Strachan the popular choice as Shetland’s Sportsperson of the Year 2011

Swimmer Andrea Strachan, who won an unprecedented four gold medals at the Island Games this summer, was named Sportsperson of the Year in the fifth annual Shetland Sports Awards.

This year’s event, much grander than in previous years, was held in the Clickimin bowls hall and attracted just under 150 guests who were also treated to a display of world-class gymastics by visiting Ukrainian stars Iryna Krasnianska and Dariya Zgoba. A gallery of photographs by Kevin Jones can be viewed here.

Andrea, who narrowly beat five medal-winning teammate and friend Amy Harper and 800m gold medallist Emma Leask to the title, received a standing ovation at the ceremony on Friday night.

Swimming coach Petur Petursson, who along with Lorraine Gifford managed the Island Games Swim Team, was named Coach of the Year. The other nominees were rugby coach Bryan Leask and netball coaches Kirsti Leask and Vicki Henderson.

Young Sportsperson of the Year was athlete Haydn Thomason, who broke the 400m record at the inter-county this year. He beat swimmer Felix Gifford and Transplant Games gold medallist Zoe Buchanan. Haydn was presented with his award by Iryna and Dariya.

Team of the Year went to Whalsay’s hockey side, who won all the silverware this year and a tournament in Kirkwall. They narrowly beat the Island Games Swim Team to the title. The other nominee was the Junior Inter-County Team.

Young Team of the Year was the Anderson High School Netball Team, winner of the Scottish schools cup. The Shetland Gymastics Team and the Shetland Under-18 Football Squad were also nominated.

There was also a standing ovation for former SIC leisure and recreation boss John Nicolson, who received the Lifetime Endeavour Award presented on behalf of the family of the late Rob Anderson.

He received the award from Rob’s widow Mary and in an emotional speech said it meant even more coming from the family of his great colleague.

For full round-up of the night, see this week’s Shetland Times.