AN orienteering expert from Arran is on the right path to success in the sport after claiming a prestigious prize.

Daisy McNamara, who is a member of Ayrshire Orienteering Club, recently claimed the Young Orienteer of the Year award given out by the sport’s governing body, the Scottish Orienteering Association (SOA).

The national award, sponsored by Tulloch Homes, was created in 2018 to recognise the significant contribution young people are making within their clubs.

Daisy, who is also a member of the Scottish Junior Orienteering Squad, has initiated orienteering sessions on Arran, offering more young people an opportunity to enjoy and progress in the sport.

She also successfully received grant funding from the Orienteering Foundation to buy orienteering equipment for use by the school and community.

Stewart Harris, chief executive of sportscotland, said: “Congratulations to Daisy McNamara on winning the prestigious Young Orienteer of the Year award.

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“Daisy has shown real commitment to her sport, not only as an athlete, but also as a coach. She has demonstrated the passion and enthusiasm required to encourage more young people to take part in sport and physical activity through the sessions she delivers at her home club on Arran.

“These have been very difficult times for everyone, so it is particularly rewarding to hear of people like Daisy who have risen to the challenge and given so much back to the sport that they love. Daisy is a very deserving winner of this award.”

Anne Hickling, SOA chair, said: “It has been very pleasing to see such a strong group of nominations for this year’s Young Orienteer of the Year award.

“Young people are the key to the future strength of our sport and these nominations can give us confidence that the future is in good hands.”

Daisy was presented the Tulloch Homes Young Orienteer of the Year trophy - as well as a voucher donated by Go Ape - at the Scottish Schools Orienteering Championships which took place on June 1 at Scone Palace.

Orienteering is an outdoor activity where you walk or run a course via a series of checkpoints, using a map and compass for guidance. For more information visit scottish-orienteering.org.