Tait takes top gong at Orkney Sports Awards

Anna Tait spoke of her delight after being named Orkney’s Sportsperson of the Year for 2017.

The double Island Games medalist and record holder said it had been an “incredible” year as she picked up the prize at the Orkney Sports Awards.

Tait, who also represented Scotland in 2017, beat off stiff competition from Scottish international netballer Sarah MacPhail and powerlifter Hannah Beaven at the glitzy event this evening.

And on another hugely successful night, the runner also picked up the Performance of the Year Award — voted by the Orkney public — for her memorable 1,500m run record-breaking run at the NatWest Island Games.

Meanwhile, 26-time kickboxing World Champion Amy Golder was also one of the stars of the evening, picking up two awards in the form of Young Sportsperson of the Year and Young Volunteer of the Year.

Orkney Football Club was named Team of the Year, while Orkney’s under-15 netball side picked up the Young Team of the Year prize. Orkney Rugby Club chairman Neil McCartney took the Volunteer of the Year prize, while rugby coach Gary Nicolson was recognised for his dedication by being named the Coach of the Year.

Equestrian judge Terry Penna took the Official of the Year title, while Bobby Campbell was named School Sports Volunteer of the Year for his dedicated work with the Kirkwall Grammar School’s football sides.

And, being recognised for their unwavering dedication and commitment to athletics and cross-country running in Orkney, were Jim and Pat Maxwell, being awarded the Lifetime of Service and Dedication to Sport.

For a full rundown on the night plus photographs, see next Thursday’s The Orcadian.