THE BLAIRGOWRIE MAN largely responsible for the recent success of Scottish swimming has been made an OBE.

Ian Mason was until earlier this year chairman of Scottish Swimming, a post he held from 1992, overseeing a number of developments which culminated in the outstanding performance of the Commonwealth team in Melbourne.

The haul of medals, including six golds, in March has been widely seen as heralding a “golden age” of Scottish swimming.

Ian also gave up his role as Perth and Kinross physical education advisor in July when he took up the post of director of world class operations for British Swimming.

He has also served on the boards of sportscotland, Tayside Sports Development Group and Perth and Kinross Sports Council.