I am Brian Bell, and I have been Scottish Rugby’s Regional Development Manager for the Highlands and Islands since 2006. This is my first sports development job having previously worked in Local Authority management in Scotland. Many years ago I played rugby at Kelso, Edinburgh University, Howe of Fife and Highland RFC, having also represented and captained the North and Midlands, playing over 50 games in the old Inter District Championship and friendly matches including the Australian and Japanese national touring teams. As a volunteer I have held a variety of club roles at Highland from coach to president.

My region covers a land area of 30,900 sq kilometres and measures some 560km (350mls) from the most northerly (Shetland) to the most southerly (Lochaber) points. It has a population of approx 280,000 which is divided as follows:

Eilean Siar (Western Isles) 26,500
Highland 212,000
Orkney Islands 19,500
Shetland Islands 22,000

Assisted by Scottish Rugby Staff Alex Edmonstone, the Coach Development Officer for the North, Colin Philips, the Regional Academy Coach for the North, Bob Easton, the Referee Development Manager for Caledonia and Car Stevenson the National Women and Girls Rugby Development Manager; support is given to the 10 active rugby clubs, as well as primary schools, junior secondary schools and secondary schools. Current playing numbers are 550 adults and 1650 youths of which 220 are girls.

In partnership with Local Clubs and other funders Scottish Rugby currently has four full-time Development Officers working in the Community - Bruce Ruthven at Orkney RFC, Daniel Meadows at Shetland RFC, Colin Sangster at Caithness RFC and Sinclair Patience at Highland RFC.  In addition there are 4 SVQ Community Coaches working in Caithness RFC – Liam Brims, Ross Sutherland RFC – John Mann and Lochaber RFC – Chris Simpson. This gives the region a strong high quality workforce to encourage, coach and develop all players interested in Rugby.

The Highlands & Islands Community Rugby Group was established in September 2005, it is made up of representatives from all the clubs, referees, Local Authorities and other interested parties such as Sportscotland. Meeting quarterly it’s purpose is to be the driving force for rugby in the region.