Officially brilliant: Recognition for volunteer with 40 years of service

Tuesday 17th March 2026

Photos by Bobby Gavin

Officials are an integral part of our sport and we simply could not run our competition without their input, knowledge and expertise.

Many of those we see in purple and red at events have given years of service to scottishathletics and events in Scotland and indeed across the UK.

Now scottishathletics and UK Athletics have moved to honour a number of dedicated Officials who have given 40 years or more to our sport with a small gift of appreciation.

At the 4J Age Group Champs earlier this month, we made presentations in person to:

Sheila Baillie; Hugh Baillie; Margaret Brown (also receiving a Honorary Life Membership award); John Coyle; Leslie Roy

Still to be presented: Marion Allan; Kay Cherrie; Ken Davies; Mike Forrest

At our Officials Conference last October (2025) we gave similar long service awards to: Joyce Wighton, Isabel Baird, Gordon Baird, Shona Malcolm-Martin.

Looking at those names and tallying up their combined years of service – running to a few hundred – really is the perfect summary of their dedication and commitment to helping our sport.

The reaction on our Facebook page last week captured the respect and esteem in which they are held by our community.

‘All of them are outstanding examples of what Scottish athletics is is all about and what we bring to the world of athletics,‘ posted Scott Millar.

*If you are interested in becoming an Official or would like more information about officiating then check the dedicated pages for Officials on the website where you can find the dates for upcoming courses

Or contact Shona Malcolm-Martin via email shonamalcolm@scottishathletics.org.uk