Anstruther's George is named Citizen of the Year

George Findlay was nominated by the organisation for his years of sports work in the community.

Mr Findlay was one of five people who started the running group Anster Haddies in 1989.

He said: “It’s a great surprise, I feel like there must be people more deserving than me.

“I feel honoured and humbled that people have taken the time for me.

“I still enjoy seeing people getting something out of running, that in itself is a reward.”

As well as overseeing the established group, Mr Findlay works with schools in the area to encourage young people to take part in running and keep fit.

Community councillor Gail Sorley said: “Being part of a running club may not be a big deal, but I would like to point out that George volunteered to start, lead, and participate in the club 23 years ago and still continues to lead the weekly workouts.

“Apart from the social elements of the running club the Anster Haddies host a number of running events in the town throughout the year.

“These attract runners from all over Scotland to come to the area and compete, eat, to drink and provides important tourism for the town. He is one of the most cheerful people I have ever met.

“Without George’s enthusiasm, experience, time and effort, the running clubs would not be the success they are.

“George very much contributes to the fitness, health and wellbeing of the area. He does this on a voluntary basis.”

As well as his work with the running club, George coordinates a youth run in Bankie Park each year to encourage young children to get into running and creates a fun atmosphere to compete in.

And on top of all that, he founded Anster All Sorts, a JogScotland group that is aimed at more casual runners.

He set up that group three years ago to encourage non-runners in the local area to give the sport a try.

It attracts up to 40 people a week, even on “cold winter nights”, Gail noted.

His dedication to the club and activity even saw him take part despite being injured, instead cycling alongside the runners.

George (59), is now retired after teaching geography in schools throughout Fife and he still performs in local theatre productions.

Present at the ceremony was last year’s Anstruther Citizen of the Year, Elizabeth Gordon - who raised thousands of pounds through the Community Kist project as well as being president of the Anstruther Improvements Association - to ‘hand over the baton’ to George.