A group of former pupils recently returned to Strathallan to attend and speak at a special networking event, run by Sport Network. This was the first time Strathallan, one of Scotland’s top independent schools, has hosted this event which attracted an array of local businesses and people working in the sport sector.
Former pupils included Charlie Guest, one of the UK’s top alpine skiers, who made a speech about her experiences as a competitive athlete, overcoming serious injuries to get herself back to the top of her sport.
Charlie was joined by Scottish Hockey goalkeeper, Nicki Cochrane, who was in the same class as Charlie, leaving Strathallan four years ago. Also there to lend support was Charlie’s younger sister, Kirsty, who is in her final weeks at Strathallan. Also an outstanding skier and following in her older sister’s footsteps, Kirsty was recently selected for Great Britain’s U21 Alpine team.
Charlie commented: ‘It’s so lovely to be back at Strathallan and re-connecting with old friends and teachers who helped me get to where I am today. I was delighted to have the opportunity to speak about my sporting experiences since leaving school four years ago and my plans for the future.
‘Strathallan has the most amazing sporting facilities which were hugely beneficial to me when I went to school here. Strathallan was always, and still is, incredibly supportive of my skiing and my ambitions to be the best I can be. It was great to be back!’
With an aim of gathering like-minded people together in a relaxed environment to chat, exchange ideas and build new relationships, Sport Network runs six events annually with events usually held in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Stirling.
Nick Oswald, Founder of Sport Network, added: ‘This is the first time we have held one of our events at a school and Strathallan has proved to be an exceptional venue for this particular Sport Network gathering which was attended by a cross section of local businesses and people from the sporting community. Charlie’s talk was inspirational and very well received by all who attended.’
