Inverness' own Commonwealth Games star Jamie Bowie to return to Highland capital for LGBTQ+ sports discussion panel at Eden Court

Hometown Commonwealth Games star Jamie Bowie will be sharing his story in a panel discussion focusing on LGBTQ+ sports in Inverness next month.

The former Inverness Harrier, who broke a national record in the 4x400m relay with Scotland at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, will return to the city for Seen and Heard Live at Eden Court – believed to be a first of its kind event in the Highlands – on the evening of Friday, February 9.

Bowie will be joined by Caley Thistle Women star Kayleigh Mackenzie, who will provide insight into growing up as part of the LGBTQ+ community on the islands and why women's sport has traditionally been seen as more inclusive than men's sport.

That panel's line-up will be completed by Blair Hamilton, a football player herself and a leading researcher into trans participation in sport.

Also on the night there will be a discussion focused on building LGBTQ+ communities in sport, with input from Paddling With Pride, Fitness With Pride and Leap Sports' north project Out and About in the Highlands.

The event will be free to enter, although attendees will be encouraged to give donations to Scotland's LGBTQ+ sports charity Leap Sports as well as Highland Pride.

Highland News and Media journalist Andrew Henderson, who also runs the website Pride of the Terraces as a platform to share LGBTQ+ sports stories from around the world, will host the event and moderate both panels.

"I can't wait to bring Seen and Heard to Inverness," Mr Henderson said.

"LGBTQ+ visibility in sports is still far from what it should be, so this is a chance for both the community to hear from people proving it is possible first hand, and for mainstream clubs to hear how they can become more welcoming for everyone.

"Our panellists have amazing stories to share, and there will be something for everyone to take away from the night as we hear from some absolute trailblazers in their respective fields."

For full event information and to book tickets, click here

Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.