Beattie stays in chair and weighs up a successor

Ian Beattie is staying on in his voluntary role as chairman of Scottish Athletics for an additional year.

The marathon and ultra runner, who is chief operating officer with legal firm Lindsays, will now remain in the post through to the autumn of next year and the 2021 AGM.

But the search for an enthusiastic and driven individual to fill the role as chair starts now, with Beattie staying on with “succession-planning” and a handover period very much in mind.

It is a significant position with a big commitment required both in terms of focus and time from the successful candidate, with 15 hours per month being asked.

The Scottish Athletics Board agreed at its January meeting to invoke article 3.2.5, which allows for certain office-bearers to remain for one extra year beyond the maximum of two four-year terms.

Beattie took on the role after Frank Dick left the post early in 2012. His tenure has coincided with a period of significant rejuvenation and has featured a string of highlights both in terms of performance and participation.

“It has been a huge honour and a privilege for me to chair Scottish Athletics on a voluntary basis since 2012, and I have really enjoyed seeing the excellent progress that has been made in that time,” he said.

“Among the many highlights, I have been particularly delighted in the way that everyone within the sport has come together and worked so hard, with a common goal of improving athletics in Scotland.

“We are fortunate to have so many wonderful role models across the whole sport; not only our athletes, many of whom are now operating at a world-class level, but also our coaches, officials, professional staff, people within our clubs, and the many others who volunteer.

“I was very pleased to accept the board’s offer to stay on for another year and look forward to helping my successor prepare to take on the role in September 2021.”