Doddie recognised for contribution to Scottish life

The Blainslie farmer, who was capped for Scotland 61 times and has raised more than £5 million for research and support for Motor Neurone Disease (MND) sufferers, was named winner of this year’s Fletcher of Saltoun Award for Contribution to Public Life earlier today.

Doddie, 50, launched the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation to raise money for research into MND after revealing he was suffering from the incurable disease in 2017.

Sarah Mason, director of the Saltire Society which runs the awards, said: “We are pleased to be celebrating the work of Doddie Weir through our 2020 Fletcher of Saltoun Awards.

“Doddie’s drive to help other sufferers has seen the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation grow exponentially, having raised over a million pounds in its first year.

“We know that with Doddie’s indomitable spirit the Foundation will continue to go from strength to strength and help people living with MND for many years to come.

“This year has been a difficult year for many but knowing that people like Doddie Weir are here, working hard to make Scotland that little bit better raises our spirits.”

Doddie said he was delighted to win the award, not least because it marked the first time he has worn his famous tartan jacket since March.

He added: “I would like to thank the members and the Council of the Saltire Society for nominating and awarding me the Fletcher of Saltoun Award this year for Contribution to Public Life.

“It is a great honour and privilege to be considered for this award and I am so grateful for your support.”

Jason Leitch, the Scottish Government’s national clinical director who appears regularly on TV and radio explaining coronavirus developments, and Devi Sridhar, professor of global public health at Edinburgh University and an influential commentator on the crisis, are among other recipients of this year’s awards, run by the Saltire Society.