
Height –
Weight –
Profession – Foreman for Highland Council in Caithness
What made you become a referee?
Loved playing football and wanted to put something back into the game.
Highlights so far?
Attending annual training camp and speaking with likes of High Dallas etc.
What do you enjoy about refereeing?
Making a difference, and being appreciated.
What was your first game?
Local derby Wick Groats v Wich Thistle.
Your refereeing ambitions?
To continue making the right decisions.
What was your most memorable game?
Last years Highland Amateur Cup Final.
What are your other hobbies & pastimes?
Can only be playing golf.
Any pet hates in football?
Attitude.
What is your favourite film?
Saving Private Ryan.
What is your favourite drink?
Vodka and Coke thanks very much.
What is your favourite band/singer?
All new romantic stuff, 80s great era.
What advice would you give to someone thinking of becoming a referee?
Take everything fired at you on the chin, and do the best job you could possibly can.
Gordon Hay
Date of Birth – 08/11/60
Height –
Weight –
Profession – Charttered Surveyor
What made you become a referee?
Too old to keep playing unfortunately and wanted to keep involved in the sport.
Highlights so far?
Refereeing the SPL Youth Development games and seeing the stars of the future.
What do you enjoy about refereeing?
Keeping fit and having running banter with the players.
What was your first game?
Inverness Street League.
Your refereeing ambitions?
Too old to progress further so happy to continue at existing level.
What was your most memorable game?
The first adult game I did. It was a Strathspey And Badenoch Welfare game and as a recently qualified referee it was a real eye-opener.
What are your other hobbies & pastimes?
Golf, hill walking and camping.
Any pet hates in football?
Shirt pulling, faking injury and players appealing for everything.
What is your favourite film?
Midnight Express.
What is your favourite drink?
Glayva.
What is your favourite band/singer?
Bruce Springsteen and Theory of a Deadman.
What advice would you give to someone thinking of becoming a referee?
Start as young as possible and be assertive on the pitch. And do not accept verbal abuse.
