Born in Edinburgh, Buchanan made his breakthrough in football at Cowdenbeath, progressing through their youth system to play in the first team. Buchanan was prolific for the Central Park club, finishing top goalscorer in seasons 2005–06 and 2006–07.
Buchanan then signed for Partick Thistle at the start of the 2007–08 season. Buchanan was the Firhill club's top scorer that season, despite suffering a long-term injury early in 2008 and being out until October that same year, when he played in his return match against Airdrie United. Buchanan predominantly played in the number 9 shirt and was thought to be the next big prospect at the club. Buchanan notched 14 goals in that first season, from 27 starts and three substitute appearances.
In August 2012, it was confirmed that Buchanan had rejected a new contract with Dunfermline and signed for Sligo Rovers.[3][4] On 7 December 2012, Buchanan signed for Airdrie United.[5] Buchanan left Airdrie on 10 January 2013 and then signed for Ayr United until the end of the 2012–13 season.[6]
On 26 July 2013, Buchanan signed for East Fife.[7] After one season there, he signed for Alloa.[8] Buchanan then spent two seasons with Livingston, where the club were relegated and subsequently promoted the next season to the Scottish Championship. Buchanan, however, remained in Scottish League One, signing for recently relegated club Raith Rovers on 9 June 2017.[9]
On 7 June 2019, Buchanan signed for Alloa Athletic for a second time.[10]
On 22 June 2022, Buchanan signed for Berwick Rangers of the Lowland Football League.[11] In his first season outside the SPFL, he was the Lowland League's top goalscorer with 22 goals.[12]
After a strong start to the 2023-24 season, including a hat-trick against Edinburgh University, Buchanan earned a move back to the SPFL at the age of 38.[13] Bonnyrigg Rose announced they had signed the forward on loan, with a view to a permanent transfer in the January window.[14] Buchanan managed only one league goal in 10 outings and returned to Berwick in January, scoring twice in a 4-0 win against Broomhill on his return.[15][16]
Career statistics
As of match played 24 April 2021
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition