Scottish coaches land grants from the Lloyd Cowan Bursary scheme

Sunday 16th February 2025

Linda Nicholson coaching (photo by Bobby Gavin)

Three Scottish coaches have received support from the Lloyd Cowan Bursary scheme to help develop athletes.

And four athletes were also fortunate enough to land a 2025 bursary from the fund to help their progress over the next 12 months.

The coaches are: Frank Gauld of Aberdeen AAC, Linda Nicholson of Moorfoot Runners and Willie MacRury of Stornoway RAC.

The athletes are: Ben Heron (North Ayrshire AC), Dawn Russell (Kilbarchan AAC), Abbie Stewart (Stornoway RAC) and Holly Whittaker (Aberdeen AAC).

Lloyd Cowan Bursary administrators shared with us testimonials from the Scottish coaching recipients.

Frank Gauld: ‘The Lloyd Cowan Bursary is a huge boost for me personally as it will allow me to be able to fund some travel and accommodation allowing me to support athletes at some of the major athletics competitions.

‘I’m very grateful to receive this along with the Nike kit support.’

Linda Nicholson: ‘Receiving funding support as a coach is a tremendous boost, and to be supported by the Lloyd Cowan Bursary, with all that it stands for, feels very much like being part of a supportive team.

‘The funding will enable me to support my athletes as they travel to access top level competition; to get the best from them and from me; to learn and grow as a coach. And the Nike funding is the icing on the cake!’

Willie MacRury: ‘It means a great deal to receive support from the Lloyd Cowan Bursary. The support will go a long way in enabling me to continue to support island athletes and help grow the sport of athletics throughout the Scottish islands.’