THE winners of the 2014 Borders Sport & Leisure Celebration of Sport Awards were revealed at a celebratory dinner and ceremony held at the MacDonald Cardronna hotel on Friday.

Sponsored by Galashiels based firm GB Telecom and hosted by Radio Borders sports presenter, Stuart McFarlane, the event was attended by over 175 guests including sports stars, local sports organisations, award nominees and members of the public.

The 2014 awards featured 13 categories - eight with a shortlist of three nominees whilst a further three special accolades were made by the judging panel. The winners in three of the Awards categories - Sports Personality, Team of the Year, Inspirational Performance of the Year – were decided by a public vote.

Mark Moncrieff, Sales Director of GB Telecom commented at the event: “These Awards are very special. They not only recognise the wealth of talented sportsmen and women we have in this region but they also play a role in highlighting the amazing coaches, teams and events that are helping to raise both the standard and profile of sport here in the Scottish Borders.

“Having looked at look this year’s list of nominees it is impossible not to be exceptionally impressed by both the achievements and commitment of all of those nominated.“ The judging panel’s special Awards were given to young Selkirk Hockey player Emily Newlands (Junior Sports Personality of the Year); Ivan Laing, who was inducted into the Hall of Fame; and Duns Rugby Club, who received the award for Positive Coaching.

The category award winners included - Coach of The Year: Alex Jordan – Swimming. Club of The Year: Peebles Cycling Club. Event of The Year: Melrose 7s – Rugby. Disablity Sports Performance of the Year: Patrick Wilson – Boccia. Service to Sport: Ian Scott Watson – Motor Sport.

Ian Watson Scott (Services to Sport Award Winner) received special congratulations from motoring legend Sir Jackie Stewart.

Whilst unable to attend on the night, he sent the following message: “Ian, you have done an immense amount for Scottish Motorsport over a great many years. Without you I am not at all sure that Jim Clark would ever have been able to get starting racing that took him to tremendous heights. “With your influence and guidance as well as friendship to Jimmy, I know from all of the times that I spent with Jimmy how much it meant to him. “Motorsports and Scotland and the Borders for that matter would be a poorer place if you had not been around. Well done Ian for this recognition and it’s well earned.” The winners of the three public vote categories were - Sports Personality of The Year (Public Vote): Stuart Easton – Motor Cycling. Team of The Year: (Public Vote): Melrose Bowling Club. Inspirational Performance of the Year (Public Vote): Greig Laidlaw – Rugby.

Additional accolades were also presented to show jumper Scott Brash for World Class Achievement and a posthumous Lifetime Service Award was made to local photographer Alistair Watson.

Ewan Jackson, Chief Executive of Borders Sport and Leisure, said: “I would like to offer my congratulations to all of the Celebration of Sport winners and also to the shortlisted nominees. Their efforts and achievements are an inspiration to us all. “This year’s Awards ceremony was another great success and it is really rewarding to see so many people gather together to mark the achievements of those involved in sport across the region.” And he added: “I am already looking forward to the Celebration of Sport Awards 2015.”