13 Jul 2026
By George Morton, President of Ayr Archery Club
Colin Downie dedicated 50 years of his life to his love of Archery, together with his late wife Nancy by his side, sharing some fantastic journeys, creating unforgettable memories and establishing amazing friendships.Â
His dedication to the sport knew absolutely no bounds. He loyally served Ayr Archery Club for many years, together with significant involvement with the West of Scotland Archery Association, and the Scottish Archery Association, where he served one term as President.
Colin joined Ayr Archery Club with Nancy in 1975, and latterly sons Bruce and Andrew took up the sport for many years, making it truly a family sport and passion. When Colin had shot his end of six arrows, his telescope or binoculars would focus on the targets where the rest of the family were shooting.
Together with Nancy, they competed actively for many years, all over the country, making new friends all over the country, sharing stories almost every weekend, while over time, holding every committee role in the club, often more than once. For the Ayr club, Colin was President, Secretary, Coaching Co-ordinator, Tournament Organiser, Equipment Officer and so much more, Nancy also served as Secretary and Treasurer. Together they were the steadying influence that helped drive the club forward.
For years, they organised tournaments, coached new and existing members, created many accomplished archers who went on to become seasoned internationalists. They helped deliver thousands of community demonstrations, equipment maintenance sessions, coaching on the rules, supporting new members and countless other tasks, to which they gave their time so willingly.
Their passion for the sport knew no bounds. On a regional level that extended to every role imaginable with the West of Scotland Archery Association. Colin also became Regional Coaching Organiser for the Scottish Archery Association, organising training sessions for the Scottish team. He also became President of the organisation, and later represented Scotland on the UK body, the Grand National Archery society, now known as Archery GB.
With these roles he travelled far and wide, attending committee meetings, hosting, and supporting coaching events and seminars, supporting new and upcoming clubs, which at one stage included a memorable trip to the Shetland Isles.
Other key highlights include travelling to Skye on several occasions to organise a weeklong tournament which attracted participants from all over the UK. This led Colin, and other key members of the Ayr Club, to create an International Holiday Week in Ayr, with participants from all over Europe, during which they tried different forms of archery, but more importantly, an opportunity to make new friends and memories.
Colin’s career was equally impactful, spending many years as History and Modern Studies teacher at Carrick Academy, Maybole, during which he ran many overseas Easter trips, to France, Germany, Holland, and Italy. He also established Carrick Archers, a hugely successful school club based at Carrick Academy, which he often described proudly as one of his best achievements.
Colin and Nancy’s dedication and love of the sport was acknowledged many times, including lifetime achievement awards from Ayr Archery Club, South Ayrshire Sports Council and Scottish Club Sport (formerly Scottish Association of local Sports Clubs). They were also honoured with life membership of Ayr Archery Club and Scottish Archery Association.
Colin lived a full and active life, achieving much in his 86 years together with wife Nancy who passed in 2024.
He is survived by his sons Bruce and Andrew.
The funeral service takes place on Thursday 23rd July at Masonhill Crematorium, at 11.15am.