One of Scotland’s leading curling coaches has had her years of dedication and contribution to the sport recognised with the first ever ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ from sportscotland.

Lockerbie’s Marion Murdoch, picked up the accolade on an evening where nine other leading coaches, officials and volunteers from across Scotland were recognised for their significant contribution to sport over the past twelve months.  

The prestigious sportscotland Coaching Officiating and Volunteer Awards 2015, were held last night (Wednesday 25 November) in Glasgow City Chambers where leading athletes congratulated the winners and thanked them for their work in supporting and developing sport in Scotland.  The athletes included former Scotland Rugby 7s captain, Colin Gregor, and Winter Olympic Silver Medallist, Dave Murdoch, who presented the Lifetime Achievement award to his mother.

At the event, hosted by BBC Scotland’s Bryan Burnett, coaches, officials and volunteers involved in rugby, rowing, curling, judo, triathlon, equestrianism and gymnastics were recognised for the many hours they dedicate to helping others compete at the best level they can.

Stewart Harris, Chief Executive of sportscotland said: “Every year across the country, thousands of dedicated volunteers devote their time, knowledge and skills to help others achieve their sporting goals and we are delighted to have this opportunity to celebrate their achievements and congratulate them all on their achievements.

“Marion Murdoch epitomises everything that is good about that level of skill and dedication and her drive and determination to get young people curling over the years has inspired many national and international curlers who have gone on to be champions in Scotland, Europe and at World level.

“Marion’s ‘pupils’ have, of course, included members of her own family and it was fitting that David was available to present his mum with her award.

“At sportscotland we are implementing a world class sporting system at every level in Scotland and we can only do so with the support of the many dedicated coaches, officials and volunteers like those recognised this evening.

“I hope that many more people are inspired by their stories and recognise the opportunities that exist to get involved in sport at every level from volunteering at your local club or school to coaching or officiating on the world stage.”

Award winners on the evening were:

sportscotland ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ was presented to Marion Murdoch from Lockerbie who has been involved and coached at Lockerbie Ice Rink since 1972.   Marion organises numerous curling sessions including ‘try curling’ as part of the Lockerbie’s Curling’s Cool programme which offers curling coaching to 1000s of school children from the Dumfries & Galloway area.   She has coached a number of young curlers who have progressed to Scottish, European, World and Olympic winners and medallists.

sportscotland ‘Performance Coach of the Year’ was presented to Iain Somerside who for the past eight years has been the Head Coach of the Glasgow Schools Rowing Club.   Iain has established one of the leading junior rowing programmes in the UK and during the 2014/2015 season, he coached a group of 12 performance rowers to achieve international selection at either Scotland or Great Britain level.

sportscotland ‘Performance Development Coach of the Year’ was presented to Luis Romero, from Edinburgh, for his work in basketball with the Scotland U15 and U18 women’s squads as well as the West Lothian Wolves and Strathclyde University teams.   Luis recently celebrated his 100^th game as a basketball coach and coaches teams at least three times a week in West Lothian and Stirling.

sportscotland ‘Young Coach of the Year’ was presented to Rachael Walker who is currently coaching within the competitive section of Saltire team Gymnastics in Edinburgh with the youth and junior girls teams.   Her gymnasts are very loyal to her and she receives excellent feedback from parents on a regular basis.

sportscotland ‘Young Volunteer of the Year’ was presented to Fraser Johnston from Larbert, who is a Medical Student at the University of Glasgow.   As a Young Hub Leader, Fraser has brought a freshness and enthusiastic attitude to the Tryst Community Sports Club in his native Larbert.

sportscotland ‘Disability Coach of the Year’ was presented to Amanda Saville from Lockerbie for her work in equestrianism at the Chariots of Fire Driving Centre.   Amanda coaches seven days a week and has created a dynamic, friendly environment where high quality coaching is delivered by her and her team.   Her coaching group involves people of all ages with a wide range of impairment.

sportscotland ‘Community Coach of the Year’ was presented to Dr. Penny Rother who is a GP from Loanhead in Edinburgh.   The former World Triathlon gold medal winner met a group of Edinburgh women who wanted to balance some exercise with the pressures of work and family life, and they are all now part of the triathlon section of the Edinburgh Road Club which makes up 25% of the membership.

sportscotland ‘Volunteer of the Year’ was presented to James Longmuir, who for the past 53 years has operated in a huge number of roles for the Cluarankwai Judo Club in Kilmarnock.  He currently fills the role of club Treasurer – a role is also fulfils for The Academy Community Sports Hub in the area.   James also volunteers as part of the Executive Committee at East Ayrshire Sports Council.

sportscotland ‘Technical Official of the Year’ was presented to Alan Stanfield, who is based in Nairn, and over the past year has been Chief Umpire at the World Curling Federation European Championships in Switzerland as well as the Chief Umpire at the 2015 Scottish Curling Men’s Championships in Perth.

sportscotland ‘Young Person’s Coach of the Year was presented to Gary Coupland, who has been instrumental in the development of rugby in the Annan area and who coaches mini and midi rugby at Annan Rugby Club.   He was also involved in the establishment of a women’s and girls’ ‘taster’ session at the club which has now developed into an Under 16 team and a senior team now playing in the league this season.

The winners each received a trophy, certificate and £300 towards their professional or coaching development. More information on the awards can be found at www.sportscotland.org.uk/covawards.