A popular and much-loved Highland sports coach was yesterday left “overwhelmed and honoured” at learning he is to be handed the Freedom of Inverness.
Colin Baillie MBE, 77, is being recognised for his commitment and enthusiasm to sport, in particular rugby and athletics, as well his work with Inverness Highland Games, for over four decades.
He said: “I am absolutely astonished and bewildered, it is a real honour. I am so overwhelmed.
“I love coaching, particularly helping kids. I have won a lot of awards in the past, but this one is extremely special.”
The retired Millburn Academy deputy rector and PE teacher, who is also active with the Boys Brigade and is a member of Crown Church of Scotland, added: “I am a Dundonian who came up to Inverness in 1963 for four years and I never left because it is such a wonderful city.
“It is great that people think I am worthy of getting the Freedom of Inverness, as it is not handed out to many people, particularly a commoner like me.”
Inverness Provost Helen Carmichael said: “I am utterly delighted for Colin Baillie that his good works throughout his lifetime will be acknowledged as he has provided eminent service to the area through his works and deeds.
“I am very much looking forward to the Freedom ceremony that will be arranged in due course.”
She added: “Colin has made a highly significant impact on people’s lives through his dedication, commitment, enthusiasm and unique ability to encourage and stimulate, promote and develop individuals and groups through his passion and zest for life.”
The proposal to confer the honour to Mr Baillie was received by Highland Council from a number of organisations, including the City of Inverness Highland Games Committee, Highland Rugby Club, High Life Highland and Police Scotland.
Angus Dick, chairman of the City of Inverness Highland Games, said they proposed he be inducted into the City of Inverness Highland Games Hall of Fame “because of the work and time that Colin had devoted to the Games”.
Highland Rugby Club chairman Andrew Little added: “Colin’s dedication, enthusiasm and commitment in everything he does rubs off on to others and it is for these qualities that he is highly regarded by many who know him.”
And Ian Murray, chief executive of High Life Highland said: “Mr Baillie is a positive volunteering and mentoring role-model as he is always willing to help out in any way he can, taking time to visit schools, work with teachers, parents and coaches to support them in athletics coaching for primary and nursery pupils and ultimately playing a major role in getting more children more active.”
The Freedom of Inverness has been awarded on 21 previous occasions since 1900.
In more recent times it has been conferred upon the Queen Mother in 1953, The Highlanders regiment, former Inverness councillor Tom MacKenzie in 1985, and the Highland Gunners in 1999.
In addition to the Queen Mother, a total of four members of the Royal Family have been handed the Freedom of the city, including King Edward when he was Prince of Wales in 1931.
the list also includes three UK Prime Ministers, one Secretary of State for Scotland, two Lord Lieutenants, and one MP, as well the Highland-born Prime Minister of New Zealand Peter Fraser.