Rita Campbell
A north exponent of the martial arts is calling for a dedicated training area for judo in Inverness following the success of the Highland competitors at the Commonwealth Games.
Ken MacLeod, a solicitor, participated in and taught the sport for many years. Now in his seventies, the former coach retired from judo 15 years ago.
The Inverness councillor is a third dan black belt in the martial art.
Last week Stephanie Inglis, of Daviot, won a silver medal for Team Scotland in the judo. The 25-year-old battled her way to the final of the 57kg category, picking up silver after losing out to England’s Nekoda Davis.
Tain player Connie Ramsay, 26, bagged a bronze medal in the same category, and James Miller, 36, of Invergordon, took a bronze in his category.
Mr MacLeod said: “I was involved in judo for the best part of 40 years and I think that the folk who did so well in the medals at the Commonwealth Games should be recognised.
“Highland Council will have to do something suitable to honour them. But more than that, I think it is about time there was a specific building for judo.
“Stephanie Inglis’ father Robert Inglis, who trains her, has done a tremendous amount for judo in the Highlands over the years.
“Judo has been popular in the Highlands for 10 years now but it goes from pillar to post. I think it is about time that we think about having a permanent and suitable building that they can train and practice in.
“The sport needs its own base because the floor mats need to be down permanently. There needs to be plenty of space. I know the perfect place and I will be looking into it.
“If there were people who were prepared to sponsor it I think judo could really take off in a major way in the north of Scotland.”
At present the Highland judo group meets at Millburn Academy sports hall in Inverness and at Dingwall Sports Centre.