Morag Pirie is first female Scots referee to join Fifa’s elite

Morag Pirie has become Scotland’s first female referee to make it to Fifa’s Elite Development level, while Willie Collum, who is officiating at Euro 2012, has been elevated to Fifa Elite Referee level.

Pirie said: “This has come as a wonderful surprise. The Scottish FA’s programme ensures that our referees are professional in all but name; from the training regime, workshops and feedback mechanisms. I am delighted that those efforts have been recognised.”

For the first time, Scotland now has more than one official operating at the highest echelons of the game. Collum, 33, joins Craig Thomson on the 24-strong list of the world’s leading referees.

Collum told the SFA website: “I have been involved in refereeing since I was 14 and this excellent news makes that commitment all the more worthwhile. Obviously it is great news for me but it is great news for Scottish refereeing. We have never had two referees in that category before and I am absolutely delighted to have been nominated. It shows the work we put is being recognised at the highest level and it shows other referees who are making their own journeys that there really is no barrier to success. Working in as intense an environment as Scottish football gives you tremendous experience as a referee and, certainly in the last few years, we have all had to handle a variety of situations.”

While the rest of the Scottish referee team await their first group match, Denmark v Portugal, Collum has already made his debut as Fourth Official for the defending champions’ 1-1 draw against Italy on Sunday.