So, in which two historic Scottish sporting institutions is the man who helped broker Rangers takeover investing his own money?

The man who helped instigate the Rangers takeover deal is making a fresh investment in Scottish sport after striking deals with both Clyde FC and Kelso Rugby Club.

Dubai-based entrepreneur Andy Mason has pledged a five-figure sum to Kelso to help with operational costs including youth rugby, while his expertise in property and finance will be aimed at ending Clyde’s long-running stadium saga.

Mason was a prominent figure in helping to broker the blockbuster deal which saw the 49ers Enterprises take control of Rangers earlier this year.

Now turning his attention to two clubs which hold personal family links, he is confident that his investment will be to the benefit of two of the oldest institutions in Scottish sport.

Mason’s Dark data business will become a new corporate sponsor of Kelso for the next two years and the cash boost will be used to cover matchday costs whilst also promoting youth coaching.

Kelso is one of the oldest and most historic clubs in world rugby, producing players such as John Jeffrey, Alan Tait and Ross Ford over the years, as well as many others.

‘Kelso is really close to my heart,’ said Mason of the Premiership club. ‘Both as a town and as a rugby club, it means a lot to me. I love my rugby.

‘It has produced some brilliant players, not only for Scotland, but some who have even gone on to play for the British and Irish Lions.

‘I know the area well. I lived there for a long time. It’s a two-year deal with a five-figure sum going directly into the club operations.

‘I will open my contact book and see if I can raise a wee bit more money beyond what I have put in already, in a philanthropic capacity.

‘There’s so many other people out there who have connections to the likes of Gala, Hawick and Melrose. Scottish Rugby is important at home and internationally as a brand.

‘Hopefully this will encourage other entrepreneurs to do something similar with their own clubs because it seems obvious to me that money is an issue in Scottish club rugby.

‘It’s not about buying a stake in the club or getting anything in return. I’m doing it because I’m passionate about these clubs and passionate about Scottish sport.

‘I believe in investing in opportunities for young kids and giving them a chance. I know there will be other people out there who feel the same.’

The development of homegrown talent in Scottish rugby has become a major concern over recent years, with head coach Gregor Townsend having to rely on an increasing number of foreign-born players.

Townsend has spoken openly on this and has admitted that the pipeline of young talent needs to be addressed if Scotland are to compete against the top nations.

With his investment aimed at helping youth rugby in the wider Borders area, Mason continued: ‘Nurturing young talent in Scottish rugby is vital just now.

‘We have reached an incredible level under Gregor Townsend, but the talent pool of homegrown players is incredibly limited.

‘Whatever money trickles down to the clubs from the SRU, it’s pretty clear it’s not enough. More funding has to be key to more development.

‘You have to invest in the grassroots game to give kids a chance. Otherwise, how do you find the next Finn Russell or the next Gavin Hastings?

‘Over the past few years, Scotland have started to rely more and more on foreign-born players. Having two or three of them sprinkled through your team is fine. But where is the funding to allow the homegrown players to come through?

‘We need to do more to promote club rugby and encourage more youngsters to get out and play the sport. Ultimately, I want to try and help make that happen.’

Michael Lyall, a board member at Kelso RFC, said: ‘We are delighted to be working with DARK and Andy. Any new sponsor is welcome for the club.

‘You always need significant investment to keep improving the facilities and allow all of our players to flourish.’

Mason’s GHOST sports advisory firm has signed a consultancy deal with Clyde that is ultimately geared at finding a solution to long-running stadium issues.

Clyde relocated to New Douglas Park in Hamilton in May 2022 after being evicted from their previous home at Broadwood Stadium.

They also had a spell ground-sharing with Partick Thistle, having left their long-term home of Shawfield in Rutherglen back in 1986.

‘My family were involved with Clyde many years ago when my grandfather actually put some money into the club,’ said Mason.

‘My Dad is 90 now and he has been to see Clyde in three Scottish Cup finals, going all the way back to the 1950s.

‘My family were always Clyde fans. I went to Ibrox instead, but I always still had a soft spot for Clyde because of my family links to the club.

‘It’s a very historic club that means a lot to me and my family.

‘They have moved from ground to ground over the past 20-25 years or so. That’s not been easy for them or the fans.

‘It’s a community-owned club. They have a strategy to drive improvement of their revenues, and my expertise will support the real estate side of the business.

‘The club should be based in Glasgow. That’s where Clyde’s roots are. The long-term objective is to get them back there on a permanent basis and at the same time support and assist where possible on philanthropic investment.

‘Along with Kelso, it’s a philanthropic venture. With my contacts and connections to both clubs, I believe I can raise more money beyond this initial investment.’

Andrew Clark, an associate director at Clyde, said: ‘We are always looking for new ways to generate income and look forward to working closely with Andy and his team as they seek out fresh opportunities for the club.’