‘Joan Watt was a teacher, mentor, influencer’ – Leslie Roy

Tuesday 4th July 2023

scottishathletics and the wider community across our sport are saddened to learn of the passing of Joan Watt.

A significant figure in athletics for many years, Joan was Chair of the governing body at one stage and was also our first female President.

She passed away last week at the age of 82 and we send our deepest sympathy to family and friends.

We’ve been asked to share these details for remembrance:

Joan passed peacefully at The Orchard Care Home on Wednesday 28 June 2023, aged 82 years. Beloved wife of Neill, loving mum of Stewart, sadly missed mother-in-law of Gillian and a great friend to many.

A Service of Celebration for Joan’s life will take place at The Devonvale Hall on Friday 7 July 2023 at 10am thereafter to Tillicoultry Cemetery to which all family and friends are respectfully invited.

Retiral offering in lieu of flowers to People’s Dispensary For Sick Animals & The Guide Dogs For The Blind Association.

A chartered physiotherapist, Joan was a Life Member of Commonwealth Games Scotland. She was first involved in Scotland teams at the Edinburgh Games of 1970 and served in physio roles through to 2002 and as team manager for shooting for two further Games.

Joan was made an Honorary Life Member of scottishathletics back in 2005.

Former President and current Convenor of our Track and Field Commission, Leslie Roy, said:

‘This is such sad news. Joan was a huge influence in Scottish Athletics for many years from grassroots through to the highest level being involved in the SWAL and Scottish and British teams as physio, chair, committee member.

‘But she was much more than that – Joan was a teacher, mentor, influencer . . . ‘