A former Glenalmond pupil has this year become the first woman to win a match at a prestigious public school golf tournament, with a little help from her team-mate.

Alexandra Bushby (25), from Meigle, and Sandy Gray (48), from Edinburgh, represented their former college at the Halford Hewitt tournament held at the Royal Cinque Ports Golf Club in Kent, reaching the second round. The team made history when Alexandra won both her matches, making her the first female to do so in the competition since its inception.

Alexandra said she was helped by Sandy’s experience and pleased with the support she received and the reaction of her male competitors.

She said, “It was really great to take part, and really an amazing feeling. I won both my matches which makes me the first woman to win any match in the tournament.

“There have been girls taking part since 2001, I think, and usually there are two or three. We were playing alongside the men, which was great.

“The other men were so supportive, which was good because if it is a girl they can get a tough time from their team-mates, but they all said they were happy to play a part in history. It is such a shame it is all over now, I had a great time.”

Alexandra is the daughter of Mr and Mrs Lee and Sandy Bushby. Mother Sandy was formerly a Perth and Kinross councillor.

Alexandra, who plays off four, is a member of Strathmore and Blairgowrie Golf Clubs. Mr Gray, who plays off scratch, is a member at Panmure Golf Club. Originally from Broughty Ferry, he is also a member at Royal Burgess and Muirfield.

Founded in 1924, the Halford Hewitt is competed for by the former pupils of 64 English and Scottish public schools which each field five foursomes pairs, making 640 competitors in all.