Scottish athletics will bounce back from Covid-19 says new chief executive Colin Hutchison

The new chief executive for Scottish Athletics believes the sport is in a ‘stable’ position to emerge from Covid-19.

New Scottish Athletics chief executive Colin Hutchison. Picture: Bobby Gavin

Colin Hutchison, currently head of development, will move up to the top job with the national governing body next week as Mark Munro leaves for a new role with UK Athletics after ten years with Scottish Athletics.

Eilidh Doyle, a board member and multiple medallist at major championships, rubber-stamped the appointment after playing a key role in the recruitment process.

Hutchison, who joined Scottish Athletics in January 2017 having previously worked for Bowls Scotland, believes that an on-going focus on clubs and people can help athletics recover from the pandemic, which has hit membership and group activity during lockdown.

Eilidh Doyle, Scotland’s most decorated athlete, was heavily involved in the recruitment of Hutchison. Picture: Bobby Gavin

“Despite the obvious challenges facing us all currently, athletics in Scotland is well-placed to emerge in a stable position from the pandemic and I know that with everyone involved working closely the sport in Scotland will come back even stronger,” said Hutchison.

“The success of athletics in Scotland over the past decade has been driven by placing clubs and people at the heart of everything we do.

“This continued approach, alongside delivering the strategic initiatives outlined in our ‘Building a Culture of Success’ strategy, will ensure continued success at all levels.

“This is a crucial year for everyone involved in the sport, from those working in and supporting clubs, to athletes and coaches focussing on major championships in 2021 and 2022, and I look forward to working alongside our great staff team and Board to continue supporting and developing athletics in Scotland.”

The outgoing Munro is confident the framework is in place for athletics to flourish post pandemic despite membership being affected by coronavirus.

“There has been a hit on membership and on activity (with events and all group training currently suspended), of course,” said Munro, who starts his new jobs as director of development with UK Athletics next week.

“But in Scotland there is a strong and robust structure or framework for the sport. In the context of the global pandemic, we’re still strong financially. We are still supporting athletes and we are still supporting coaches and clubs.”

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