A love of boxing, kindled by watching the likes of Ali, Hearns and Buchanan in their prime on television, has seen Arnot Manderson’s John Macpherson appointed to one of the sport’s senior roles in Scotland.

A director since 2013, Mr Macpherson has now become Chair of Boxing Scotland, the national governing body for Olympic style (or amateur) boxing, and says he feels honoured and humbled to have been chosen for the post.

The position had become vacant on the sudden death of Richard Thomas, last year.

Mr Macpherson, also a director of GB Boxing, said: “I am honoured to have been asked to become Chair, not just because of the calibre of my predecessor, but also because of the calibre of my colleagues on the Board.

“I am very excited to be taking on the role at the start of the selection process for the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games in 2018 but, looking beyond that, I will work to build on the foundations Richard put in place by increasing participation from all walks of Scottish life and by laying down the pathways which will continue to generate medal success for Scottish boxing.”

He added: “First and foremost, I’m a fan. I’ve always enjoyed boxing, going back to watching the stars on television. People like Ali and Frazier and Tommy Hearns were favourites of mine, and, of course, Scotland’s own Ken Buchanan.

“When my son, Tom, joined Lochend ABC, I went along, started training too, and got the bug to become more involved. Then, when the opportunity came up to become a director of Boxing Scotland, I was lucky enough to be appointed.”