Zara Phillips back at old school in Gordonstoun

ROYAL Olympian Zara Phillips joined gold-medal winning rower Heather Stanning to unveil a new sports centre at their old school in the Highlands.

They officially opened the George Welsh Sports Centre yesterday at Gordonstoun in Moray.

Zara, who is married to rugby star Mike Tindall, won a silver medal with the British equestrian team. She said: “It’s good to be back at the school which has changed quite a lot. Coming back with medals is great as the legacy of the games is important and we can hopefully influence the young ones.

Gordonstoun pupils, parents and staff gathered to see the two women unveil a plaque and try out some of the new equipment for themselves.

Principal of Gordonstoun, Simon Reid, said: “It is interesting to ponder what future champions we might have amongst the pupils today, inspired as they have been by the achievements of our illustrious former pupils.”

The new building houses a fully equipped fitness suite, exercise areas, changing rooms and classrooms which will provide state of the art teaching facilities.

The two guests also came face to face with the man after whom the centre is named – George Welsh led the physical education department for 20 years, before his retirement in 1984.