Hearts reveal new kit with MND Scotland logo

Heart of Midlothian has launched the new Umbro home kit for the 2021/22 season, with MND Scotland taking pride of place on the front of the jersey.  

Last month the Club announced an innovative two-year sponsorship deal with Dell Technologies that will see them promote and support MND Scotland throughout the 21/22 Season.  

As part of this new partnership, Dell Technologies funded the front of the home shirt on behalf of MND Scotland. Hearts will, in turn, make a contribution to MND Scotland and MND Association for every home shirt sold this season. 

The launch of the home kit coincides with our 40th anniversary celebrations and to mark the occasion the club invited Iain Macleod, son of MND Scotland’s founder, to the kit reveal.  

Iain’s father, John Macleod, was a huge Hearts supporter. When he was diagnosed with MND at the age of 33, there was no support, care or treatments available to him. 40 years ago, John, with the help of friends and family, founded the charity to help others living with the disease in Scotland.  

Iain, who lost his dad when he was 10 years old, said: “I don’t remember very much of Dad because I was so young when he passed away but I do remember the first and only match he ever took me to – Clydebank vs Hearts in 1982. I am an absolute Hearts fanatic because of my dad, and of course my three children are too.  

“When I found out about the partnership, I was very emotional. My children couldn’t believe it either. My eldest son was texting all his friends – “that’s my Granda’s charity”. 

“I just know how excited my dad would be if he was here to see this, and so proud that the charity he started has come so far. If we can just continue to knock on that door and unlock the key to a cure – hope is on the horizon.”   

Over the past year, the Club and its supporters have undertaken several fundraising activities on behalf of MND charities as a tribute to former captain, Marius Zaliukas, who tragically lost his fight to MND in 2020. 

Chief Executive Andrew McKinlay commented: 

“We are delighted to launch our stunning new home kit for the upcoming season and equally proud to see the MND Scotland logo front and centre.   

“The devastating loss of Marius Zaliukas was felt by everyone connected to Heart of Midlothian and we are pleased to be able to help raise awareness of the hugely important work undertaken by MND charities to support those living with MND in Scotland. 

“For every home shirt sold this season, the club will make a contribution to MND Scotland and MND Association. I am sure both players and Hearts supporters will take even greater pride in wearing the famous maroon jersey that promotes such a worthy cause.  

We are enormously grateful to Dell Technologies for their support of a partnership that has resonated so positively in the world of football and beyond.  This is the kind of sponsorship that clubs should aspire to.”  

Iain McWhirter, MND Scotland’s Interim Chief Executive, said: 

“We are so grateful to Hearts and Dell Technologies for their incredible support this season.   

“It feels like this partnership was meant to be. We couldn’t believe it when we realised the founder of our charity was a lifelong Hearts fan, so for this to coincide with our 40th anniversary is a wonderful way to remember how it all began.  

“We have come a long way in 40 years, but our fight isn’t over. All the money raised from shirt sales will provide life-changing support to families living with MND today, and fund more pioneering research to take us closer to a cure. ” 

The new home kit will is now available to buy at heartsdirect.co.uk and in the Hearts Clubstore at Tynecastle Park.