Central Coaches Boss and Charity Stalwart Recognised With Honorary Degree
Lynne Smith, Director of Central Coaches and long-standing supporter of Denis Law Legacy Trust, has been awarded an Honorary Degree from Robert Gordon University (RGU).
She received the Doctor of Business Administration award for her significant contribution to community engagement and extensive charitable work throughout the North East of Scotland.
Central Coaches is a staple in Aberdeen city and beyond with clients such as Aberdeen FC and Dundee United FC. Lynne took over the running of the family-owned business following the sudden death of her late husband, Derek, in 2006.
On top of her business expertise, Lynne is also being recognised for her charitable work in Aberdeen where she has dedicated a significant amount of time and resources to helping the local community.
She is a long-time supporter of local children’s charity Denis Law Legacy Trust, that is run in partnership with RGU through its flagship programme Streetsport, providing regular transport for various programmes that help vulnerable young people in Aberdeen communities.
In honour of her support for the charity, Lynne was awarded the inaugural Chief Operating Officer’s Choice award for her outstanding contribution in reducing barriers for young people to accessing sport through providing free and accessible transportation.
Testament to her charitable nature, Central Coaches will also kindly be providing transport to the Sport di Strada later this month.
During the pandemic, part of Central’s 120+ fleet of vehicles were dedicated to helping transport key workers to their NHS shifts while others were used to transport food parcels to local communities. Alongside the provision of transport, the firm also supplied drivers.
Her charitable work does not stop there, the mother of three is also Trustee of Russell Anderson Foundation; a long-time supporter and Befriender of nine years at Befriend a Child; and sat on the Children’s Panel for ten years.
Streetsport Outreach Development Officer, Kiana Coutts said “Lynne has selflessly given her time and resources to support charitable causes like ours time and time again and we are incredibly grateful for all of her hard work.”
“This honorary degree is well deserved, the support from Lynne and her team at Central Coaches in providing free transportation to the Stronger Families Inside Out programme has been an instrumental part of its success.”
Professor Steve Olivier, Principal and Vice Chancellor added “Lynne’s a stalwart in her field and this recognition of her is well deserved for years of hard work in business and for her selfless nature to help provide for others.”
“During the pandemic, Central, under Lynne’s stewardship, helped so many people. From transporting key workers to helping those in need, she oversaw a difficult period by putting people before profit – an admirable stance for us all to aspire to.”
Also graduating are long-time Streetsport coaches J.J Clinch in BSC (Hons) Applied Sport and Exercise Science and Jack Coleman in BA (Hons) Social Work.
Everyone at the Denis Law Legacy Trust would like to express their sincere congratulations to all graduates and degree recipients!
It is incredibly well deserved after all of your hard work.