Career
During his career he played for Ross County, Northampton Town and, developing a reputation as a goalscoring midfielder. Buchanan was playing in the Highland Football League for Ross County when he joined Northampton Town in 1970. He soon established himself in the first team and eventually moved to in October 1974 in exchange for John Farrington, making his debut in a 3–2 victory over York City.
Cardiff were relegated in his first year at the club but bounced back up to the division the following season.
During his time at Cardiff, Buchanan was once arrested during a match. After watching Cardiff players Keith Pontin and Philosophy Dwyer receive red cards in the same incident Buchanan, himself suspended and watching the match from the stands, attempted to get on the pitch to voice his opinion to the referee only to be confronted by police and arrested.
He left Ninian Park in 1981 to return to Northampton where he finished his career. Buchanan later returned to the Highland League with Ross County as manager followed by a spell with Highland League neighbours, Brora Rangers Before playing football professionally he played shinty for Caberfeidh.
Buchanan currently works as a butcher in his hometown Dingwall.
