One of the largest private sports memorabilia collections in Scotland is set to go under the hammer in a major charity auction launching this week.
John Horne, Managing Director of JR Scaffold – part of the JR Group – is parting with more than 130 prized items from his personal collection to raise funds for two causes close to his heart.
The move marks the 30th anniversary of his business, which he started in 1995 – the same year he began collecting memorabilia. What began with a few signed football shirts from charity events has since grown into a remarkable collection featuring some of the biggest names in global sport.
The collection is now being auctioned in aid of the Emmie Smillie Foundation and MND Scotland.
Among the standout lots are signed shirts from Graeme Souness, Ronaldo, Brian Laudrup and Lionel Messi, as well as autographed photos of Diego Maradona, Peter Shilton and George Best. Items signed by Muhammad Ali, Tiger Woods and Masters champions also feature in the auction.
Horne said: “This journey started with Old Firm memorabilia and a desire to support good causes. Over the years, I’ve been lucky to acquire pieces from some of the biggest names in sport. Every item holds a story, a moment, a memory, and while it’s emotional to part with them, this feels like the right time.”
He added that the auction is not just about raising money, but about honouring the people who helped him and his business over the years.
“The auction will raise funds for the Emmie Smillie Foundation, in memory of a wonderful young girl whose father, Andy, helped us start our company. We’re also supporting MND Scotland in tribute to Aaron Souttar. His parents, Jack and Heather, are dear friends.”
The auction, run by Blue Parrot Events Group via their Event PAL platform, will take place online for two weeks from Monday, 30 June.
To view the items and place a bid, visit: weareeventpal.com/jrgroup – donations to the charities can also be made directly via the site.
