Former FIFA Referee, UEFA Official, Chairman of Brechin Tindal Oatts & Recipient of the Bells’ Lifetime Achievement Award

Willie Young is a highly respected Scottish lawyer, former international football referee and accomplished after dinner speaker, celebrated for a career that has combined leadership in both the legal profession and elite sport. Best known for officiating more than 1,300 football matches across a 25 year refereeing career, Willie reached the highest levels of the game as a FIFA-listed referee and UEFA official. Alongside his sporting achievements, he enjoyed a distinguished legal career as Managing Partner of Tindal Oatts & Rodger and later Chairman of Brechin Tindal Oatts. Willie established a reputation for professionalism, integrity and leadership that has defined his remarkable career.

After completing his legal studies at the University of Glasgow, Willie began his professional career as an Apprentice Solicitor at Tindal Oatts & Rodger. His commitment and expertise saw him rise through the ranks to become Managing Partner of the firm in 1993 before later serving as Chairman of Brechin Tindal Oatts until his retirement. Running parallel with his legal career was his extraordinary success in football officiating. Over 15 seasons as a top-level referee, Willie officiated at some of Scottish football’s most prestigious fixtures, including the Scottish Cup Final, Scottish League Cup Final, Scottish Junior Cup Final and Scottish Women’s FA Cup Final. A Class One Scottish Football Association official, he was also appointed to the FIFA list of international referees, taking charge of 71 European and world matches across 27 countries. Among the highlights of his officiating career was serving as Fourth Official at the 1999 UEFA Cup Final in Moscow. Today, Willie remains heavily involved in football as Chairman of the Scottish FA Referee Committee and as a UEFA Referee Observer.

In recognition of his outstanding contribution to football, Willie was presented with the Bells’ Lifetime Achievement Award in 2005 upon retiring from refereeing. His unique career spanning law, sport and leadership has made him a highly regarded figure within Scottish professional circles. Beyond football and law, Willie is an enthusiastic golfer with more than five decades of involvement in the sport and holds memberships at East Renfrewshire and Western Gailes Golf Club. He also has a longstanding passion for the works of Robert Burns, inspired by family tradition, and has delivered speeches at dozens of Burns Suppers throughout his career.

A charismatic and engaging personality, Willie is now in high demand as an after dinner speaker for legal, corporate and sporting audiences. Drawing upon decades of experience at the highest levels of football officiating and business leadership, he shares entertaining stories, fascinating insights and humorous anecdotes from his remarkable career. Whether speaking at football events, professional dinners, corporate functions or golf occasions around the world, Willie captivates audiences with his warmth, wit and authenticity.

Why Hire Willie Young?

Willie Young is hired as a speaker for his rare combination of elite sporting experience, legal expertise and natural storytelling ability. Having officiated major international football matches and led a respected legal practice, Willie offers audiences unique insights into leadership, decision making under pressure and handling high-profile situations. His engaging delivery style, humour and wealth of memorable anecdotes make him a standout after dinner speaker for corporate, legal, sporting and golf events. Willie is also a sought-after Burns Supper speaker, delivering entertaining and knowledgeable toasts inspired by his lifelong appreciation of Robert Burns and Scottish tradition.