Scottish tennis celebrated at award ceremony

The great and the good of Scottish Tennis were honoured last night as the winners of the 2018 Tennis Scotland awards were announced.

From professional players to the grassroots of the game, they were all recognised at the ceremony in Gleneagles.

The highest profile award of the evening, International Player of the Year, went to Arbroath’s Jonny O’Mara. Currently ranked 48 in the world in doubles, O’Mara won his first two ATP Tour titles with his partner Luke Bambridge in Stockholm and Eastbourne. He also rose over 100 places in doubles rankings over the course of 2018.

Junior Player of the Year went to 17-year-old Jacob Fearnley who won two junior level ITF events during the course of the year, while the Senior Player of the Year was Eilidh Smith.

In addition to these awards, there were several other awards that celebrated the sport at th grassroots level.

Aboyne Tennis Club in Aberdeenshire won the Club of the Year award while Coach of the Year went to Allan Russell from Dunfermilne Tennis Club.

The lifetime achievement award went to Hamish McBain of Rothes Tennis Club who has been playing tennis and volunteering in local clubs for over 50 years.

Tennis Scotland CEO Blaine Dodds told their website: “Our rich congratulations go to all winners of the 2018 Tennis Scotland Awards – and indeed all those shortlisted.”

“In the individual player awards, Jonny, Jacob and Eilidh’s names are added to a rich list of winners over the past decade or so which demonstrates the depth of talent across the sport in this country.”

“This provides everyone involved in tennis in Scotland that the future is very bright to help us deliver on the Murray legacy – and we wish all those winners who are now finalists in the British Tennis Awards the very best of luck.”

The full list of award winners are below:

Jonny O’Mara – International Player of the Year

Jacob Fearnley (Tennis Academy Scotland Merchiston Castle School) - Junior Player of the Year

Eilidh Smith (Morton of Pitmilly Countryside Resort) – Senior Player of the Year

Hamish McBain (Rothes Tennis Club) – Lifetime Achievement Award

Aboyne Lawn Tennis Club – Club of the Year

Iain Miller (East Lothian Open) - Volunteer of the Year

Teresa Tait (Elgin Tennis Club) – Official of the Year

Alix Christie (Forthill Community Sports) – Young Person of the Year

Alan Russell (Dunfermline Tennis and Bridge Club) – Coach of the Year

Fairfield Community Sports Hub – Community Award

Lauder Primary School – Education Award

Accessible Tennis CIC – Disability Award

Glasgow Trophy: Glasgow Life – Competition of the Year

Stirling Women’s Team – Team of the Year