In a heartfelt ceremony at Ibrox this afternoon, Rangers midfielder Connor Barron joined a host of club legends and Variety Scotland ambassadors to present a new coach to the pupils of a Glasgow school, dedicated to the memory of the late Walter Smith.

The event took place next to the newly unveiled statue of the legendary Rangers manager, with members of the Smith family in attendance.

This new coach is set to significantly enhance the experiences of the staff and children at Hazelwood School, located just a mile from Rangers' iconic stadium.

Variety Scotland is a children’s charity dedicated to improving the lives of sick, disabled, and disadvantaged children across Scotland. Since its founding in 1973, the charity has supported tens of thousands of children and families, providing essential items and experiences to enhance their well-being, independence, and social inclusion.

Barron also had the opportunity to meet some of the kids who will benefit from the coach, emphasising the positive impact it will have on their lives moving forward.

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“It’s a real honour for me to be here today as this new coach is presented to the kids from Hazelwood School," said summer signing Barron. 

“Despite only being in the club for a few months, I know just how much Walter Smith means to everyone at Rangers, and his charitable work with Variety Scotland should set a real example for us all.

“I was delighted to meet some of the kids this coach will benefit, and it was brilliant to hear how big a difference this will make to them going forward.”

“It is a tremendous honour to present this coach to Hazelwood school in memory of Walter Smith,” said ex-Rangers player and Variety Scotland chairman Gordon Smith.

“Walter was one of Variety Scotland’s first celebrity ambassadors and hosted many dinners and golf events for us, helping us both to raise the profile of the charity, and raise thousands of pounds to support our work. 

“The coach will serve as a meaningful tribute to Walter's memory, helping us to support children and young people in Glasgow with sensory impairment and complex learning needs. We are deeply grateful to everyone who helped us to fundraise for the coach, especially to James Mortimer who donated £30k through his late daughter Donna’s trust.”

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Collette Gowing, head of Hazelwood School, shared her appreciation.

The coach, which is adapted for wheelchair access, will provide invaluable opportunities for students to engage in experiences outside the classroom, enhancing their learning, confidence, and independence.

Gowing highlighted how the bus will facilitate access to Glasgow city centre, which had previously been restricted due to new Low Emission Zone (LEZ) rules.

“We are so honoured and proud that Variety Scotland has chosen us to have this new bus," she said.

“We would not be able to fund this vehicle without their generous support and support from all their donors and partners.

“This bus is invaluable to us. Our children and young people will benefit greatly from experiences outside the school building to support their learning, confidence and independence. In particular we were unable to access Glasgow city centre for some time due to the new LEZ rules which is now not a problem.

“Our school caters to a wide range of children and young people with complex needs and the bus arrived adapted for wheelchair access, as well as additional space for other staff and young people to get out and about at the same time. 

“The bus can support young people to attend college courses, let children access local parks and museums, and for all at Hazelwood to continue to access our local community. Thank you again.”