The Bill McLaren Foundation Volunteer Award -2025 Winners announced!
We are very proud to announce the winners of the inaugural Bill McLaren Foundation Volunteer Award 2025, recognising two exceptional individuals who have demonstrated unwavering dedication to grassroots rugby and community service. This year’s recipients, Jim and Margaret Smith, have been the ever-present partnership behind the leadership and administration of Leith Rugby Club, dedicating an incredible 57 years to its development and success.
This award was created to honour those who embody the spirit of Scottish rugby, echoing the legacy of our namesake, the legendary commentator Bill McLaren, whose passion for the sport and commitment to its growth continue to inspire generations.
This year we had standout winners – or rather, a standout team. Jim and Margaret Smith have performed various roles and functions for Leith Rugby Club for over half a century, working tirelessly and often under the radar.
Jim has served as coach, Vice President, and later President, liaising with local schools, delivering improvements to both the playing and administrative sides of the club, acting as a liaison officer for visiting national teams, and overseeing kit, clubhouse maintenance, and player welfare. Over the decades, he has fulfilled every duty imaginable.
Margaret, since 1979, has provided vital administrative support, establishing efficient systems, managing club membership, preparing full post-match teas for six teams, organising clubhouse stock, maintaining facilities, and ensuring the smooth running of day-to-day operations.
They are the very definition of a ‘power couple’—married to each other and, in many ways, to the club itself. Their endless contributions have ensured the continued success and growth of Leith Rugby Club, and they remain deeply respected and cherished.
“We are delighted to recognise Jim and Margaret Smith for their incredible dedication to rugby and their community,” said Linda Lawson, Bill’s daughter and Trustee of the Foundation. “Their partnership and commitment truly embody the values of the game, and their contributions are invaluable to the grassroots development of rugby.”
Jim and Margaret were honoured by a special presentation at The Voice of Rugby Dinner on Fri 7th March. The award was presented by Welsh rugby legend Alun Wyn Jones and they were cheered on and celebrated for their outstanding volunteerism and lasting impact on Scottish rugby.
The Bill McLaren Foundation Volunteer Award 2025
The Bill McLaren Foundation is delighted to announce the creation of an annual award to recognise exceptional contributions by volunteers in the field of Scottish amateur rugby. This award is open to anyone involved in playing, coaching, administrating or behind the scenes support, and will include the presentation of a trophy and a monetary prize of £500 at our annual Voice of Rugby Dinner 2025.
This award has been created to celebrate any volunteer connected with rugby who exemplifies the principles and practices for which Bill McLaren was renowned; fairness and good sportsmanship, commitment and dedication, respect for teammates, opponents, and officials, and ongoing effort to continue development and progression in a team/club/organisation.
In line with Bill’s life as a player, supporter, coach/teacher, journalist and commentator, this award will be open to volunteers involved in amateur rugby in any capacity, and in any role.
Application Form
APPLICATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED.
We will be launching an application for the 2026 Award soon - watch this space!
Terms and Conditions
Nominations for the The Bill McLaren Foundation Volunteer Award will be reviewed by a group of Trustees. They will collectively reach a decision on who should receive this year’s award, based on the information provided. The decision of the Trustees will be final.
Nominees must be volunteers who have made a significant contribution to sport demonstrating the criteria laid out in the application form.
Applications must be submitted by 31st January 2025.
Awards will be announced by the Chair at the Voice of Rugby Dinner, Friday 7th March 2025. Winners will be contacted in advance and given the opportunity to accept their award in person and offered three additional tickets for guests. Anyone who is unable to, or does not wish to, attend the event can still be a recipient.
All personal data will be handled in accordance with the Foundation’s Privacy Policy.