It is with leaden hearts that Strathendrick Rugby Club has to report the passing of a true legend of community rugby: our Clubmate Iain Somerville died this week.
Iain was a founder member of Strathendrick way back in 1975, playing for the 1st and 2nd XVs for a number of years and he remained an active volunteer and supporter ever since. A generation later Iain began coaching his children, Andrew, Douglas and Marie-Jane, in the Minis at Fintry and, in 2000, he took up the role of Mini Convenor – the beginning of a quite remarkable tenure. Iain believed that introducing youngsters to sport in general and rugby in particular was hugely valuable to their physical health and social development and he helped cohort after cohort into our game. Almost unbelievably, Iain continued in his role of Mini Convenor at Strathendrick for 20 years – well past his own children moving on – not standing down until 2019.
One of Iain’s great achievements was founding and promoting the Strathendrick RFC Annual Minis Charity Festival developing it from an end of season tournament into the largest and best organised event of its kind in the country – raising tens of thousands of pounds for local hospices over the years, in the process.
Strathendrick RFC was pleased to make Iain an Honorary Vice President in 2022 and delighted to welcome him to the Anniversary Dinner Dance in February this year celebrating the 50th season of the Club.
Iain also used his professional accountancy and secretarial skills to help a range of other sporting and charitable organisations – but his endeavours were never about ‘Iain’. He was unfailingly modest, unassuming, loyal, hard-working - and dedicated to his community.
The kind thoughts of all the members of Strathendrick RFC go out to his wife Ann and children Jennifer, Andrew, Douglas and MJ.
Rest in Peace Clubmate.