McTrusty added: "The investment allows us to strengthen every area of the club, from the first team to our infrastructure, academy and community work, while crucially protecting the values and identity that make Kelty Hearts what it is. "Retaining a meaningful local shareholding was essential to us and this partnership ensures the club remains rooted in the community while benefiting from new ideas, ambition and long-term support." The expert in multi-club ownership and women's football investment hoped to "build off the incredible success the club has had over the last 10 years". Having only formed in 1975, Kelty were a junior club until 2017, after which they swiftly rose up the senior ranks and won promotion to Scotland's third tier for the first time five years later. Gardner described it as "a proud, community-based club with a passionate fanbase" and he was looking forward to working in partnership with Kelty Hearts FC Members Ltd (former board members).

Source: BBC January 27, 2026 17:38 UTC