AN Edinburgh licensee has become the first Scottish recipient of BT Sport’s Manager of the Month award for building strong ties with Hearts – despite his personal allegiance to cross-city rivals Hibs.
Kevin McGhee, who has run The Athletic Arms in Gorgie – a favourite with fans of the Jambos – for eight years, was presented with his trophy on Friday by Hearts captain Christophe Berra and BT Sport pundit John Hartson.
The pub, also known locally as The Diggers, sponsors several Hearts players and Kevin, whose uncle Alex McGhee used to play for Hibs, has held many fundraising events for the club in the bar.
Kevin said: “It is great for the pub and the team because we are used to seeing the style bars in town get the awards rather than a traditional pub with sport, like ours.”
BT Sport’s Bruce Cuthbert said the award recognises pubs that “make outstanding contributions to the communities they serve”.
