A popular teacher who died suddenly earlier this year has been honoured by Scottish Rugby.
James Hannay, 43, passed away suddenly in March and he received a special recognition award for his work with the North West Community Campus and Dumfries Saints.
At the recent ceremony Dumfries Saints RFC spoke of how James, the footballer turned rugby coach, helped “change peoples’ lives for the better”.
They said: “Jimmy has been the champion of the School of Rugby at Max High and North West Community Campus for over a decade.
“He has helped grow the game of rugby massively not just within his school but within our town and has provided so many once in a lifetime opportunities for his pupils.
“He has led the way in educating and helping our club introduce numerous community projects to help struggling families within Dumfries and this year had sponsored our Saints Hardship Kit Fund.
“Jimmy always put the needs of others before his own and has helped change so many peoples’ lives for the better. We will miss his infectious laugh and attempts to pass himself off as a rugby player.”
In Scottish Rugby’s virtual award presentation, tributes were paid to Jimmy by former pupils and Scotland’s points’ record-holder and Scottish Rugby ambassador, Chris Paterson, who was a close personal friend to James following their time studying at university.
“He was very down to earth and never wanted praise. He will be sorely missed but I have no doubt all the great work he started will continue to go on in his name.”
