The Scottish Racing Academy is delighted to announce the appointment of Kevin Harper, Andrew McDiarmid, Geoff Keeys and Fiona Rawson to its Board of Trustees. These new additions bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the organisation, further strengthening its commitment to creating a sustainable education and training provision for horseracing in Scotland.
Kevin Harper joins and is an ex professional footballer who played in the Premiership in England and Scotland, has a Diploma in Football Management from the University of Liverpool. At the age of 17 he became the first ever black player to play for Hibernian Football Club thus becoming a pioneer and opening the door for the black players that have followed in his path. As a diversity and inclusion public speaker and champions equality in sport.
Fiona Rawson comes to the board with a background in the Education and Development Manager at horsescotland, through her role she works closely with Sportscotland the National Agency for sport and the Scottish Sports Association. She leads on Safeguarding, Coaching/ Workforce Development, Inclusion, Diversity & Representation and Performance and brings vast experience from her 18 years working within the Scottish Sport landscape.
Geoff Keeys brings over 30 years of board experience including in the oil, engineering and financial services industries, as well as in the public sector. He was director of Group Business Services for Prudential Corporation plc and a non-executive director of Her Majesty’s Prison Service when he started Strategic Thinking Group (www.strategicthinker.com) in the UK in 1990s and has been an active owner of racehorses for over 25 years.
Andrew McDiarmid is an equine vet who has specialised in equine orthopaedics for 35 years. Andrew worked at the Royal (Dick) school of Veterinary medicine until 2020, leaving as head of Large Animal orthopaedics. He was instrumental in the formation and building of Clyde Vet Group Equine Hospital, the only RCVS recognised private equine hospital in Scotland. Throughout his career he has treated many of Scotland’s leading racehorses and has interests in lameness, keyhole surgery and the management and preventive treatment of youngstock.
Delly Innes, Chair of the Scottish Racing Academy said: “As the chair of the board, I am delighted to welcome our new trustees. Their diverse expertise, unwavering commitment, and fresh perspectives will undoubtedly enrich our collective vision and propel us towards new heights of success. Together, we embark on a journey of collaboration and innovation, ensuring a future filled with impactful decisions for the SRA.”