Tom Farmer, the Edinburgh businessman who founded the Kwik Fit garage chain, has died at the age of 84.

Farmer built Kwik Fit into the world’s biggest independent tyre and automotive chain — and sold it to Ford for around £1 billion in 1999.

Leith-born Farmer also owned a majority stake in Hibernian FC for about 28 years, selling his interest in the club in 2019.

He famously “saved” Hibs in 1990 when he bought the club amid a controversial attempt by former Hearts owner Wallace Mercer to “merge” the Scottish capital city’s two biggest soccer teams.

Farmer first opened a tyre business in 1964. He started Kwik Fit in 1971 and grew the firm to more than 2,000 locations in 18 countries.

A statement from his family said: “Sir Tom’s long and extensive career touched many aspects of Scottish and UK life.

“His business career is well documented, as was his commitment to philanthropy, his many public roles and his unwavering support and appreciation for the communities and people that he lived his life within …

“Sir Tom’s Roman Catholic faith was present throughout all areas of his life. He attended mass weekly in Edinburgh and enjoyed the friendship and company of many people with the Catholic community both here in Scotland and further afield …

“Sir Tom will be remembered by many for his deep commitment to his family, his work and his faith and for being at all times a proud Scotsman.”

A statement from Hibernian said: “Hibernian FC are devastated to hear of the passing of former owner Sir Tom Farmer, aged 84.

“Thank you for everything, Tom. Rest in peace.”

First Minister John Swinney said: “Very sorry to hear of the death of Sir Tom Farmer, an outstanding entrepreneur and such a generous individual to so many causes in Scotland.

“My respect condolences to his family.”