MSPs' panel holds evidence session



A committee of MSPs is holding an evidence session at the home of Scottish rugby.
Holyrood's Health and Sport Committee will take place at Murrayfield as part of its inquiry on Pathways into Sport.

The MSPs will hear from some of the leading names in the game including Scotland star Jim Hamilton and former international Gregor


Townsend, now with the Scottish Institute of Sport Foundation.

"As well as hearing from those who have represented their country at the highest level, our inquiry will start to take evidence from those who coach, teach and administer sport in their respective fields," said committee convener Christine Grahame.

The committee has already taken evidence from major Scottish sporting names including Olympic curling gold medallist Rhona Martin, world champion runner Liz McColgan and sailing star Shirley Robertson.

The committee will also take evidence from women's rugby coach Donna Kennedy, Glasgow Hawks director of rugby Peter Wright, Kenny Murray, sports development officer, Glasgow City Council and Colin Thomson, head of community rugby with Scottish Rugby.

Gordon McKie, chief executive of Scottish Rugby, will also be giving evidence.

"We believe that Scottish rugby has a good record of providing pathways in to rugby at all levels, with a focus on the grassroots community game," he said.

"We look forward to updating the committee about the work we have done so far, illustrated by examples from players past and present, as well as what we hope to do in the future and how politicians and government may be able to provide assistance."

This article was posted on 25-Jun-2008, 17:48 by Hugh Barrow.