Neil Donachie

Neil and Marion Donachie

Neil had a long and distinguished career in Scottish athletics as a runner, then as an official and administrator. He started out as a member of the Edinburgh Rovers and Scouts club as a Youth in 1949/50. They became Braidburn AC in 1952/53 which morphed in the 1960’s into Edinburgh AC

Neil remained a member through both amalgamations and changes of name. He was a good cross-country and road runner who turned out in the Edinburgh to Glasgow relays as well as National championships.

Neil was principally a track runner who specialised in the half mile distance. He ran all over Scotland in classic handicap races such as the prestigious Edinburgh Highland Games and in SAAA championships. Ranked beside Graham Everett, Dick Hodelet and Bruce Tulloh : all well-known names ,his PB was 1 52

After his running career was over Neil’s love of the sport led him into administration and officiating. He worked at club level, at District and at National levels as both administrator and official with a serious appetite for work.

Neil was a past Chairman of the Scottish Athletics League and a past president of the SAAA. He was a popular and well respected official.

He served on the Club Executive Committee for many years and regularly took on officiating duties and team management on British League fixtures. He was awarded Life Membership of the National Athletics League for his meritorious service to the British League. A stalwart volunteer of all things endurance officiating: no task was beneath him. A mentor to incoming team managers and a constructive wise head when EAC merged with ESH.

Neil was awarded Life Membership of the National Athletics League for his meritorious service to the British League.

Neil was awarded Honorary Life Membership of Edinburgh AC in 2024