Remembering Margaret Thompson, Scottish Thistle #51

We remember Scottish Thistle #51 Margaret Thompson (Fay) who has sadly passed.

Scottish Thistle #51, 1942 – 2024
International Caps: 19
Debut: 13 July 1963 vs. Jamaica
Career Span: 1963–1966
Position/s: GK, GD

Early Life and Education
Mary Margaret Thompson (Fay), affectionately known as Margaret, was born in 1942 in Ireland. In 1950, her family relocated to Scotland, where Margaret’s academic talent and love of sports shaped her future. At St Margaret’s Primary School in Airdrie and St Patrick’s High School in Coatbridge, Margaret’s netball career began under the mentorship of Lena Calder (Fraser), a Scotland international player.

Margaret attended Craiglockhart College of Education in Edinburgh, where she studied primary education, religious studies, and Scottish country dance. While in Edinburgh, she joined the East of Scotland netball squad, leading to her selection for the Scotland U21 squad, which she captained, and then for the Scotland national team. Margaret graduated in 1963 and embarked on a 40-year teaching career that influenced generations of students.

Netball Career
Margaret Thompson (Fay) was a cornerstone of the Scottish Thistle netball team during the 1960s. She earned 19 international caps in an illustrious career that spanned just three years but left a lasting mark on the sport. Her debut came on 13 July 1963 in a challenging encounter against Jamaica in Newcastle. Though Scotland fell short in that match, it marked the beginning of a career that showcased both determination and excellence.

Over the next three years, she earned 19 caps, playing as a versatile defender in both the GK and GD positions. Her contributions were instrumental during one of the most formative periods for Scottish netball.

Journey through international competition
Margaret was part of history, representing Scotland at the 1st World Netball Tournament in Eastbourne, England, in 1963. Facing a host of formidable opponents, she played in eight of Scotland’s ten matches. Despite the team’s struggles against powerhouses like New Zealand and England, Margaret was instrumental in securing a commanding 51–16 win over Northern Ireland and a solid 47–26 victory against Wales. These victories highlighted her impact on the team during Scotland’s first taste of global competition.

Margaret’s journey continued on home soil and across the Home Nations tournaments. Her standout performance came in Glasgow on 14 March 1964, when Scotland achieved their largest margin of victory during her tenure, defeating Ireland 55–12. This dominant performance solidified her reputation as a key player in the team’s defensive lineup.

In the years that followed, Margaret helped Scotland secure hard-fought wins over Wales and Northern Ireland. Matches like the thrilling 29–28 victory against Wales at Crystal Palace in February 1965 demonstrated her team’s grit and ability to perform under pressure.

Her final appearance came on 21 May 1966 in Dundee, where Scotland triumphed over Wales 37–17 in a rousing performance. This victory served as a fitting conclusion to Margaret’s international career.

Contributions to Netball Post-Playing Career
After retiring from international play in 1966 to focus on family life, Margaret’s passion for netball remained undiminished. Over the next five decades, she became one of Scotland’s most dedicated and influential netball volunteers, earning the affectionate title of “Mrs. Netball” in Lanarkshire. Her contributions included:

Lanarkshire Netball Development
Established the Lanarkshire Primary Schools Netball League, which nurtured countless young players over 40 years.
Coached local netball clubs for over 30 years, with many players reaching national and international levels.
Leadership Roles in Netball Scotland

Served on the Netball Scotland board, including as Youth & Schools Vice Chair and Chair, for over 20 years.
Played a key role in developing netball programmes across rural areas like Orkney, the Borders, and Dundee.
As Chair of the Lanarkshire Netball Association, Margaret championed initiatives like the Super Cup and ensured Lanarkshire’s representation in national competitions.
National Competitions and Coaching
Margaret’s efforts helped establish the Coaching Schools Programme, which improved the quality and accessibility of coaching throughout Scotland.
She organised youth competitions, inspiring new generations of players.

Margaret’s contributions were recognised with Legend Status in Scottish netball and the Netball Scotland Outstanding Contribution Award in 2009 and a Netball Scotland Service Award in 2015.

A Life of Compassion and Legacy
Margaret’s remarkable life touched countless people. Her warmth, humour, and tireless dedication to netball and education left an indelible mark on everyone she met. Tributes describe her as:

“The best teacher in the world” – a testament to the profound impact she had on her students over decades.
“A true mentor and friend” – beloved by netballers, colleagues, and friends alike.
“An inspiration” – for her ability to balance her love of family and her passion for netball.
Her life was a testament to her belief in the power of community and the joy of sport. Margaret’s legacy as a trailblazing athlete, dedicated teacher, and tireless volunteer will continue to inspire future generations.

Rest in peace, Margaret Thompson—forever Scotland’s #51 and a legend in every sense of the word.