King’s Birthday honour for dedicated Strathaven President

The honour was announced on June 14, where he received the British Empire Medal – a massive achievement not just for him – but the whole Strathaven community too.

It has been a successful few years for Colin as the BEM has come off the back of receiving the SP Energy Networks Community Spotlight Award from Glasgow Warriors in March 2024. His crucial volunteering work in various roles within the club was recognised that time.

Colin’s family and the rugby community were overjoyed at him receiving the award, showing the rugby club’s strong ties to its community. Colin has been involved at Strathaven since he was eight years old.

Colin, aged eight, playing his first game at Strathaven RFC.

“To see the club succeeding so well, it’s what makes me tick to be honest… I credit rugby with a lot of the things I’ve learnt in my life.”

Colin has a significant playing history with Strathaven as well as spending time in Cyprus and at Reading RFC too. He suffered an injury to his spine in 2012 that ended his playing career.

“I wanted to stay involved and give back to rugby,” Colin said.

After surgery, he decided to continue giving back to Strathaven and the club has enjoyed success and growth during this time.

A mark of the club’s rise saw a £670,000 grant awarded to the club by the South Lanarkshire Council’s Renewable Energy Fund, which will see the construction of an indoor training facility.

“We now have the largest number of members we have ever had,” Colin said.

Colin has created an online hub, whereby other clubs can get details on every project Strahaven has done and how.

“I’d really like to get this to any other club that are looking at improving their facilities too.”

You can access and get in touch with Colin here.