INVERCLYDE swimming coach Eddie McCluskey has made a national splash by getting a major honour for helping young people with a disability.

Eddie, 68, one of the country’s leading coaches, has received a ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ from sportscotland. 

The top accolade recognises his commitment to the sport for more than 40 years.

He has steered four swimmers, including Margaret McEleny and Kenny Cairns of Port Glasgow Otters, to multi-gold medal success over five Paralympic Games, and for many years was a ‘first-pick-coach’ for British squads.

After his fifth Paralympic Games in Beijing in 2008, Eddie retired from coaching Britain’s top international swimmers as part of Team GB, and concentrated on the Otters.

Eddie said he progressed from mainstream swimming to coaching people with disabilities.

He said: “I like to see people improving. Some of our members who come to the Otters have hard lives, but I absolutely love it when I see them enjoying themselves and that I’m helping to enhance their quality of life. There’s no better feeling than seeing them happy – and sport does that. 

“Whether it’s in Sydney, Beijing, Greenock or Glasgow, I love to see my swimmers be successful. I am so proud of them all. It’s an honour to receive this ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ from sportscotland. I can’t quite believe it.”

A warm tribute was paid to Eddie by Margaret, who achieved outstanding success under his guidance.

She said: “Eddie changed my life – he was someone who inspired me. I have three gold medals, five silver and seven bronze, and, if it wasn’t for Eddie, none of that would have been possible.”

The Coaching Officiating and Volunteer Awards 2016 were held at Glasgow City Halls, where leading athletes congratulated the winners and thanked them for their work in supporting and developing sport in Scotland. 

Stewart Harris, chief executive of sportscotland, praised Eddie’s influence on so many swimmers.

He said: “Eddie is not only being recognised for his successes this year, but for his lifelong dedication to sport. His inspirational achievements have made him one of Scotland’s most influential coaches. His positive attitude inspires disabled people to become local, national or international athletes.

“He’s a truly inspirational coach, and a worthy recipient of our sportscotland Lifetime Achievement Award. 

“He exemplifies what every coach is striving for –  focusing on the individual and developing what they can do.

“At sportscotland we are implementing a world-class sporting system at every level, and we can only do so with the support of the many dedicated coaches, officials and volunteers like those recognised this evening.

“I hope many more people are inspired by their stories and recognise the opportunities that exist to get involved in sport at every level from volunteering at your local club or school to coaching or officiating on the world stage.”

The winners each received a trophy, certificate and £300 towards their professional or coaching development.