Curling coach Murdoch is recognised for her service

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.

Curling coach Marion Murdoch received the Lifetime Achievement award at the sportscotland Coaching, Officiating and Volunteer Awards 2015, held at Glasgow City Chambers last night. Picture: Jeff Holmes

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 12 months.

The sportscotland Coaching, Officiating and Volunteer Awards 2015 were held last night in Glasgow City Chambers.

Winter Olympic silver medallist David Murdoch presented the Lifetime Achievement award to his mother Marion.

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.

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.

“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,” added Harris.

“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.

Harris went on: “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.”

SPORTS AWARDS

Performance Coach of the Year

Iain Somerside (rowing)

Head Coach of the Glasgow Schools Rowing Club for the past eight years.

Performance Development Coach of the Year

Luis Romero (basketball)

Works with the Scotland U15 and U18 women’s squads as well as West Lothian Wolves and Strathclyde University.

Young Coach of the Year

Rachael Walker (gymnastics)

Coaches the youth and junior girls teams at the Saltire club in Edinburgh.

Young Volunteer of the Year

Fraser Johnston

A Young Hub Leader at the Tryst Community Sports Club in Larbert.

Disability Coach of the Year

Amanda Saville (equestrianism)

Coaches seven days a week at the Chariots of Fire Driving Centre.

Community Coach of the Year

Dr Penny Rother (triathlon)

Runs a group of women as part of the triathlon section of Edinburgh Road Club.

Volunteer of the Year

James Longmuir (judo)

Currently treasurer, has filled a number of roles for the Cluarankwai Club in Kilmarnock for the past 53 years.

Technical Official of the Year

Alan Stanfield (curling)

Nairn-based, was Chief Umpire at the World Curling Federation European Championships in Switzerland and the 2015 Scottish Curling Men’s Championships.

Young Person’s Coach of the Year

Gary Coupland (rugby)

Coaches mini and midi rugby at Annan Rugby Club.