Neil has previously been president of the Midland District and was president of Forfar ASC for about five years.

Neil gained his assistant teacher qualification in 1995 and his teacher in 1997. He achieved his club coach qualification five years ago. He also recently passed his referee exam, having undertaken a technical official role at all levels.

Neil was a member of Forfar Swimming Club in his youth and became involved again when his work brought him back to Forfar and his two children joined the club.

His daughter Lynne is now 24 and has completed her medical degree at Glasgow University.

His son Stuart is 22 and has recently completed his degree in forensics at Abertay University.

Sadly, Neil's first wife Faith, who was also heavily involved with the club, died five years ago. Neil recently remarried.

He, and his new wife Issy, are keen travellers and Neil has travelled all over the world, including trips to France, China, Alaska, Antarctica, Africa, the US, the Maldives, the Galapagos Islands and India.

He was on one of the last flights of Concorde.

Seven years ago he went with a party of 40 swimmers, coaches and parents to Forfar's twin town of Chabanais in France, where Forfar ASC won their first international event!

He is a keen amateur wine-maker and wine-taster and won a National Trophy in 2000.

He also owns part of a vineyard in Burgundy and finds an excuse to visit it regularly!

He has a very busy working life as an eminent orthopaedic surgeon in Tayside, but has always ensured that his Wednesday nights are kept free for coaching swimming at the Forfar club.

Everyone at the club is delighted with Neil's new appointment.