Biography of Ian Howie Borland

Ian Howie Borland (1907-87) was born in Glasgow and educated at Glasgow Academy (1921-5). He graduated BA from the University of Cambridge before matriculating at the University of Glasgow in 1928-9, 1929-30 and 1930-1 to take the compulsory classes in mercantile law and accountancy required towards the professional qualification in chartered accountancy. Borland returned for the 1933 summer session when he studied arts.

During his studies Borland represented the University in track and field athletics. His achievements were numerous and he was awarded University Blues in 1931. At Scottish Championships he won the gold medal in the 440 yards and bronze in the 100 yards in 1929; in 1930 he struck gold once again in the 440 yards; in 1931 he was again third in the 100 yards; and in 1932 was silver medalist in the 440 yards.

In autumn 1933 his sprinting speed was put on ice, literally, when he turned out for the University ice-hockey team.

In 1930 Ian Borland was selected to represent Scotland at the very first Commonwealth Games, known then as the British Empire Games, in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. There he competed in the heats of the 220 and 440 yards.

Borland served in World War Two with the RAF Home Service (1939-41), in the Middle East (1941-44) and with the Home Service (1945-6).

In the 1950s he was working for a firm of solicitors in Piccadilly, London. By the time of his death he had returned to Scotland and was resident in Argyll and Bute.

Sources

Other Online Resources

• London Gazette
• Scotland's People
• Scottish Association of Track Staticians archive, Scottish Championships, men
• Sports results from British Empire Games, Hamilton 1930

Printed Materials

• Gilmorehill Globe, 4 December 1933, p. 7
• Glasgow Academy Roll of Service 1939–1945, Blackie & Son Ltd: Glasgow, 1951, p. 11

Archival Materials

• Matriculation album 1928–9, Men A–B, R8/5/49/1
• Matriculation album 1930–1, Men A–B, R8/5/51/1
• Matriculation album summer session 1933, R8/5/53/17

Summary

Ian Howie Borland
Born 1907.
Died 1987.
GU Degree:
University Link: Alumnus
Occupation categories: Chartered Accountant
English snippet:

University of Glasgow alumnus who represented Scotland at the first British Empire Games, in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, in 1930.

Country Associations

Canada, Hamilton

England, Cambridge

Scotland, Glagsow

University Connections

University Roles

• Alumnus

Images

GUAC athletics section 1932-3