Ex-rugby star’s dyslexia battle inspires pupils
Kenny Logan visits Dunblane
Former Scottish rugby star Kenny Logan visited Dunblane Primary School to talk about his experience with dyslexia.
Kenny – a retired Scottish Rugby Union international, former Stirling County player and contestant on BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing in 2007– was contacted by P4 pupils as part of a homework task to research famous Scots.
The local hero decided to visit the class while on a visit home to Stirling.
He spoke to P4-P7 pupils about his dyslexia, the impact this had on his time at school, how he overcame these challenges and his career in rugby.
Depute Head Teacher Ruth Allan said: “It was fantastic to have Kenny in to talk to pupils not only about his rugby career but also about his hard work and determination in overcoming the difficulties he faced whilst he was at school in understanding his dyslexia.
“It was extremely inspiring for the children, some of whom face similar challenges in their own learning.”
Kenny (44) said: “It was great to come into Dunblane Primary School today and chat to the children. They had some great questions! If today has helped children in understanding dyslexia a bit more and helped build their confidence then it’s been a great day all round.”
Kenny, whose family’s farm is in Blairlogie, has won praise for speaking out about his own battle with dyslexia.
Speaking on TV in 2015 he said: “It took me years to ask for help. I felt so ashamed. But we need to get rid of stigma. I don’t want other people out there feeling the way that I did.”
As well as playing for Stirling County, Kenny has also played wing for Wasps and Scotland, gaining his first cap against Australia at the age of 20 and winning 70 caps over 13 years. He retired from international rugby after the 2003 World Cup.
Proud of his Stirling roots, he is a recipient of a Stirling Provost’s Award and he regularly returns home to the family farm.
He proposed to his TV presenter wife Gabby at the top of the Wallace Monument and they married in Stirling in 2001. Twins Reuben and Lois were born in 2003.