Doddie Weir isn’t just a hero to rugby fans all the way from Carter Bar up to John o’Groats. The rugby legend also holds a special place in the hearts of all associated with Lauderdale Scout Group as without the former Scotland international’s help, it might well not exist.
Text courtesy of The Southern Reporter – read the full article on their site.
Five years ago, the Group was struggling to attract both members and adult helpers, with fewer than 20 of the former on its books. Group Scout Leader Andy Beaumont turned to Doddie, dad of two of the group’s members at the time, for help, and the 47-year-old was only too happy to oblige and set up a group executive, taking the role of chairman. “The group began to thrive, and in 2013 it was presented with an award for the highest percentage growth in the whole of Scotland. The group now has 150 youth members, with 38 adults helping at its daily meetings.”
Doddie stood down as chairman in April this year, and a couple of months later he revealed he had been diagnosed with motor neurone disease. To thank Doddie for the role he played in reviving its fortunes, the group held a sponsored walk through Lauderdale to his farm near Blainslie, drawing a turnout of about 200. It raised more than £3,000 for Doddie Weir’5 Discretionary Trust.