Ian Beattie goes cross country to show that he is no stick in the mud

A bit of mud isn’t enough to stop law firm executive Ian Beattie getting out into the field and leading from the front. And it was a point he found himself proving fairly spectacularly as he made his way around the course of Scotland’s biggest cross country event.
By The Newsroom
Published 28th Feb 2020, 06:00 BST
Ian ploughs through the glaur at championshipsIan ploughs through the glaur at championships
Ian ploughs through the glaur at championships

Ian, 54, is chief operating officer of leading Edinburgh legal firm Lindsays. He is also chairman of scottishathletics.

At work, he’s an advocate for encouraging colleagues to lead healthy lifestyles, whatever their ­athletic abilities. Outside the office, he is an influential figure on ­Scotland’s sporting scene. Sometimes he’s even able to combine his interests and skills.

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So there were many eyes on him as he competed in the National Cross Country Championships in Falkirk on Saturday, a major event in the Scottish cross country season which has been sponsored by Lindsays since 2014.

“The weather was torrential and created some classically challenging muddy conditions,” said Ian, who competed in the nationals for the 25th time as a member of Edinburgh’s Harmeny AC.

“I’m a huge fan of this event. One of the great things about it is that anyone can take part, which is one of the brilliant things about running generally – everyone can do it and push themselves as far as they feel able to.”

Ian has been chairman of scottishathletics since 2012 and his enthusiasm has clearly rubbed off on colleagues at Caledonian Exchange-based Lindsays. Susan Law, a partner at the firm, was among the others in a record field of nearly 2,500. ­Meanwhile, a 15-strong team of volunteers from the company turned out in wind, rain and sleet to support Falkirk parkrun, held ahead of the championships.

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Ian lent a hand to colleagues there before swapping his waterproofs and wellies for shorts and trainers to take on the championships course, finishing in a time of 54.35.

He added: “At Lindsays we’re extremely proud of our involvement in the championships. On a personal level, I’m clearly delighted that we’re able to support them.

“Athletics in Scotland is on a real high and I love being involved. Our membership and competition numbers are increasing, in track and field as well as in cross country and road racing. Lots of people are working hard to ensure that continues.”

Lindsays also sponsors Scottish runner Eilish McColgan, now a two-time Olympian, three-time British steeplechase champion and GB international, in an individual deal.

Ian said: “Lindsays is delighted to offer backing to a dedicated and ­talented athlete with great potential at a time when she is pushing on to even greater things in an already significant career.”