Carbon backing for Bill Mclaren Foundation golf day

Carbon Financial were proud to once again support the Bill McLaren Foundation Golf Day at The Blairgowrie Golf Club in Perthshire.

Ten Scotland rugby legends, including Andy Irvine, Gavin Hastings, Kenny Milne, Tony Stanger and Craig Chalmers, were joined by current Edinburgh Rugby and Scotland international Mark Bennett for an event played on the Rosemount championship course, which hosted the 2014 Junior Ryder Cup.

Former British Lions captain Hastings reckoned between them the veterans had clocked-up more than 700 caps.

They were joined by golfers from across Scotland, including Deacon Blue drummer and television presenter Dougie Vipond.

Carbon managing director Gordon Wilson said: “We have been a long-time supporter of the Foundation established in memory of the legendary commentator by his daughter Linda and her husband and ex-Scotland international Alan.

“Events such as the golf day at the Blairgowrie Golf Club, where Carbon are corporate sponsors, have helped the Foundation give £1.4 million to support youth rugby and sports projects at home and abroad.”

Golfers were updated on the sterling work being carried out by Bhubesi Pride Foundation over the past decade, with generous backing from the Bill McLaren team.

Richard Bennett, founder and CEO, mapped out the progress made since 2012 in using rugby coaching – and now netball – to improve the lives of youngsters across the continent, with Malawi now the charity’s strategic and operational focus.

“We secured a seven-acre plot, which involved various families meeting with a lawyer for the first time in their lives,” Richard recalled.

“That has paved the way for a community centre and clubhouse to be constructed, with classrooms, a full-sized rugby pitch, two netball courts, office space and an accommodation block.

“We run outreach projects for young people aged 11-16 and engage them through rugby and, now, netball. All the programmes are delivered by trained Malawian coaches.

“The Bill McLaren Foundation has been hugely supportive over the past 10 years.

“Around 3000 people participated annually in multiple African countries and today 2000 take part in three sport for development programme strands in rural Lilongwe.

“In addition to more than 200 volunteers, including many from Scotland, supporting our various coaching programmes, we have increasingly involved African coaches – a key part of our founding principles to empower local stakeholders and communities.”

Please view the other photos from the day below.