Brief Introduction of Alan Soutar
Alan Soutar, known by his nickname “Soots,” is a distinguished Scottish professional darts player who has made a significant impact in the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC). Beyond his accomplishments on the oche, Soutar is widely respected for his multifaceted life as a dedicated firefighter in his hometown of Arbroath, a former Commando in the British Army, and a passionate trainer of guide dogs alongside his partner, Amanda. His journey into professional darts came later in his career, but he quickly established himself as a formidable competitor after earning his PDC Tour Card in 2021. Soutar is celebrated for his resilience, calm demeanor under pressure—a trait he attributes to his military and firefighting background—and his proud representation of Scotland, often sporting a saltire shirt and tartan pants during matches.
Alan Soutar Overview
| Full Name | Alan Soutar |
| Date of Birth | January 10, 1978 |
| Age(as of 2025) | 47 |
| Birthplace | Dundee, Scotland |
| Profession | Professional Darts Player, Firefighter |
| Husband/Wife | Not publicly available (Partner: Amanda) |
| Family | Information not publicly disclosed. |
| Relationship/Affairs(GF/BF) | In a long-term relationship with his partner, Amanda. |
| Net Worth | Estimated to be around £300,000 (based on career prize money) |
Early Life and Education of Alan Soutar
Alan Soutar was born on January 10, 1978, in Dundee, Scotland, and raised in the nearby coastal town of Arbroath, which he proudly calls his home. His introduction to the sport of darts came at a young age, as he began playing in the pub his grandparents ran. This early exposure laid the foundation for a lifelong passion. Driven by a strong sense of duty, Soutar’s path first led him toward national service. At the age of 13, he joined the Army Cadet Force, a decision that would profoundly shape his character and future. This experience fostered discipline and resilience, leading him to enlist in the British Army. For nine years, he served as a commando, undertaking deployments in challenging environments such as Kosovo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Northern Ireland. His military service, where he wore the green beret with pride, instilled in him an unshakeable composure that would later become a hallmark of his darts career. Following his military service, he transitioned into another demanding public service role, becoming a firefighter with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, based at Dundee’s Kingsway East Fire Station. Information regarding his formal academic education is not widely publicized.
Alan Soutar’s Career
Alan Soutar’s darts career is a story of two distinct phases: a long and successful period in the amateur ranks of the British Darts Organisation (BDO) and World Darts Federation (WDF), followed by a remarkable late-career surge into the elite level of the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC). Soutar began playing competitive darts in 1995 but spent many years balancing the sport with his demanding full-time job as a firefighter.
During his time in the BDO/WDF, Soutar was a stalwart for the Scottish international team, earning over 50 caps and serving as captain 23 times. A major highlight of his international career came in 2013 when he was part of the victorious Team Scotland at the WDF World Cup, where he threw the winning dart in the men’s team event. He also qualified for the BDO World Darts Championship on two occasions, in 2011 and 2016. Throughout the 2010s, he won several open titles, including the Bellrock Open in 2011 and the Helvetia Open in 2019.
The global shutdown of competitive darts due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 prompted Soutar to make a pivotal career decision. With fewer opportunities to play, he committed to turning professional and entered the PDC’s Qualifying School in February 2021. In a testament to his skill and determination, he secured a coveted two-year PDC Tour Card at his very first attempt. His transition to the professional circuit was seamless and impressive. In his televised PDC debut at the 2021 UK Open, he famously defeated five-time World Champion Raymond van Barneveld and went on a run to the last 16.
Soutar’s breakthrough on the biggest stage came at the PDC World Darts Championship. In his debut at Alexandra Palace in 2022, he captured fans’ attention with a thrilling run to the fourth round (last 16), securing dramatic final-set victories over seeded players Mensur Suljović and José de Sousa. He repeated this feat at the 2023 World Championship, again reaching the last 16 after notable wins against Daryl Gurney and Danny Noppert. Another significant achievement came at the 2022 Grand Slam of Darts, where he qualified from a tough group that included World Champion Peter Wright and reached his first major quarter-final. The culmination of his hard work on the Pro Tour arrived in June 2024, when Soutar won his first PDC ranking title at Players Championship 11 in Hildesheim, Germany, defeating Daryl Gurney in a tense final-leg decider.
Alan Soutar Personal Life & Family
Beyond the high-pressure world of professional darts, Alan Soutar leads a remarkably grounded and service-oriented life. He is in a long-term relationship with his partner, Amanda. Together, they share a deep commitment to philanthropy and community service. One of their most notable passions is training guide dogs for Guide Dogs Scotland. Since 2017, they have dedicated their time to puppy raising, having successfully prepared at least seven dogs who have gone on to become guide dogs, buddy dogs, and life-changing companions for people with sight loss. This work, Soutar has explained, is an extension of the ethos of service that was embedded in him during his military career.
Soutar continues to serve his community as a firefighter in Dundee, a profession he has held for over two decades. He masterfully juggles the demanding shift patterns of a firefighter with the rigorous travel and competition schedule of a professional darts player. It is not uncommon for him to work shifts, including on Christmas Day, in between matches at the World Darts Championship, a dedication that has earned him widespread admiration. His former nine-year career as a commando in the British Army also remains a significant part of his identity, providing him with the mental fortitude he displays on the oche. Soutar is a proud supporter of his local football team, Arbroath F.C., and has served as a club ambassador. Detailed information about his parents, siblings, or whether he has children is not publicly disclosed.
Awards and Achievements of Alan Soutar
- PDC Players Championship 11 Winner (2024)
- Grand Slam of Darts Quarter-Finalist (2022)
- PDC World Darts Championship Last 16 (2022, 2023)
- WDF World Cup Men’s Team Gold Medallist (2013)
- WDF Europe Cup Men’s Singles Bronze Medallist (2018)
- Scottish Masters Winner (2016)
- Helvetia Open Winner (2019)
- Bellrock Open Winner (2011)
- PDC Tour Card Holder (2021-Present)
- “Sporting Volunteer of the Year” at Finding Scotland’s Real Heroes award (2013)
Alan Soutar Net Worth and Income
As of 2025, Alan Soutar’s net worth is not officially published. However, based on his accumulated prize money in the Professional Darts Corporation, his career earnings are estimated to be around the £300,000 mark. His primary sources of income are prize money from darts tournaments and his salary as a firefighter with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service. Additionally, income may be supplemented by endorsements, sponsorships (such as his equipment deal with Mission Darts), and fees from exhibition matches. Unlike many full-time darts professionals, Soutar maintains his role as a firefighter, which provides a stable income outside of the fluctuating nature of darting prize money. His success in major televised tournaments like the PDC World Championship and his first Pro Tour title in 2024 have significantly contributed to his overall earnings in recent years.
Legacy and Influence
Alan Soutar’s legacy is multifaceted, defined as much by his character and life outside of darts as his achievements on the board. He has become an inspirational figure, demonstrating that it is possible to reach the upper echelons of a professional sport while maintaining a demanding public service career. His ability to seamlessly transition from firefighting shifts to competing against the world’s best players has earned him immense respect from fans and fellow professionals alike. His background as a former commando further adds to his public image as a player with exceptional mental strength and resilience.
Beyond his personal achievements, Soutar has made a lasting contribution to the sport at a grassroots level. In 2012, he founded the Angus Darts Academy, an initiative created to provide opportunities for local children to learn and enjoy the game. The academy has been a resounding success, at one point coaching up to 70 kids a week and fostering a love for the sport in a new generation. The academy’s most famous graduate is Nathan Girvan, who went on to reach the final of the PDC World Youth Championship. This commitment to youth development, combined with his charitable work training guide dogs, solidifies his influence as a role model and a dedicated community servant.
Interesting Facts about Alan Soutar
- Before becoming a professional darts player, Soutar served for nine years as a commando in the British Army.
- He continues to work as a full-time firefighter in Dundee, often working shifts in between major darts matches.
- Soutar and his partner Amanda are passionate volunteers who train guide dog puppies for Guide Dogs Scotland.
- He founded the Angus Darts Academy in 2012 to mentor and train young darts players in his local community.
- His walk-on music is “Freed from Desire” by Gala, though he has also used “Sex on Fire” by Kings of Leon as a nod to his firefighting profession.
- He is a proud Scot who represents his heritage by wearing a saltire shirt and tartan pants during his matches.
- In 2013, he won the “Sporting Volunteer of the Year” award for his mentorship in darts.
- He is an avid supporter of his local football club, Arbroath F.C.
Controversies
There are no widely reported controversies involving Alan Soutar. He is generally regarded as a well-respected figure within the darts community, known for his professionalism and sportsmanship.
Social Media Presence
- Instagram – Information not disclosed
- Twitter – Information not disclosed
- YouTube – Information not disclosed
Final Words about Alan Soutar
Alan Soutar’s story is one of perseverance, public service, and a late-blooming professional sporting career. He has successfully carved out a unique space for himself in the competitive world of PDC darts, not just as a skilled player but as a relatable and admirable human being. His identity is intrinsically linked to his roles as a firefighter, a veteran, and an animal lover, which resonates deeply with a broad audience. Currently a mainstay in the PDC’s top 64, Soutar continues to prove he can compete with the very best, as evidenced by his maiden PDC title win in 2024. As he moves forward, his future plans will likely involve continuing to balance his dual careers, aiming for further success on the PDC circuit while upholding his commitments to his community in Arbroath. His legacy will be that of a player who achieved his dreams through hard work and dedication, all while never losing sight of the importance of serving others.