LOCAL rugby writer David Ferguson is looking to hunker down and push forward as the new chairman of the Borders Sport and Leisure Trust (BSLT) board.
The announcement was made after BSLT’s AGM when Mr Ferguson took over as chairman from Tony Taylor, who will remain an active board member. Graham Capper, a chartered surveyor and athletics coach for the last ten years, steps in as vice-chairman.
Both members are looking forward to playing an active role in driving Borders Sport and Leisure forward.
Mr Ferguson, a sports journalist with The Scotsman, has been a member of the trust board since 2006 and vice-chairman for the past three years.
He said: “This is a very exciting time for sport and leisure in the Borders and myself and Graham are honoured to have been asked to lead the board of the trust. We have a strong board full of leaders, creative thinkers with terrific business acumen and entrepreneurial spirit, and a committed, enthusiastic staff, and that is crucial to taking sport and leisure forward.”
Mr Capper said: “The facilities across the Borders provide a fundamental backbone to Borders life, but it takes a lot of hard work, building of good relationships, creative thinking and funding to make them viable and developing.
“We are committed to strengthening that backbone, but we need the help of the Borders communities and everyone who values swimming pools, gyms, fitness centres, pitches and all other aspects of sport and leisure.”
Ewan Jackson, chief executive of BSLT commented: “In many ways there is a feeling of a new era for the trust and sport and leisure in the Borders and after tremendous leadership and dedication from Tony we are in a good place to move forward with new faces at the board helm.
“The directors remain pivotal to the success of Borders Sport and Leisure and we value the close relationship and guidance we have. David and Graham know the work of the Trust inside out and have great enthusiasm for helping us go forward over the coming years.”
Borders Sport and Leisure Trust was founded in 2003 and is responsible for running many of the sports and leisure facilities and programmes in the region including the sports development and Active Schools programmes. The organisation has charitable status and board members receive no financial remuneration.