Elaine is recognised for all her volunteer work

Westwood woman Elaine Martin is celebrating after being crowned Scottish Rugby’s Volunteer of the Month for December.

The 45-year-old holds various roles at Torrance House, but spends a large chunk of her time coaching the club’s fledgling girls’ section, which was launched last year.

She volunteers five times a week and as well as her coaching duties Elaine is the section’s secretary, fixture organiser and is also involved in organising club social events.

Elaine also worked with the committee to transform part of the clubhouse into a female changing room.

After receiving her prize from the Scottish Rugby Union, she told the News: “It was a bit of a shock to the system when I found out I’d won. I didn’t expect it at all.

“I’m very humbled. As a volunteer you don’t go looking for awards and things like that. I just want the kids to be happy and enjoy their rugby.

“The girls have great opportunities here.

“The last time there was a ladies section at East Kilbride was in 1978, so it’s great to be in a position now where we have girls from primary one age all the way up to 18-years-old developing their rugby skills and playing games.”

A sales manager in the oil and gas industry, Elaine has spent a decade with East Kilbride Rugby Club after watching her son play for the minisection’s primary one team.

She added: “My boy is 16 now, so it shows you how long I’ve been here.

“My coaching came latterly and I got my level two coaching badge only last year.

“But I’m good at organising things, so I’ve held various roles over the years as well. “I really enjoy it.” As well as winning a glass trophy, Elaine’s prize also includes an invite to Murrayfield to attend the annual Scottish Rugby Club Awards Dinner in May.