Ian Beattie Named Non-Executive Chairman of Scottish Athletics

May 1, 2012

Scottish Athletics have announced ultra runner Ian Beattie as their new Non-Executive Chairman.

The Edinburgh-based chartered accountant with vast business experience has been appointed to help lead the governing body for athletics in this country.

Beattie’s appointment to head the Board follows on from last week’s unveiling of Stephen Maguire as ‘Director of Coaching’ in a new approach on the performance side of Scottish Athletics.

The new Chairman has served on the Scottish Athletics Board previously and is a keen enthusiast of the sport. In his professional life, canada ed he is a CA and Chief Operating Officer of Lindsays Solicitors.

Currently a member of Harmeny AC, therapy he previously served as a treasurer with Troon Tortoises AC, adiposity | Central AC, and Strathearn Harriers. An ultra runner, he is the race director of the West Highland Way Race, and has himself completed the event eight times. He has run 85 marathons and ultra marathons and has been involved in various clubs. scottishathletics see his experience of the sport in Scotland, his business expertise and leadership as hugely beneficial as the countdown intensifies towards London 2012 and Glasgow 2014.

Beattie has now stepped down as Vice-Chairman of Sport Scotland.

Ian Beattie said: “I am thrilled to be appointed as Chair of Scottish Athletics. It’s a sport that I have been involved in for many years and, with so much happening  over the next two years, it is a wonderful time to be involved in athletics.

“I have enjoyed my time as Vice-Chair of Sport Scotland immeasurably, and I am really looking forward to bringing the experience I have accrued both there and in business to Scottish Athletics.”

Nigel Holl, Chief Executive of Scottish Athletics, said: “We are delighted to announce the appointment of Ian Beattie as our new Chairman.

“He’s a well-known figure within the sport already and we will look to benefit from that profile and his contacts.

“Ian has held a number of senior positions in the Scottish business community, which is also helpful, and he was on our board as a director at one stage.

“He also has experience in the wider field of Scottish and UK Sport – with Sport Scotland, UK Sport, and in 2003 was a consultant to the UK Athletics Board for a period of time.

“All of these factors make him a very welcome addition to our board as we look to build on the legacy of two massive events in London and Glasgow.”

Louise Martin,  Chair of Sport Scotland, said: “Ian Beattie was highly regarded as Vice-Chair of Sport Scotland, and I thank him profusely for the diligence, commitment, and aptitude he has displayed throughout his six-year tenure on the Board – four years of which were in his role as Vice-Chair.

“I wish Ian every success in his new post as Chair for Scottish Athletics, and I know that his previous experience as a Director with the governing body and his personal interest in the sport will help him enormously in his new role.

“It’s a very exciting time for sport in Scotland with the London Olympics and Paralympics nearly upon us and just two years until Glasgow 2014, and I’m delighted that Ian will continue to play an active role in these events.”