About Us

Apart from specially-targeted marketing assistance for events, no salaries are taken from Hearts + Balls’ funds. All directors give their time and expertise on a voluntary basis.

Hugh Dan MacLennan – Chair

Hugh Dan MacLennan’s interest in rugby began in Lochaber High School, at the time primarily a shinty/football playing school. His first encounter with serious rugby was a Scotland v England international at Murrayfield in the mid-1970s watching Bob Hiller dig holes in the hallowed turf. School trips to Murrayfield and matches in Inverness, Oban and Fort Augustus set him on a path to maintaining his interest in the oval ball whilst at University, whilst following other pursuits.

Rugby fans will be familiar with his voice as a commentator on rugby and other sports with BBC ALBA and as stadium announcer at the home of Glasgow Warriors.

He called time on his 40-year broadcasting career after his last commentary, the Fosroc Super Series final at Hive stadium in November 2023. He has commentated on football, shinty, rugby, curling and two World Orienteering championships, one of which saw him, along with his TV director, get lost trying to find the day’s events in a Swedish forest.

Now officially retired from his formal roles as a broadcaster, writer, historian, communications specialist, and journalist based in Alloa since 2015,Hugh Dan is working on two book projects and is involved with a number of Trusts and Charitable organisations to pass the time when not golfing.

He is a committee member of GROGS (Glasgow Rugby Old Geezers. He is a Board member of Sporting Heritage UK and was the first Sportswriter in Residence at the National Library of Scotland in 2017.

He was awarded an Honorary Doctorate by the University of Aberdeen in 2023 for his contribution to Gaelic , broadcasting and sport. The Camanachd Association, shinty’s governing body presented him with the Mowi Centenary Award for his outstanding contribution to shinty and also gave him a silver mounted caman.

Hugh Dan was a great friend of the late Jim Taylor MBE and he regards his role as Chair of Hearts and Balls as a tribute to Jim.

Willie Bell

Willie enjoyed playing rugby over twenty years in Gala. Willie is a Chartered IT Professional, with many years of experience within the banking sector. He is an active STEM ambassador and mentor in Schools and Universities. Willie joined the Board of Hearts+Balls to help others less fortunate than himself.

VIKI MENDELSSOHN

Viki was one of the pioneers of Women’s rugby in the 1990’s and helped to found the first ever women’s club at Liberton RFC. She claims to be the fastest No 10’s over 3m and her final swansong on the playing field was to found the women’s section at Watsonians RFC and take them from Div 3 to the Premiership when she finally hung up her boots.

Viki has worked in professional rugby for over 20 years working with 3 front of shirt sponsors; The Famous Grouse, Murray and most recently Peter Vardy alongside clients such as: Edinburgh Rugby, Glasgow Warriors, Emirates, Scottish Rugby and managed the 2011 Touch Rugby World Cup.

Fergus Wallace

Fergus is Managing Director of The Sports Network Group Limited. Fergus is delighted to be a director with Hearts + Balls. Initially trained as a quantity surveyor, he had a successful career in the construction industry before a change in direction took him into the events and hospitality business. Alongside his career, he was a successful rugby player in his day, captaining Glasgow for 6 years, winning their last trophy before the Pro 12 win in 2014. He also captained Scotland on a tour to Zimbabwe and gained numerous Scotland A caps as well as playing 7’s for Scotland at the World famous Hong Kong 7’s. He is also a keen golfer and would watch or take part in almost any sport.

Donald Wilson

Donald enjoyed playing rugby over many years and was lucky to live and play in New Zealand towards the end of his career. His undoubted rugby highlight was playing in the second half of a tie at the Crieff Sevens with his two sons! He is a Scottish Chartered Accountant with many years of business experience across a range of sectors. Donald joined the Board of Hearts + Balls in an attempt to give something back to those less fortunate than himself in a sport that has given him so much.

Alex Hagart

Having been schooled at Stewarts Melville and completed both a Bachelors’ and Masters’ degree at the University of Aberdeen, Alex is now an aspiring History teacher. A former captain at Aberdeen Grammar and Scotland U20 cap, he now plies his trade for Heriots in the BT Premiership.

STUART RAE

Stuart played his school rugby at Heriots, then played at Corstorphine until work took him to South Africa. He was a very average player but managed to play in every position on the field during his rugby career!

Stuart is a qualified Chartered Accountant with experience of a number of business sectors and is responsible for the finances of Hearts + Balls.

Sandra Taylor

Sandra will already be well known to many of you as the other half of ‘Team Taylor’

As a pair, Jim and Sandra were instrumental in organising many of the successful fundraisers over the years for Hearts and Balls and were always ready to contribute fresh ideas and be on hand if needed at many of the events .

Sadly, Jim passed away in December 2022 and Sandra will now take up the role as a Hearts+ Balls Board Member, bringing with her a wealth of experience to the charity.

In her own right Sandra served on the Kelvinside School Board from 2016 to 2022 and has run her own successful business for 30 years.

This background combined with her excellent people skills and a large network of contacts built up over the years will undoubtedly be an important asset to the Hearts and Balls team going forward.