Curry restaurant helps Scottish football’s newest league team face the heat

Promoted to the Scottish Football League for the first time in its history, Bonnyrigg Rose has been given another boost after award-winning restaurant The Radhuni renewed its sponsorship as part of a multi thousand pound package of support for local soccer clubs.

As the team prepared for its campaign in SFL Division 2, Chairman Charlie Kirkwood paid tribute to the Loanhead Indian-Bangladeshi restaurant’s cash injection.

“Radhuni’s support has been brilliant, especially as we face greatly increased costs as a result of our promotion,” he commented. “Our challenges are much different now we’re in the Scottish football mainstream.”

Bonnyrigg Rose was promoted to League 2 after winning the Lowland Football League in the 2021-2022 season and scoring a 4-0 aggregate win over Cowdenbeath in the play-off final.

Habibur Khan, Managing Partner of Radhuni which was voted Scotland’s Curry Restaurant of the Year in 2020 and 2021, said the whole Midlothian area was immensely proud of Bonnyrigg’s achievement.

“We’re pleased to be supporting the club for the third year in a row and wish them well in their campaigns,” he said. “We’re also looking forward to feeding the players, coaching staff and management to make sure they’re physically strong for their toughest programme to date.”

Charlie’s Kirkwood’s remarks were echoed by Mark Calder, committee member and spokesman for Whitehill Welfare FC at nearby Rosewell, which plays in the East of Scotland First Division.

“Radhuni is a big and loyal supporter of our club,” he said. “The restaurant’s donations have helped us make major improvements at our ground including installation of a new music and tannoy system, and upgrading showers in the changing rooms. It’s great to have such a consistent backer.”

Radhuni’s other beneficiaries include Penicuik Athletic and Loanhead Miners Amateur Football Club.

Habibur Khan added: “Although we’re nationally, and even internationally, known our heart is in our communities in and around Midlothian. We’re proud to be working side by side with clubs to help their development and successes.”