Rachael Sutherland named 2016 Orkney Sportsperson of the Year

Pool player Rachael Sutherland was named as the 2016 Sportsperson of the Year at the Orkney Sports Awards this evening.

The evening, held in front of a capacity crowd at Kirkwall Grammar School, was a complete success, with ten awards being dished out, including a Lifetime of Service and Dedication Award for duo Willie Stewart and Brian Lanni for their years of combined service to rugby youth coaching in the county.

It was Orkney pool’s Rachael Sutherland, who competed at the World Championships for Scotland, as well as winning a European title and a host of others, who was named as the Sportsperson of the Year, beating fierce competition from the likes of fencer Maggie Tait and darts player Dennis Watt.

Badminton player Tommy Ballantine was named as the Young Sportsperson of the Year for his fantastic achievements in 2016, while the Team of the Year award went to Kirkwall Thorfinn FC, and Young Team went to the St Andrews Young Bulls rugby side.

Swimming coach Neil Blance, in recognition of Orkney swimming’s upturn in fortunes under his leadership, as well as his infectious approach, took the Coach of the Year award home, while Mr Blance’s swimming compatriot Helen Rothnie was named as Volunteer of the Year.

Ella Spence was recognised for her dedicated work for Orkney Climbing Club with the Young Volunteer of the Year, Mia Bentley was named the School Sports Volunteer of the Year for her work at Stromness Academy, and football referee Ian Scott took the Official of the Year.

Full round-up of the night’s events in next week’s The Orcadian.