scottishathletics Awards 2016 - Programme

scottishathletics and jogscotland

Annual Awards Dinner Saturday 29 October — Hilton Hotel, Glasgow

Hosted by Bryan Burnett

Programme of events 6.45pm

VIP Drinks Reception

7.00pm

Guests arrive – Drinks Reception

7.25pm

Guests, VIPs and Officials seated

7.30pm

Welcome by Bryan Burnett (BBC presenter and Evening Host)

7.45pm

Awards Ceremony (Part 1)

8.45pm Dinner 9.30pm

Awards Ceremony (Part 2)

Bryan Burnett Evening host Bryan Burnett is the presenter of BBC Radio Scotland’s drivetime music show, Get It On. For ten years, Bryan was the face of the holiday programme, Scottish Passport, as well as many other shows for STV.

the country’s most experienced hosts of sporting events and was proud to be part of the team at Glasgow 2014 and London 2012.

His voice is perhaps better known to athletics fans as event commentator on races such as Great North Run, Great Scottish Run and Loch Ness Marathon. He is now in demand as one of

He completed his 11th marathon in London earlier this year but claims his toughest run of the year is always trying to cover the course whilst commentating on the National XC in Falkirk.

Supported by

2 Annual Awards Dinner 2016

Leslie Roy President, scottishathletics Leslie is scottishathletics President chairing a number of committees from Selection to Timetabling and represents scottishathletics on the UK Members Council, Leslie also attends scottishathletics Board meetings the various Commission meetings and Championships throughout the year.

Leslie has recently been appointed by Commonwealth Games Scotland as Transport & Logistics General Team Manager for the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia. This will be Leslie’s fifth Commonwealth Games having successfully carried out this role in 2010 and 2014 and having been Athletics Team Manager in 2002 and 2006.

What a fantastic year we have all witnessed with athletes from all disciplines of the sport Performing when it Counts with the highlights being the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games in Rio. The fifteen scottishathletics athletes selected for Team GB&NI achieved five top ten places, two Scottish records in finals - Andrew Butchart (5000m) & Lynsey Sharp (800m) and Eilidh Child winning a brilliant bronze medal in the 4x400m relay – Scotland’s first athletics Olympic medal for 28 years. A fantastic achievement.

Our Para athletes were not to be outdone and the six GB&NI selected athletes went on to win seven medals, break two World records, one Games record and a European record: 3 Gold (Libby Clegg & her guide Chris Clarke (T11 100m World record & 200m in a Games record), Jo Butterfield (F51 Club throw – World record), 2 Silver - Stef Reid (T44 Long Jump), Maria Lyle (4x100m relay) 2 Bronze Maria Lyle (T35 100m & 200m) European T53 800m record – Sammi Kinghorn Our young athletes from the National Academy have also experienced success this year with Alisha Rees (200m silver) and Erin Wallace (1500m bronze) winning medals at the European Youth Championships. Meanwhile at the World Junior Championships the three selected scottishathletics athletes qualified for finals with Cameron Tindle running the fastest 200m by an U20 athlete since 1971.

Laura Muir put the disappointment of the Olympics behind her to win the IAAF Diamond League 1500m in Paris in a fantastic new Scottish, British and Commonwealth record and world leading

mark of 3:55:22. The second time this year Laura had broken not just the Scottish but the British 1500m record. Laura then continued on to Zurich where her second place finish ensured that she won the IAAF Diamond League 1500m title, the first Scot to do so.

Andy Butchart was the other Scottish athlete breaking long standing records when he removed Nat Muir’s 36 year old 5000m record not just once but twice, the second time being in the Olympic Final when finishing 6th.

Elsewhere Callum Hawkins has been setting the road circuit alight no matter the distance and Andrew Douglas the hills on fire. Having led the Olympic marathon at the half way stage Callum went on to finish 9th overall then a few weeks later he was pounding the streets of Glasgow at the Great Scottish run when breaking the Scottish Half Marathon record.

All this success in Road, Cross Country, Ultra and Track & Field has led to great enthusiasm throughout the sport and entry levels across all disciplines are continuing to rise which in turn presents some challenges. Thanks must go to our hard working officials and volunteers who give up so much of their time to ensure scottishathletics events run successfully and solutions are found to the challenges.

I would like to welcome you to the scottishathletics Annual Awards Dinner and I hope that you enjoy your evening.

Indeed the job this year for the Athlete of the Year selection panel was made extremely difficult due to the high quality of the performances across all levels. Well done to all athletes, keep working hard and continue to Perform when it Counts.

Annual Awards Dinner 2016 3

Nominations for

Official of the Year Brian Brown Brian is a Level 4 Technical Official and has been officiating at all levels of athletics events including UKA Televised Level 5 meetings as well as Scottish Championships, league competitions, open graded events and, of course, as a National Technical Official at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow 2014. Brian has also held both Referee Roles and Management Roles performing these to a high standard.

Earlier in 2016 Brian more than proved his capability by undertaking the role of Technical Manager at the Combined Events double day weekend in Aberdeen. He had not previously carried out the duties required of this role, which is normally undertaken by a Field Official. It was a steep learning curve, however, he delivered to his usual high standard and with great expertise. At the end of the weekend praise for the way that Brian handled the role came from all areas and all disciplines.

Brian is well respected by his peers due to his easy, amenable and approachable manner.

Alistair Aitchison Alistair has been officiating since his own family were competing, and like many others continued on in this role long after his family had grown up and moved on from athletics. However, Alistair rose up through the ranks, and has officiated at many UKA televised events, including the recent Anniversary Games, and indeed was a Track Team Leader at the Commonwealth Games in 2014.

According to his peers, Alistair has really made a difference to being a Track Official in that he is so approachable, and he is indeed respected throughout the whole officiating community.

Alistair is also Head of Discipline for the Track in Scotland - a duty he takes very seriously and devotes many hours weekly to this task. Nothing asked of him is too trivial to answer, and when it comes to the more serious/larger issues, Alistair takes time to give a measured, professional response. Every single Track Official is made to feel valued, and their comments on various issues are always welcomed and considered in depth.

Alistair, as Scottish Discipline Head, is Track representative on the Officials’ Commission, also a role which he undertakes with considerable enthusiasm.

4 Annual Awards Dinner 2016

Raymond Hutcheson Trophy for Services to Officiating Raymond Hutcheson Raymond first became involved with athletics as a runner with Larbert AC. While he was still an athlete Raymond became interested in timekeeping and was soon questioning the accuracy of times being returned by official timekeepers. Following his qualifications as an official timekeeper he was instrumental in setting up training courses and testing and grading of timekeepers in Scotland. Even taking the AAA course twice to ensure he was still up to standard.

As well as timekeepting at top events all over Britain including the 1970 and 1986 Commonwealth Games Raymond became fully involved in and became an expert in the early use of Photofinish Camera systems.

With a keen interest in photography the mixing of chemicals to produce the photos had Raymond in his element. It was indeed Raymond who amended Colin Jacksons World Record breaking run over 60m hurdles at the Kelvin Hall in 1994 to just equalling the record. A decision which was not contested highlighting Raymond’s reputation for accuracy.

Accuracy in Photofinish and Timekeeping were not Raymond’s only interests, he would also travel all over Scotland by public transport with his specially calibrated bicycle to officially measure Road Race courses and was well known to produce measurement reports of the highest quality with meticulous sketches detailing mile markers. As in timekeeping he led the way in supporting and developing training for new course measurers.

Raymond received a lifetime award for services to scottishathletics in 2004 and the Tom Stillie Award in 1980. He passed away in 2007 aged 77.

Annual Awards Dinner 2016 5

Nominations for

Volunteer of the Year Sandra McLean – North Uist Sandra Maclean has been the club treasurer since North Uist AAC began 25 years ago. She has supported the club by controlling all expenditure, issuing cheques/making sense of receipts for trips and is always looking for ways to generate more funding. She has always made sure that any donators or fundraisers are thanked by letter. She carries out her role diligently and professionally at all times.

As an ex local athlete she follows the fortunes of the club’s athletes through the years with interest and encouragement. Sandra is retiring this year from her position as she is getting ready to retire from her day job in the bank, after 40 years! Her commitment to North Uist AAC has been invaluable.

Duncan McKellar – Garscube Harriers Duncan brings a host of skills and qualities to the role of Vice President at Garscube Harriers which he has utilised to great effect to drive progress forward within the club. He takes a very measured approach to club matters and brings a strategic overview as he aims to drive forward the club’s objectives.

He understands the benefits of taking a planned approach to matters and has been integral in the development of the club business plan, having attended various SAL sessions on the topic. He believes strongly in rewarding and recognising club athletes, coaches and volunteers for their contribution to the club and was key to the development of the club’s “Triple Impact Athletes” initiative as part of the wider Celebrating Success programme which also included the “People Make Garscube” programme which put their members right at the heart of everything they do. Duncan is also credited with the innovative “Bring a Friend to training” initiative.

Bobby Hill – Law & District AAC Bobby is an athlete and club member who has been volunteering within Law & District AAC as Cross Country Captain for a number of years, whilst continuing to train and participate in competitions. When Bobby took over the role, there were very few young members entering cross country competitions.

Bobby’s enthusiasm with his approachable, friendly nature encouraged and motivated children from all 3 of the clubs bases to try low key competition. Done by arranging local in-house cross country races before progressing to county, district and national competition. This has seen the number of entrants to cross country events at all levels within the club doubling in 2016. He is an inspiration to young people and an invaluable role model.

Hugh Rankin – Kilmarnock Harriers & AC Hughie has been a member of Kilmarnock Harriers for over 60 years, and is still as active a member now as he was all those years ago, He takes out a beginner group 3 times a week and has helped many a good athlete progress from modest beginnings to running 10km in under 35minutes and completing marathons.

Hugh is often the first person on the list to help at both club events and at scottishathletics organised events at the Ayrshire Athletics Arena. He can be found there almost every day of the week cutting grass, repairing equipment and working harder than people half his age. He is always promoting athletics with his presence at various school’s events held throughout the year, where through his enthusiasm and passion for the sport, he has inspired many a youngster to join the Harriers.

6 Annual Awards Dinner 2016

The Eddie Campbell Memorial Medal The Eddie Campbell Memorial Medal is awarded annually in memory of the late Eddie Campbell of Fort William who holds the record for the most Ben Nevis Races, having participated in the event 44 consecutive times during which he won the race on three occasions.

The Scottish Athletics Hill Running Commission, in accordance with guidelines will decide the winner of the medal from a short-list drawn up by the national selectors. The winner will be decided at the end of the hill running season of each calendar year, typically after the British and Irish Junior Championships in October.

The medal is awarded to the athlete who has shown excellence combined with sportsmanship in hill races.

Consistently high performance, sportsmanship and attendance throughout the season on Scottish hill races, particularly in relation to age group peers. Commitment to, and high performance at the Scottish Junior Championships and Junior League as well as outstanding achievements at the Junior Home International, WMRA Youth Challenge and WMRA World and EAA European champion ships (UK teams).

Honorary Life Membership Vic Hockley Vic has been a Technical Official for nearly 40 years, and for the past 25 years here in Scotland. He has officiated all over the world, at all levels, from primary school events to the Olympics in London 2012. He can be found anywhere in Scotland, usually in photo finish, at up to 80 meetings a year.

In 2004 Vic was elected Convenor of the Officials’ Commission, a role which he held for 11 years.

During this time, he safely navigated Scottish officials through the major changes in education and competition structure which were taking place throughout the UK representing Scottish Technical Officials at UKA Allocation meetings Vic has been instrumental in pushing for photofinish equipment, such that Scotland is considered far more advanced than any other Region of the UK and the envy of all. Not only does Vic set-up and dismantle the PF equipment at every venue but he also stores it at home and then transports it to and from events all over Scotland for all levels of meetings.

It was through his guidance, dedication, enthusiasm and negotiating skills behind the scenes that saw so many Scottish Officials successfully appointed to the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow 2014, thus leaving a legacy of Scottish officials being ‘arguably’ the most qualified in the UK.

As a result, Scotland was hugely applauded for the delivery of the Games with the accolade of having accomplished ‘a truly remarkable performance’ from the Director of Competition.

All thanks to Vic who performed the role of Meeting Manager for the Games.

While Vic stood down from the Officials’ Commission in May 2015 he has not taken things more easily, he is still working as a Level 4 official at many events, which is tantamount to his continued commitment and enthusiasm for our Sport in Scotland.

Annual Awards Dinner 2016 7

Honorary Life Membership Bill Walker Bill Walker started out as a runner. As a young man, he was called up to do two years National Service in the Army. Starting in Bath, he was transferred to Leuchars in Fife where he managed to get his 440 yards time down to 49.1.

When he left the RAF, Bill worked at electrical engineering firm Ferranti before going to HeriotWatt University as a physics lecturer. It was at Ferranti that he began coaching, setting up sessions for colleagues who had spotted him training alone and that continued when he moved to Heriot-Watt.

When Braidburn merged with several other clubs to form Edinburgh Athletic Club, Bill along with his coach, Tom Drever, joined the new outfit. Bill later married Tom’s daughter Kay and he competed on a regular basis for Edinburgh AC. He continued to coach at Edinburgh AC and post 1970 he started to work with the best young talent coming into the club. Bill was recognised as one of the best coaches in Scotland at the time.

During that period the success of the ‘Bill Walker stable’ was legendary with the names including Norman Gregor, Peter Hoffman, Paul Forbes, Peter Little and Ross Hepburn.

The Edinburgh AC club record for 4 x 400m relay is a magnificent 3:08.9 and was set by a team of Peter Hoffman, Paul Forbes, Norman Gregor and Roger Jenkins: all coached by the same coach – Bill Walker.

With his physics background he became very interested in electronic timing and photo finish and his expertise in the area is nationally recognised. With his son Clint, he worked on the photo finish/timing at stadia all over Britain.

8 Annual Awards Dinner 2016

Fast forward to 2016 and his enthusiasm and passion for the sport has not diminished. He equates coaching to painting the Forth Bridge; just as he has finished guiding one athlete to the peak of their performance, another talented youngster emerges demanding his attention and expertise.

It is the reason why, 52 years after taking his first session, he can still be found at Meadowbank Stadium six days a week, gently cajoling elite performers, kids and those with a disability alike to shave one more second or inch from their previous bests in pursuit of their own personal glory.

Within EAC Bill heads up both the Coaching and Facilities sub groups and is to the forefront of negotiations to ensure that the new Meadowbank will be an athletics facility fit for purpose.

Among his many roles with the club are the organisation of the annual athlete recognition dinner, the convening of the indoor meeting and the Lothian trials, team management of the Scottish Women’s League and he is often found operating Photo Finish at Open Graded meets around the country

Nominations for

Impact Club of the Year Aberdeen AAC Aberdeen AAC have embraced the modern era in relation to club and coach development and is one of several Scottish clubs leading the way in creating a modern club relevant for today. Aberdeen AAC was one of the first clubs to join the Scottish Athletics Club Together programme in 2011 and has also been heavily involved in shaping the Club 20:20 modernisation project which provides business and legal support to clubs. They also piloted the new Physical Preparation courses. The club is based at arguably the best training and competition facility in the country and their strong partnership with the Aberdeen Sports Village (ASV) has seen them develop a wide range of projects with them, including a disability centre as well as a large Run, Jump and Throw programme. Earlier this year, ASV invested into the club’s new paid positions with Club Manager and Pathways Development Officer roles employed. Both roles are 18 hours per week and support the ongoing development of the club for future years. These roles are seen as pivotal in supporting Aberdeen AAC’s volunteers and coaches in the areas of business modernisation, and coach and athlete development.

Chirnside Chasers Chirnside chasers stared out in 2011 with 2 jogscotland leaders and 10 people running one night a week, since then the club has gone from strength to strength currently with 4 sessions a week, 2 qualified coaches, 5 assistant coaches and 5 helpers who plan to attend the assistant coaching courses in September and October 2016. The existing assistant coaches are also looking to progress to become fully qualified coaches. Chirnside also have a number of parent helpers who come along to training sessions and competitions. Junior sessions see 70 kids training in athletics, ranging from age 4 to 16. They are taught to run, throw and jump, good sportsmanship and to have fun. Everyone is made to feel welcome, there are a few children with disabilities who love attending with some travelling over 20 miles.

Cumbernauld AAC Over the past 4 years, Cumbernauld AAC Club Coaches and Parent helpers have collectively worked very hard in re-structuring the Club which has grown from just under 70 Athletes to now just over 160 Athletes.

Working closely with scottishathletics and learning from Best Practices kindly shared from other Clubs, the committee put in place a development pathway that has allowed Athletes to experience the fun in taking part in a variety of events from Track & Field (indoor and outdoor), Cross Country, Road Running and most recently Trail Running. To move forward the Club has also evolved from its twice weekly Club nights and now offers 7 days of training sessions for Athletes. Over the coming months, Cumbernauld AAC will begin a new chapter in their history by formalising a transition plan to a new Track and Field facility, which is due to open in July 2017 at Greenfaulds High School in Cumbernauld. This transition plan will be underpinned by the appropriate key elements of the scottishathletics Club 20/20 initiative, which will allow the club to start realising the vision of becoming an Athletics Club that is at the heart of the community that promotes Athletics for all.

Annual Awards Dinner 2016 9

Nominations for

Impact Club of the Year

(continued)

Shetland AAC In the 2-years from 2014 – 2016 Shetland AAC has seen a 145% growth in athlete membership. In 2014, the club appointed a Club Together Officer whose role placed an initial focus on coach/athlete development, building capacity and increasing club profile. To deliver an effective athlete pathway, the Club prioritised volunteer recruitment and retention introducing; a volunteer coordinator, clear descriptions for club roles and a volunteer roles booklet. As a result, the club now has a pool of 60 active volunteers.

A coaching audit led to a redefined coaching structure with 12 regular sessions, delivered by 22 coaches and parent helpers, on offer every week. They have developed a needs based, on Island, Coach Education and Development programme; introduced a tiered programme of conditioning for athletes; established a new member induction process and designed a programme of local competition opportunities.

Stronger partnerships with Shetland Islands Council and the Shetland Recreational Trust has led to the development of a network of RJT clubs with over 90, U11 athletes, now also in the restructured Club RJT sessions. They are engaged with the scottishathletics Club Modernisation Project and the CTO is on the Club Leaders Academy Programme. Their focus remains on coach/ athlete development but now moves also to Governance, Planning and Finance. .

Springburn Harriers Springburn Harriers have revitalised themselves from a club who had only 70 members (no juniors) in 2013 to the present where they now boast a membership of 170 including 90 juniors. They cater for an array of skills, abilities and ages. Changes in the governance of the club and having a business plan in place have attributed to their impressive development. They introduced an executive committee, general committee, coaching sub group, running forum and quarterly open meetings allowing all members to come together to discuss club business. They have also introduced a coaching plan and this year have seen 70% of their membership competing in various competitions, resulting in 3 women being selected for the National Scottish Masters Cross Country team. There are strong partnerships with Glasgow Life and East Dumbarton Leisure & Culture which enable the club to deliver athletics sessions to schools and afterschool clubs in each Authority as well as supporting inter-schools track competitions/festivals and introducing a school’s cross country in 2016. Springburn Harriers are also involved in the scottishathletics Club Modernisation Project and are in the process of changing their legal status which will allow the club to develop as a community enterprise/business. They are currently in the early stages of joining the Club Together Programme which will support the club in recruiting more athletes, recruit and develop more coaches and volunteers as well as developing satellite clubs to take athletics to the wider community.

10 Annual Awards Dinner 2016

Nominations for

Track & Field club of the Year Central AC Central AC had another year of forward progress in track and field through a combination of improved results in team and individual performance, initiatives to provide appropriate experience in competition and an evolving structure in coaching across its growing membership. On the track the club has enjoyed increased success and status. This includes second in the league phase of the Lower AG Youth Development League and then second at the Scottish final, just failing to make the UK final after a paper match with UK clubs. This was the club’s highest ever level of attainment of this important league. For seniors, the club also came second in the Scottish Athletic League for senior men with a largely homegrown team blending youth and masters. At the other end of the spectrum the club used only development athletes (to spread competition experience) in two teams in the youngster based Forth Valley League.

Central were again amongst top clubs in the Scottish Indoor League winning two age groups.

Edinburgh AC Throughout 2016 Edinburgh Athletic Club has made huge strides forward to endeavour to offer all members the optimum pathway to fulfil their potential in the sport from cradle to podium. The huge success of the club has resulted in waiting lists especially in the younger age groups and over the winter months the club introduced a “come and try” session to which all those on the waiting list were invited. It was a great success and those athletes have now been inducted into the club. The club have now obtained sponsorship, with the funds ring fenced to offer the opportunity to parents and U20/Senior athletes to become qualified coaches with the intention of increasing the numbers of coaches involved in the project. As a direct result of a modernisation of their governance the club has developed a formal communications policy and all competition opportunities for all ages can be clearly found on one document on their website. This has resulted in increased participation numbers in open graded events and championships to supplement the competitive opportunities which leagues offer to Edinburgh athletes. The club has developed a talent ID strategy, which sits alongside the induction process and talented athletes are fast tracked into the club system with many of them now enjoying success at championship level.

Victoria Park City of Glasgow AC This year, VP-Glasgow has achieved great success in producing athletes who have competed at the highest level. This is as a result of athletes being able to access a variety of competition opportunities at varying levels and age groups from U11s to Masters. One measure of their success is the entry level competition of the club championships where 200 athletes under the age of 13 take part. Numbers increased rapidly after after removing the barrier of waiting lists to join the club and employing a new batch of young paid coaches.

This season the club finished first in Division 2 of the Scottish Youth Development League (lower age) and as a result have been promoted to Division 1 for next year. 27 athletes represented Team Glasgow in the national final of the Youth Development League (upper age) in Bedford where they finished 4th. The club competed in Division I of the Central and South of Scotland Athletic League where they finished first this year (champions). This shows great progress since being promoted from division 3 in 2006 and division 2 in 2008. The Senior Men’s team finished in 3rd place in division 1 of the Scottish Athletics League for the second season in a row and the Senior Women continue to compete in the UK Women’s League.

Annual Awards Dinner 2016 11

Nominations for

Off-track club of the Year Cambuslang Harriers Cambuslang Harriers have had an excellent year off the track with their Senior Men winning team gold at the Scottish Road Relays and the Scottish Trail Champs.

At the National XC at Falkirk, the Glasgow club once again collected the AT Mays Trophy which is presented for overall performance in all male races on the day. This is a season when Cambuslang athletes represented Scotland at international level in XC at both the Celtic Nations and the Home Countries International.

In Masters athletics, across various ages and races, Cambuslang were again a significant force winning both team and individual medals on a very regular basis.

Central AC Central AC continues to seek to develop and innovate its off track competition in terms of both participation and performance. The club has a very broad base with both a large youngster membership and senior and masters contingent. Off track competition, particularly cross country and roads, is a top priority for current and future athlete development. Throughout this past year, Central has continued to dominate in Senior age groups, but also recognised and acted to fill weaknesses foreseen in current and future teams by working with young athletes and their coaches. Achievements cover a wide range of age groups from under 13 to masters, but Central’s senior teams gained the highest team performances again this past year. A bronze medal at the ERRA 6 stage relays last autumn is the highest position by any Scottish team in UK road relays in recent history and the cross country season saw wins in the full suite of District & National Championships and District and National relays, the latter for 6th year in succession. On the roads, senior men won the 5KM team, the 10K team and the road relays championships.

Giffnock North AAC Once again the Glasgow club had a stellar year at age group level in cross country and road running.

This was reflected in medals across three age groups at the National XC as Giffnock North girls won the U13 and U15 titles and took bronze at U17 level. There were medals for the U13 Boys at the Young Athletes Road Races in Greenock.

And Giffnock’s prowess in age group athletes now stretches to the hills, too, with twin sisters Lynn and Charlotte McKenna in particular impressing at international level with Scotland in the Junior Home International.

With road running popular at other age groups, too, there’s plenty of evidence to support Giffnock North’s off-track nomination.

Inverclyde AC Inverclyde AC continue to evolve to encourage all members young and old to participate in all athletic disciplines. This year witnessed a concerted effort to attend and participate in a number of hill and trail races coupled with the recognised attendance at all road and cross country events. Andy Douglas set the standard for his team mates to follow leading the IAC charge ‘off – track’ with his magnificent achievements throughout Europe and UK, cumulating in him winning the mountain running World Cup. Andy’s mountain/ trail running success cascaded through the club with coaches putting another avenue into their programmes to allow competent performances to be produced in the under 13, 15 and 17 age groups who were participating in the hill running series. Inverclyde juniors and seniors have represented Team West, Team Scotland, Scottish Schools and scottishathletics throughout the winter months travelling throughout the country in the process. Inverclyde believe this year to stand above all previous awards and success as they have now included mountain/ trail competition into their portfolio.

12 Annual Awards Dinner 2016

The Tom Stillie Award Tom Stillie was born in 1915 in Alva and enjoyed a successful spell in textiles as an assistant designer. He enlisted in the Argyle and Sutherland Highlanders in 1940 and was subsequently commissioned into the Black Watch. However, he was seriously wounded towards the end of the war and the injuries he received affected him for the rest of his life.

In 1945 he was appointed lecturer in textile design at the Scottish Woollen Technical College. He had a keen interest in athletics, although his war wounds prevented him from competing, and was President of the Scottish Amateur Athletics Association. He showed an active interest in researching the history of tartan and tweed design and collecting fabric manufactured locally.

The Tartan used in the Commonwealth Check for the 1970 Commonwealth Games was designed by Tom Stillie and used for the Scottish female team uniform, and fabric samples from Lochcarron and Gardiners of Selkirk. He died on 23rd March 1978 while still in post as Senior Lecturer in Design at the Scottish Woollen Technical College.

The Tom Stillie Sword is awarded to an individual who is seen to have contributed most to scottishathletics in the past year.

For 2016 the Tom Stillie Award was presented to Janet Nixon for her excellent work in supporting and developing Photofinish and results systems whilst being based in Scotland. All at scottishathletics and those involved in athletics in Scotland wish Janet all the best on her return home to Australia.

The George Dallas Memorial Trophy Becoming a member of Maryhill Harriers in 1906, George Dallas was an athlete of unsurpassable versatility, winning races at all distances from 100 yards to 10 miles at the highest level. He was equally at home on the track and over the country - a highlight of his career being his win in the Scottish Championships at 440 yards. He was also a prolific winner of handicap events, more often than not running from the virtual scratch mark.

After serving in the First World War in 1914-18 in the Royal Garrison Artillery, George, as Brigade Sports Officer, won the Second Army Cross Country Championships in Cologne from over 1000 competitors.

On returning to “Civvy Street�, George then turned his hand to the administrative side of the sport and swiftly became the Honorary Secretary of the Scottish Cross Country Union, a post which he held for an unprecedented period of 40 years.

Annual Awards Dinner 2016 13

Nominations for

Achiever of the Year Ann Duthie – Fraserburgh jogscotland In July 2012, Ann was diagnosed with both ovarian and tonsil cancer in the same week, resulting in major surgery to her neck and throat, followed by a full hysterectomy. This also involved a bowel resection, when it was discovered that her ovarian tumour was attached to the bowel.

Despite gruelling rounds of radiotherapy and chemotherapy, Ann decided to return to running and yoga within six weeks of finishing chemo. She has since undergone further surgery and chemotherapy, but has made a conscious decision to run at least once a week for as long as she can manage during treatment.

Despite the many challenges she has had to overcome, Ann still turns up to jogging sessions with a smile and a positive attitude.

Her nomination praised her as “an amazing lady who shows true determination and grace, and is a source of encouragement to everyone who knows her.”

Allison Smith – Jog Stewarton Allison is a Jog Leader with Jog Stewarton, who always puts others’ running goals before her own.

Nonetheless, her own running has reached new heights this year as she tackled her first ultramarathons.

A major achievement for Allison this year has been the decision to speak out about her own survival of child abuse. The personal strength she has gained from running gave her the courage to tell her family and friends, report the abuse and receive support to help her deal with her experiences, and identify as a survivor. She is now using running to help others in her position find hope – despite being hampered by injuries, often brought on by stress, she completed the River Ayr Way ultramarathon to raise funds for Break the Silence, the charity which has supported her.

John Stewart – North Ayrshire Athletics Club jogscotland John took early retirement from his role as a secondary teacher due to issues with depression and severe anxiety.

He started with North Ayrshire Athletics Club jogscotland group a little over a year ago, and has not only come out of his shell and started to interact with other joggers, he has begun taking an active role in running of both the group and the parent club.

Running has helped improve John’s mental health so much that he now regularly volunteers at club events helping young athletes and compiles the press reports – two roles he wouldn’t have dreamed of undertaking merely two years ago.

John’s story is a prime example of how the social side of jogscotland can have an even more positive impact on an individual’s mental health than their physical wellbeing.

He is praised as “a credit to the club and a shining example for anyone thinking of taking up running”.

14 Annual Awards Dinner 2016

Nominations for

Leader of the Year Debbie Aitken – Edinburgh Frontrunners Debbie was one of Edinburgh Frontrunners’ first Jog Leaders. She integrated their Learn to Run programme into the group, and also helped jogscotland trial our new walking programme, resulting in a great range of abilities being supported by the group.

As club president, she has been a tireless promoter of the group within wider LGBT circles, encouraging others to come along to their first session, and describing herself as EFR’s “perpetual beginner,” as she encourages others to take their first steps into physical activity.

She has achieved all this while managing chronic flare-ups of Crohn’s disease. In July, she completed a 5km race after weeks of being on a liquid and baby food diet, but remains determined to participate, no matter what.

She is praised as “endlessly encouraging, accepting and enabling.”

Neil Nairn – Glasgow Dental Hospital and School Runners Neil is 100% committed to this workplace group – and has even been known to come into work on his days off so that members don’t miss a run.

He gives incredible levels of encouragement to everyone, at every level, from jogging alongside complete beginners at their first session, to giving up his own races to accompany members and help them achieve PBs. He is a very positive leader and never fails to give members’ achievements a mention and a clap at each session.

His motto of “we leave together and come back together” sums up his enthusiasm for getting everyone involved.

Neil Scott – jogscotland Haddington Neil is the ‘heart’ of jogscotland Haddington, which he founded six years ago. One of his nominators said: “He just simply believes you can do it, which often means people achieve much more than they think they are capable of.”

His dedication also demonstrates just how well jogscotland can support the wider running community – the group has helped reinvigorate a long-standing local running club by the addition of a large number of new jogscotland members, most of whom would never previously have considered joining a ‘proper’ running club.

One nominator said Neil had helped him go from a complete beginner to completing ultras including the Hoka Highland Fling and The Devil o’the Highlands.

He is described as “encouraging, knowledgeable and selfless.”

Annual Awards Dinner 2016 15

Nominations for

Group of the Year jogscotland Kintore jogscotland Kintore was established around two years ago, and is run by Jog Leaders Tammy Wilson and Stephen Simpson.

Many of those who nominated the group praised it as being not just a jog group, but a huge, happy family, whose members support and motivate each other. The leaders see the potential in everyone, from those jogging for 30 seconds to people planning their first marathon.

With up to 90 joggers each week, the group has transformed not only the lives of its members but also the community in the small town of Kintore.

Sessions are both challenging and enjoyable, with an atmosphere of encouragement, belief and spirit.

It is praised as a group that “makes dreams possible.”

Kemnay jogscotland Kemnay jogscotland only started a year ago with around 15 members, but has already grown to 60 members, with 12 trained Jog leaders covering every level from beginner to advanced.

Sessions are always buzzing with excitement, with members enjoying fantastic scenery and interesting routes scouted out by jog leaders in their own time.

Nominators varied from a new mum who had lost her confidence, to a 60-year-old returning to running after a 20-year break.

Members particularly benefit from the humour, kindness and effective encouragement provided by founders Laura Kirkland and Sally Wilkinson.

STAART – (St Andrews Adventure Running Team) STAART fosters health and ability, with spirit of genuine support and encouragement that often extends into members’ lives outside the club.

As well as having outstanding leaders, STAART is a genuinely caring community. One nominator recalled that at their first ever race, the event was won by one member of STAART, but the entire group waited to cheer in the last member, who finished 20 minutes behind the rest of the team – having been supported the whole way round by another member. They described the group as “the most inclusive team I have ever seen”.

16 Annual Awards Dinner 2016

Nominations for

Club Coach of the Year Andrew Ferguson – Aberdeen AAC Although still competing, Andrew Ferguson started coaching 2 years ago, taking a group of endurance athletes aged 12-16. A believer in the importance of movement skills, his 2 club sessions with these athletes involve mobility and drill work prior to their speed and endurance training. This is varied for the age and stage of the athletes. The group consists of boys and girls U13 to U17. With long term athlete development in mind, Andrew has a desire to coach these athletes through to senior level with a progressive plan, including a specific session on physical preparation. He is a good listener, keen to learn and try new ideas of his own. Andrew is keen to help each and every athlete reach their own potential. He looks at each athlete as an individual, understanding their needs for study time and other interests. He has encouraged them to compete in Cross Country, Road and track races with great success this year.

Donald Pegrum & Archie McBride – Cumbernauld AAC Donald Pegrum and Archie McBride have shown 32 Years of commitment to Community Athletics in Cumbernauld. During this time, they have coached over 850 Athletes in Cumbernauld between the ages of 9 to 18 years in Track & Field at Cumbernauld Amateur Athletics Club, all on a voluntary basis. They also Coach the North Lanarkshire Development Squad; Team Management of Team North Lanarkshire in YDL; Undertake Primary and Secondary School Athletic Sessions; Scottish Cross Country Relay Championships Team Management/Facilitation and Represent the Club at regular scottishathletics meetings. They continue to show selfless and unconditional voluntary commitment to Athletes of all abilities at Cumbernauld AAC week in week out, all year round – even whilst Archie is still in full-time employment.

Will Hogg – Central AC For the past five years, Will Hogg has been a coach at Central AC, and now forms the cornerstone for training provision for the junior training groups. Will personally, and regularly, writes to athletes parents after competitions to congratulate their efforts. Will shows ceaseless enthusiasm, coupled with training innovation, that he has applied since starting with Central AC. Will has proved successful through his focus on competition in training. No longer will a young child turn up to throw the Shot Put in a competition without having practised it thoroughly in training. Will takes the time to review the forthcoming competition schedule for all of his athletes, and ensure that their training is specifically tailored for their forthcoming competition. Despite a recurring problem of some of their junior members not competing on a regular basis, Will’s training (and comments to athletes) are firmly rooted in preparing for competition.

Will’s success is not only attributable to his infectious enthusiasm, but also to his interest in Continuous Professional Development (CPD), which has subsequently led to innovation in the clubs approach to athletes in training.

Annual Awards Dinner 2016 17

Nominations for

Development Coach of the Year Willy Russell – Banchory Stonehaven AC Over the past 12 months, Willy has developed a number of athletes to maximise their potential. Willy develops a group of athletes from age 13-18 in sprinting. He has an excellent understanding of the physiology of children at their different stages of physical development and experience, and varies his training plans accordingly. He develops his own customised ‘cues’ to aid athletes understanding and execution of drills. Athletes receive meticulously planned specific preparation for competition, and Willy allows for flexibility in training schedules to allow for exams, and study time required by the athletes. Willy has attended coaching development courses, e.g. National Coaching Conference, and has adopted training content to include current best practices learnt at these events. He has developed specific technical drills for sprinters, and has made contact with other coaches; he has sourced articles/literature and on-line material to increase his already widespread knowledge. In preparing Alisha Rees for GB selection and competition.

Dudley Walker – Giffnock North AAC Dudley Walker has been coaching youngsters for over 20 years in the middle distance/endurance events.

His record of producing medal winning teams and athletes at Renfrewshire, West District, Scottish and British level has only improved over the years. Many of the athletes in his training groups are also prominent in the rankings both at Scottish and British level and now Junior International level. He has coached athletes who have been selected for GB XC Teams at U23 level. His boundless enthusiasm and total commitment to athletics coaching makes him a standout coach. His support for all athletes regardless of ability or performance and athletes as they cope with injury and rehabilitation are other qualities, which impress. Dudley has shown a willingness to learn in order to improve his support to athletes in their development. He has also been only too willing to share his knowledge with others coming into the coaching arena. Many of those who have passed through his hands have also given much voluntary work back to athletics. It is a tribute to Dudley that his large training group display a camaraderie and mutual support, which is the envy of many.

18 Annual Awards Dinner 2016

Nominations for

Performance Coach of the Year Sophie Dunnett – North Highland Harriers Coach to hill runner Andy Douglas who has impressed on the World and European stage in the past 12 months and won the Home International when representing Scotland at cross country after a silver medal in the National XC.

Derek Easton – Central AC Leads Central AC’s dominant endurance group and this year coached Andrew Butchart to superb individual success including Scottish records, the British title and sixth place at the Olympics over 5000m.

Robert Hawkins – Kilbarchan AAC Skilfully guiding the careers of sons Derek and Callum Hawkins, with both at the Olympics. Callum , who also raced in the World Half and European Champs, finished a superb ninth in the marathon in Rio.

Ian Mirfin – Red Star Coach to Scotland’s elite Para athletes, Ian individually guided Sammi Kinghorn to race three events at the Parlaympics in Rio and has also coached Shelby Watson to World Records in 2016 in her wheelchair classification.

Andy Young – Glasgow University Glasgow Uni coach who continues on a remarkable journey with Olympian Laura Muir in a season which saw her break Scottish, British and Commonwealth Records and land the overall Diamond Race title at 1500m.

Annual Awards Dinner 2016 19

Nominations for

U17 Athlete of the Year Maria Lyle The Dunbar sprinter came home from the Paralympics with three medals after taking bronzes in the T35 sprint events and a silver in the Paralympics GB team in the T35-38 4 x 100m Relay

Holly McArthur Holly set a Scottish heptathlon U17 record and won a string of medals in Scottish, English and UK Schools events. Represented GB and NI Juniors at Manchester International.

Erin Wallace Erin has had a record-breaking year at 800m and 1500m and won the England Athletics U17 1500m title. At the European Youths in Georgia (U18) she took the bronze medal also in the 1500m.

Alessandro Schenini Giffnock North AAC’s Alessandro set a Scottish Indoor Long Jump record at U17 and won a series of Outdoor/Indoor doubles in Scottish, English and Schools events.

20 Annual Awards Dinner 2016

Nominations for

U20 Athlete of the Year George Evans The Inverness thrower won Scottish and British titles in shot and discus. He represented GB and NI at the World Juniors, where he qualified for the discus final.

Josh Kerr Edinburgh AC athlete now based in New Mexico, Josh was fourth in the British Seniors Champs at 1500m. He captained GB and NI at World Juniors, where he finished 10th in the 1500m final.

Alisha Rees Alisha competed in various age brackets, and her achievements included a Scottish Senior 200m title win and a 100m U20 Record. At the European Youths in Georgia (U18), Alisha won silver in the 200m.

Cameron Tindle Cameron picked up medals at U20 level in England Athletics events. Representing GB and NI at the World Juniors, he came through two rounds in the 200m with PBs and then finished seventh in the final.

Shelby Watson Shelby set four T33 Worlds Records in Switzerland over 100/200/400/800 and is a member of the British Athletics Talent Squad. Also won bronze in a 100m event held during the European Champs in Holland.

Annual Awards Dinner 2016 21

Nominations for

Masters Athlete of the Year Philippa Millage The VP-Glasgow athlete has made a huge impact on the track at V35 this season with a number of records – and finished sixth in the British Senior Indoor Champs at 800m.

Claire Thompson Claire won British and Scottish Masters titles and was sixth at European Masters Indoors at 1500m and 3000m in a season of PBs at seven distances from 800m to 10,000m including steeplechase.

Kerry-Liam Wilson The Cambuslang athlete dominated the V45 scene in Scotland and England, including a ‘double double’ at 5000m on track and road; also second in Europe in non-stadia Half Marathon Champs.

22 Annual Awards Dinner 2016

Nominations for

Para Athlete of the Year Jo Butterfield Jo Butterfield claimed Paralympic gold in Rio in the F51 Club Throw event with a World Record! The Glasgow-based athlete, who only took up the sport just over two years ago, came up with a 22.81m throw to win the event.

Libby Clegg A wonderful year for Libby (and new guide runner Chris Clarke) after re-classification at T11 saw her claim gold twice at the Paralympics in Rio. There was a World Record in the semi-final at 100m and a Paralympic Record in the 200m final.

Sammi Kinghorn Sammi Kinghorn raced in three different events in Rio – and she came up with a European Record in the T53 800m in the heats with a big Personal Best.

Maria Lyle Maria Lyle came home from Rio with a trio of Paralympic medals to her name at the age of 16. The Scottish sprinter took bronze in two individual events and landed a silver in the 4 x 100m relay as the Paralympics GB quartet set a British Record.

Derek Rae Derek’s excellent year featured competing in a GB vest in the London Marathon and then again at the Paralympics in Rio as he continues to set PBs at various distances.

Stef Reid Stef matched her performance from London 2012 at the Rio Paralympics in the T44 long jump as she came home with as silver medal - and was only denied victory by a world record.

Annual Awards Dinner 2016 23

Nominations for

Athlete of the Year Andrew Butchart Sixth place in the Olympic final at 5000m would have been impressive in itself, but Butchart added in his third Scottish Record of the season for good measure. The first had come in Holland, in one shoe, and there was another to follow at 3000m in a Birmingham Diamond league meeting. He also won the Scottish National Cross Country and the British 5000m Champs in what many will regard as a huge break-through year.

Andrew Douglas The Scotland Cross Country International picked up sixth place at the World Mountain Running Champs in September 2015 at the start of the year under review (when the selection panel met). He followed that up with fourth place in the European Champs during the 2016 season when he was clearly Britain’s top Senior Men’s athlete in that strand of the sport. Andy was also second in the Scottish National Cross Country and won the Home International Men’s race at the same Falkirk venue a month later.

Eilidh Doyle A very successful year once again for one of the most recognised figures in British athletics, Eilidh ended Scotland’s 28-year wait for an Olympic medal in track and field with bronze in the 4 x 400m in Rio. That came after eighth in a 400m Hurdles event where her Diamond League consistency saw the Scot pick up second place overall.

Eilidh won the 400m Hurdles British title, too, and won a gold medal at the European Champs in the 4 x 400m relay in a season where a new PB in Monaco broke her existing Scottish Record in the 400m Hurdles.

Callum Hawkins From Half Marathon runs at the World Champs in Cardiff to the European Championships in Holland to Marathons in London and Rio, it has been quite a year for Callum. His London Marathon performance saw him finish eighth and best Brit and he followed that up with a top 10 place in Rio with a fine run in his first Olympics – even leading for a long spell mid-race. Callum’s Great Scottish Run victory came just after the selection period for this award.

24 Annual Awards Dinner 2016

Nominations for

Athlete of the Year Eilish McColgan Back at the start of 2016 even Eilish herself would have rated her chances of racing at the Olympics as odds-against. But a return in the Antrim Road Race set her up for a terrific spring which saw her start to post PBs and qualifying standards at 5000m, her new event after switching from steeplechase. She was sixth in the European Championships and then brilliantly came through the heat in Rio to finish 13th in the Olympic final.

Laura Muir Topping 2015 definitely looked difficult for Laura, but she did so in a rash of Records and race victories all season long. The Scottish Records came twice in the 1500m and in the track Mile and two wins and two second places saw her win the overall coveted Diamond Race title – the first Scot to do so. At the Olympics, a brave bid to try and win saw the Scot duly finish seventh. British Records in London and Paris saw her eclipse Dame Kelly Holmes with the Paris run at 3:55.22 also a Commonwealth Record.

Lynsey Sharp Lynsey showed great consistency throughout the season with a whole string of performances under the two-minute mark – including one Diamond League second place and three third places. She competed at the World Indoors and then, in Rio, came safely through two rounds before delivering a Scottish Record performance - at 1:57.69 - in the final on her way to sixth place.

Stephanie Twell After finishing sixth at the Euro Cross last December – on a day when she made a really strong bid for a medal – Steph followed on with a fine 2016. She won the British Champs in great style in Birmingham and then Amsterdam was a real highlight as she took the bronze medal and declared: ‘I feel as though the lost years are behind me.’ At the Olympics, Steph missed out on the final by one place in a season where she recorded PBs for the first time in a number of years.

Annual Awards Dinner 2016 25

Scottish Club Championships 2016 has been a year of outstanding success for Scotland’s athletes on the international stage and the legacy of London, Glasgow and now Rio continues to impact on the growth of the sport on the domestic front with record numbers in the age group championships. With the results of the Inter Club Championships now finalised Edinburgh Athletic Club won 4 out of 5 of the overall categories based on the best 10 scoring athletes with an athlete only allowed to count once. However the event titles were shared between Kilbarchan (2) Giffnock North (2) Central (2) Inverclyde (1) Inverness (1) Victoria Park Glasgow (1) Glasgow School of Sport (1) Pitreavie (1) and Edinburgh (5). The event titles were based on the best 5 scoring athletes. There were some very close finishes with Edinburgh AC only 14 points ahead of VP-Glasgow AC in the battle for the U20 overall title.

2016 Roll of Honour Senior Overall Edinburgh AC Senior Sprints Kilbarchan AC Senior Jumps Giffnock North AAC Senior Endurance Central AC Senior Throws Edinburgh AC U20 Ovej24 rall Edinburgh AC U20 Sprints Edinburgh AC U20 Jumps Pitreavie AAC U20 Endurance Kilbarchan AC U20 Throws Edinburgh AC

U17 Overall VP-Glasgow AC U17 Sprints Central AC U17 Jumps Glasgow School of Sport U17 Endurance Inverclyde U17 Throws VP-Glasgow AC U15 Overall Edinburgh AC U15 Sprints Edinburgh AC U15 Jumps Edinburgh AC U15 Endurance Giffnock North AAC U15 Throws Inverness Harriers U13 Overall Edinburgh AC

Clubs who topped the table for any of the event group tables across all age groups were entitled to a free coach place at the National Coaching Conference in September as well as being able to display the official winners logo on their website.

Many thanks to Arnold Black who has again collated the results using the SATS scoring tables.

26 Annual Awards Dinner 2016

Entertainment scottishathletics are delighted to welcome back the Reel Fling Ceilidh Band to the Awards Dinner.

The band are returning to the dinner and promise to provide great entertainment with some typical Scottish Ceilidh dancing and music. Please get up, dance and enjoy!

Acknowledgements scottishathletics would like to thank the following partners for their support at this evenings awards dinner: Hilton Hotel Group sportscotland The Neil Drover Agency Vision Events Dalziel Artwork & Design Big Thumb Ltd The Herald Strathmore

Annual Awards Dinner 2016 27

The Herald is Scotland’s most influential broadsheet newspaper, providing quality News, Sport and Business coverage as well as agenda-setting comment.

Know more about Scotland by reading

Proud media partners