Hamish Hardie

Hamish Hardie was a chemistry student at the University of St Andrews when he was part of the 5-man crew in the 6 metres open sailing event at the 1948 Olympics. His brother Bonar was also a member of the crew of Johan, a vessel built on the Clyde in their native Scotland by the McGruers Boat Builders. All five crew members were close friends.

Hamish joined the Clyde Maritime Trust in 1991, and eventually became its chairman. In 2011 he was awarded the MBE for his voluntary services to Maritime Heritage in Scotland. One of the projects he oversaw was the restoration of the Glenlee Tall Ship, after it was bought in 1993, following more than 70 years under Spanish ownership.

Hardie lives in the Scottish village of Kilmacolm, Inverclyde, and when it was announced that the Olympic Torch relay for the 2012 London Games was passing through the village, a request was made to the organizing committee for Hardie to be one of the torch bearers. Despite being one of the few surviving Scottish Olympians from 1948, the request was refused. However, he did get to hold the torch, when it came aboard the Glenlee as part of its journey.

Both Hamish and his brother Bonar played rugby for the United College, St. Andrews, first XV.