The award recognises an individual or organisation who has excelled in promoting first aid education in their community – ultimately an ambassador for promoting health and safety.

Dr Barclay was nominated for her work enhancing player and personnel welfare across the community rugby landscape.

Since taking up post as Scottish Rugby’s Welfare Manager in December 2022, Dr Barclay has launched and implemented a ground-breaking Player Welfare Action Plan designed to reduce and better manage injuries at all levels of the community game, whilst ensuring the game remains enjoyable for all.

Since the launch of the plan, Dr Barclay has also crated and delivered brand-new education courses on Concussion, First Responder and recently introduced additional First Aid education called SCRUMCAPS Level 1.

Most recently, Dr Barclay has partnered with NHS Education for Scotland (NES), Brain Health Scotland, Scottish Brain Sciences and sportscotland to deliver player welfare training at Scottish Gas Murrayfield which encompassed dynamic, interactive sessions focused on concussion awareness and promoting brain health for older individuals.

In addition to this, both Scottish Rugby colleagues and Young Ambassadors linked to the CashBack School of Rugby Programme have engaged with Dr Barclay in Basic Life Saving Skills training, including CPR.

Speaking on the news, Dr Barclay said: “I am genuinely honoured to have made the shortlist for the Community First Aid Champion Award. Being able to apply my knowledge and skillset into a role I am deeply passionate about is one thing, but to have my work recognised for having a positive impact on the Scottish rugby community and beyond, is very humbling.”

Dr James Robson, who nominated Dr Barclay for the award, added: “Everyone at Scottish Rugby is delighted to see Karen recognised for her work in this year’s Scottish First Aid Awards. Karen has played an instrumental role in leading and developing projects to enhance player and personnel welfare across the community rugby landscape.

“These skills may not only benefit those involved in rugby, but more widely, they may help any member of the public.”

The awards dinner will be held on Friday 29 March, 2024 at The Radisson Blu Hotel in Glasgow.