A PE teacher in Largs has been recognised for his sporting work for young people across North Ayrshire.

Jamie Murchie, who works at Largs Academy, was only one of five people nominated to attend the National Eric Liddell Awards next month.

He was put forward by Scottish Rugby for his hard work founding The School of Rugby, a programme for budding young pupils keen to get involved in the sport.

The programme hopes to not only build the skills associated with the sport, but further develop personal, social, health and wellbeing skills.

Pupils have one period of rugby during curricular time and get to compete in various school competitions such as Scottish Schools, Ayrshire Schools Series, Ayrshire 7s and SP Energy Networks Warriors Championship.

There is then a clear pathway for pupils to join local community clubs, such as Ardrossan Accies, to further their rugby development and experience.

Jamie said: “I am truly honoured to be one of the five individuals attending the National Eric Liddell Awards in November. 

"The School of Rugby started around nine years ago, it was an idea I had with the rugby development officer at Ardrossan Accies, about bringing more rugby opportunities to the school.

"It’s just grown year on year from there and we currently have 175 students enrolled.

"Around 40 per cent of players transition to supporting Ardrossan Accies Rugby Club and a further 10 per cent to other local clubs.

"The pathway really helps with development of their rugby, but above all I just like getting kids out playing and enjoying the game.”

The awards form part of the Eric Liddell 100 campaign, which honours the centenary of The Flying Scotsman’s famous Olympic gold medal in Paris 1924, by celebrating the life, sporting and community service achievements of one of Scotland’s iconic figures.

Among these recipients, five individuals - including Jamie - have been nominated to attend the ‘National Eric Liddell Awards’ on Friday, November 1.

The Eric Liddell 100, which is led by The Eric Liddell Community, has partnered with four other organisations - Scottish Athletics, Youthlink Scotland, Scottish Rugby, and Scottish Disability Sport - to honour individuals who have demonstrated the charity’s core values of passion, compassion, and integrity.

Throughout the year, 100 individuals have been recognised with ‘Eric Liddell Recognition Awards,’ receiving a unique pin badge and certificate.

John MacMillan, chief executive officer of The Eric Liddell Community, said: “We are absolutely delighted to celebrate these 100 outstanding individuals who embody the core values of Eric Liddell - passion, compassion, and integrity.

"Each of the recipients of the Eric Liddell Recognition award has made a significant contribution to athletics, sports and their community in Scotland, and we are proud to recognise their achievements.

"We look forward to honouring five of these exceptional individuals further at the National Eric Liddell Awards, and we are thrilled to have such esteemed hosts and the presence of our Patron, Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal, to mark this special occasion.

“This is the first year of these awards, and we hope to make this an annual tradition, continuing to commemorate Eric Liddell’s legacy.”

Hosted by Scottish icon Sally Magnusson – broadcaster and author of ‘The Flying Scotsman: The Eric Liddell Story’ – and sports broadcaster David Tanner, the awards will also feature elite sports people who have shown their dedication to Eric Liddell’s core values.

Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal, who serves as Patron of the Eric Liddell 100, will present each nominee with an award highlighting their incredible achievements.

For more information on the ‘National Eric Liddell Awards’ and how to get involved, visit ericliddell.org/events/eric-liddell-awards-gala-dinner.