Personality Profile - Willie McKelvey

Willie McKelvey is a long term greyhound enthusiast from North of the border. Shawfield is currently the only Scottish track racing under the rules of the NGRC although there are plans for a new stadium development at Wallyford near Edinburgh.

A one time BGRB director as an owners' representative Willie is also a former MP so brought an important link with Westminster to the sport at a crucial time. He was fundamental in starting the All Party Parliamentary Greyhound Group or APPGG.

Willie McKelvey & Ian Prescott with Labour Leader & Labour Victory

Willie retired from his Parliamentary duties due to ill health and lives in deepest Forfar. He said: "I bought my first two pups in the late 80's in partnership with former MP pals - Irene Adams, John MCallion and Jim Wray.

"This was my first venture and it was fatal. The pups were not cheap at the time at about £1,500 each we were told they were a bargain but they couldn't even qualify to race!"

"I bought my beloved Lady Polly in another partnership - a Kilmarnock lad I had introduced to greyhound racing. She cost us £800 and was a grand investment. She won us plenty of races including an open at Powderhall. When she retired I took her home 'just temporarily' and she was a tremendous pal for the next 12 years!"

"Over the past 20 odd years I have owned some 20 or so dogs. At one time I had five on the card in the same week. Carloway Poser - a Frightful Flash bitch was another great dog. She won from trap one in handicaps no less than 40 times. then as a third season racer, never injured she rounded off a great career by winning eight out of 10 at Armadale. Some of her pups were still running last year prior to finding homes."

"I still have a passionate love for the game and as long as I can hobble to the track I'll keep shouting them over the line."