Scots sporting greats from past and present honoured in Hall of Fame

SIX good men and true were inducted into the Scottish Sports Hall of Fame last night, each heroes of their discipline and of their era. "It's a nice reward and a recognition," said the former world judo champion Graeme Randall, "not just for me personally, but for the support mechanism that was around me at the time."

Randall, who retired after winning Commonwealth Games gold in 2002, joined cyclist Graeme Obree, show jumper Ian Stark, bowler Richard Corsie, old-time cricketer Kenneth MacLeod and the late motorcyclist Steve Hislop in the Class of 2010. All achieved much. All survived the voting process that whittled down 100 nominations following furious debate among the committee.

The lack of female representation was a talking point. Liz McColgan, apparently, would have been a shoo-in. Except she continues to compete, rendering her ineligible. MacLeod – whose career included representing Scotland at rugby, Lancashire at cricket and Manchester City at football – represents the bygone past.

Among those present yesterday, there were hopes that the production line that delivered all 88 members of the Hall will continue. Randall, 35, has spent the past five years as Scotland's judo head coach but ceded the role this week in favour of a consultative role at Sportscotland. "We now have more athletes on the GB team and more attending world championships," he said.

Breeding talent is one thing, he declared. Managing it is another.

"There's no point trying to fabricate just how difficult the journey to becoming a world-class athlete is. We have open discussions with kids and parents about what the cost is, not just financially but emotionally as well. If you tell them anything other than the truth, it would be a disservice."

Obree is less confident about Scotland's sporting succession plans. The Flying Scotsman has consigned his racing career to the past, confining his cycling to rides with his local club in Ayrshire. However, he claimed, celebrating history is meaningless unless new stories are being written. The Hall of Fame needs new blood – and investment in the talent of the future – to thrive.

"It's not relevant if it doesn't inspire people," he said. "You get these awards which you stick in the back of a cupboard. Unless it's doing something, then what's the point? I don't care if I don't get another world medal. We have to get our kids off the streets and go out and ride their bikes or do something sporty. Or influence our politicians to put less money into elite things and into ground level. We need more access into sport, having gymnasiums open and not selling off the sports fields. If it helps that, it's of use."

WHO'S WHO OF SIX NEW INDUCTEES

K.G. MACLEOD

MacLeod displayed astonishing prowess in five sports. He received his first cap for Scotland in rugby when he was a pupil at Fettes College. He gave up rugby at the age of 21 and turned to cricket where he captained Lancashire. While living in the Manchester area, he played football for Manchester City. He was also Scottish long-jump champion and in later life he took up golf, winning the Amateur Golf Championship of Natal, South Africa, where he then lived. Died in 1967, at 79.

RICHARD CORSIE MBE

At just 19 years of age he won bronze in the singles on his Commonwealth Games debut in Edinburgh. He added a further Commonwealth bronze in Singles in 1990 before striking gold in Canada in 1994. Went on to become a triple World Indoor Singles Bowls Champion and was capped continuously for Scotland between 1989 and 1998. Widely acclaimed as the most naturally gifted player Scotland has ever produced.

IAN STARK OBE

No family background in equestrianism, but become one of the leading lights in the sport amassing a total of 18 medals including four Olympic silver medals, three European Eventing Championship titles and winning the prestigious Badminton Horse Trials three times. Only person to take first and second place at Badminton in the same year.

STEVE HISLOP

Hawick-born 'Hizzy' recorded a total of 11 TT victories and became the first rider to average over 120mph during a lap of the Mountain Circuit. He also claimed the British 250cc Championship in 1990. In 1994 Hizzy turned his back on the TT, claiming it was too dangerous. However he went on to win the British Superbike Championship twice in 1995 and 2002. Died in a helicopter crash in July 2003.

GRAEME RANDALL MBE

Scotland's first and only Judo world champion. By the time he was 19 he was already Junior European Champion and had a Junior World Bronze medal under his black belt. He took the world title in 1999 and won Commonwealth gold in 2002.

GRAEME OBREE

His achievements are so inspiring that a film has already been made. When Franco Moser set the world hour record in 1982, 18-year-old Graeme was determined he would break it. In 1993 he did just that, astonishingly on his second attempt in 24 hours. Won two individual World Pursuit Championships, and is probably best known for his innovative cycling positions and specially adapted bike.