Former Scotland captain and British Lion helps pupils celebrate sporting achievements

Pupils in F4-F6 were joined by former pupil, former Scotland rugby captain and British Lion Andy Nicol, as they marked their deeds and efforts in a range of sports at the School’s annual Sports Awards Dinner.

After enjoying a meal and hearing the reflections of PE staff on the past year’s action, the pupils waited with baited breath to learn who would be announced as the winners of a number of prizes in athletics, netball, hockey, football and rugby.

A series of awards, including the coveted Sports Personality of the Year (Shona Campbell, who was part of the Scotland mixed open adult team that won bronze at the Touch Rugby World Cup) and Outstanding Sporting Potential prizes, were also handed out to pupils for an array of outstanding individual accomplishments, whilst the winner of the Outstanding Team Achievement (U16 rugby) was also announced.

The pupils then had the chance to hear from Andy Nicol about his own formative sporting experiences at the School, and how they helped him to reach the top of his game, along with some entertaining HSD, Scotland and British Lions anecdotes!

Andy, who also spoke about the importance of the pupils writing their own chapters in life, said, “I thoroughly enjoyed being back at School for the evening and to recognise the great work done by the pupils and teachers within sport at High School of Dundee.

“School sport allowed me to realise my dream of playing rugby for Scotland but it also taught me invaluable life skills, which is even more important.”

The event, which was organised by PE teacher Christy O’Donnell and featured prizes manufactured by the School’s Technology Department, was a fantastic way to round off another busy sporting year, according to Head of PE and Games, Ewan Jack.

He said, “It was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate and acknowledge not only the achievements of our various teams and individuals, but also the team spirit, commitment and effort they have shown on the sports field this year.

“The pupils really enjoyed meeting Andy Nicol. It was fantastic, and very inspiring, for them to be able to hear from a former pupil who has gone on to reach the very top of his sport.”