the remarkable story of peter craigmyle
Scotland’s greatest football referee
“the fearless aberdonian!”
The remarkable untold story of Peter Craigmyle, an Oldmeldrum lad who despite breaking both his legs went on to become Scotland’s greatest international football referee of the 20th century.
Uniquely, this publication features a selection of the most fascinating and newsworthy articles about Peter’s life and career as a topflight referee. Each has been curated from 60 years of unprecedented media coverage in the local, national, and international press to retell Peter’s amazing story.
Paperback - 277 pages
FREE POSTAGE & PACKING IN THE UK!
PLEASE ASK FOR INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING RATES
“A lifetime of soccer”
The original autobiography of Peter Craigmyle, first published in 1949 and now re-published and updated in 2023 by his great-nephew, Kevin R. Smith.
Paperback - 64 pages.
FREE POSTAGE & PACKING IN THE UK
PLEASE ASK FOR INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING RATES!
in aberdeen?
my book is now available from the aberdeen F.C. club shop at pittodrie stadium.
About peter
Peter Craigmyle [1894-1979], a lad from Oldmeldrum in Aberdeenshire, who, despite breaking both his legs in an industrial accident, went on to become the greatest referee in Scotland, and surely one of the most popular officials in the history of Scottish football.
It may have been a bygone era where a vastly different sporting culture and social values prevailed, but Peter was a truly unique and multi-talented character whose charisma and skills meant that he was revered and respected in everything that he did.
In an impressive and unparalleled top flight refereeing career spanning over 31 years he earned virtually every honour and accolade possible, officating at many cup finals as well as 33 international matches.
Although first and foremost a top-class football referee, Peter was also a shrewd and successful businessman, a champion bowler, a captivating lecturer, a tireless charity event and concert organiser, a popular vocalist, and an accomplished master of ceremonies.
Peter was constantly in the public eye, so much so, that his activities featured continuously in the local, national, and international press for over 60 years... literally thousands of references in fact.
Some of his refereeing achievements were true 'firsts' ...so do please read and discover the amazing stories behind the indefatigable Peter Craigmyle and how he shaped Scottish football and refereeing, on and off the field for nearly half a century.
Surely, the most popular and revered referee in the history of Scottish football!
SO WHY WAS peter craigmyle SO extraordinary?
Overcoming serious injury after suffering two broken legs, Peter went on to apply his unique personality to control matches with a flamboyant, but effective style of refereeing to become a football referee that was revered like no other. He gained further fame because:
Of his meteoric rise to fame - taking charge of his first Celtic v Rangers game in just his second season as a senior referee.
He was the first referee to have his own regular weekly radio programme.
He was the first referee to officiate at a game in a prison.
He was the first referee to travel by airplane to officiate at a game.
He was the first referee to officiate at two consecutive Scottish Cup Finals.
He was the first [and probably the only] referee to have his own personal trainer / masseur accompany him to games. [A service provided by 3 members of the same family for over 20 years].
He was the first British referee to officiate in Malta, and the Faroes.
He was only the second ever referee to publish an autobiography.
He was said to be the fittest and fastest of referees - training regularly at Pittodrie with Aberdeen F.C. players.
He only ever sent off two players in his career - 15 years apart and both from Celtic.
He was a trained professional vocalist, a 'keynote' speaker and lecturer, an accomplished compere, a champion bowler, and a master of ceremonies at boxing events.
His senior career spanned an astonishing 31 years - finally retiring at 56, surely the oldest top-level referee.
His unselfish dedication to charity and local communities, by regularly organising, compering, and participating as a vocalist in fund-raising concerts and other charity events.
And, it is said that he used the same whistle throughout his entire career!
Listen up.
In 1924 Peter became the first referee to host his own regular sports programme on the radio. A programme broadcast by the fledgling Aberdeen radio station 2BD. His weekly “Football Corner” enjoyed a prime evening slot for over a decade before the local station evolved into the BBC, who continued the broadcast from their famous Beechgrove studio in Aberdeen.
In 1947, in the twilight of his career, he was interviewed there for a 25-minute BBC Scotland radio programme entitled “The Whistler.”
Amazingly, the original soundtrack for that interview, languished unheard for over 75 years in the National Library of Scotland / BBC archives before being traced and acquired for the exclusive use of this website.
So, with sincere thanks to BBC Scotland for their cooperation and permission to reproduce the soundtrack, I am pleased to give you the opportunity to listen to the great man himself.
© Copyright BBC Scotland.
the author.
Gordon Mellis - a proud Aberdonian, a former referee, lifelong Dons supporter and avid football fan…. long since retired and living in the Scottish Borders. Now a freelance Technical Author and Publisher producing niche websites and publications - just like this book.
Contact the author
Tel: +44 (0)7 401 401 911
TD12 4NF, Scottish Borders
Scotland, UK
