Oban's queen of the courts Mary McLean stands down from WHT

After almost 40 years involvement with the West Highland (WH) Championships, Mary McLean has stepped down as referee and organiser of the region's biggest tournament.

 

The former Oban High School teacher bowed out earlier this month when the 50th anniversary tournament came to a close.

 

'WH has been a big part of my life but I felt the 50th anniversary was a natural watershed and it is time for others to bring new ideas and take the tournament forward,' she said.

 

'I hope they have as much enjoyment as I have had over 39 years.'

 

Despite having no family tennis background, Mary has enjoyed the game for most of her life, starting at the age of 13 at Fort Matilda Tennis Club, Greenock.

 

'I loved watching Wimbledon and suppose dreamed I could be on Centre Court,' she added.

 

'I’m not sure I was that good - being realistic I wasn’t! - but I look at the opportunities juniors now have for coaching and progressing their game and wish they could have been available when I was young.'

 

Mary became a regular first team player at Fort Matilda when she was 15 and over the next six years won the club ladies singles, doubles and mixed doubles championships. She also enjoyed success in the Greenock and District and West of Scotland tournaments.

 

On moving to Oban in the early 1970s because of her husband's work Mary, joined the tennis club and played her first West Highland Tournament in 1974.

 

'I was teaching at Oban High School and used to rush down in my lunch hour, play a match, then go back for my next class,' she recalled.

 

From then on there was no stopping her. Mary joined the WH committee in 1983,  became referee’s assistant in 1985 and from 1986 to present has been tournament referee and organiser.

 

Once she took over as referee, Mary preferred not to play but won the Ladies Championship doubles with Jan Oliphant.

 

'Being part of WH has always been such great fun,' she continued.

 

'I have met players from all over Scotland, England and abroad and have been privileged to watch a high standard of tennis.

 

'A chance phone call 20 years ago began the link with John Newcombe Ranch in Texas and this has grown and been cemented over all these years.'

 

Mary took particular pleasure in welcoming players who have returned to the tournament over many years and the friendships she made.

 

Other highlights include the tournament being recognised by Argyll and Bute Council and being given a special award, presented by HRH Princess Anne, and Andy Murray winning the Gents singles at Wimbledon - Mary suspended play at WHT so that players could get behind Andy in the clubhouse.

 

Mary also praised the teamwork of the committee and the support the tournament has had from local businesses and organisations.

 

'I know from feedback from players and their families that Oban has a special atmosphere and everyone involved in the tournament goes out of their way to make visitors welcome,' she said.

 

Mary is now based in Glasgow where she still gets a copy of The Oban Times at her corner shop.

 

'Part of my heart will always be in Oban,' she concluded.

 

Photograph: Mary McLean with a painting by artist Bob McCulloch she was presented with in recognition of her 35 years as referee. NO_T28_MaryMcLean_WHTTennis 02