Keeping Eric Liddell’s legacy alive
Eric Liddell believed in caring for others, supporting those around him and making a difference in his community.
These values remain at the heart of The Eric Liddell Community today, shaping the way we care for and support people in our community.
Through our dementia care, support for unpaid carers and wider community services, we are here to help people feel supported, connected and valued. We continue Eric’s legacy in the way we care for people and make a difference in their everyday lives.
We also celebrate and share Eric’s life, values and story in different ways, helping to keep his legacy alive and introduce his remarkable story to new generations. This includes:
Our Services
Our services support people at different stages of life, with a particular focus on dementia care, support for unpaid carers and opportunities to connect with the wider community. We aim to provide welcoming, person-centred support that helps people feel valued, connected and supported.
Eric Liddell Exhibition
We invite you to visit the ‘Eric Liddell: Legacy of an Olympic Legend’ exhibition, located in our Community Hub, to discover more about Eric’s remarkable life and achievements, while also learning more about our charity. Explore the story behind the Olympic legend and discover how his life and values continue to shape our work today.
Eric Liddell Tartan
With the kind support of Kinloch Anderson, the Eric Liddell tartan was designed and registered in 2024, with the Liddell family involved in the final design. Inspired by Eric’s life and achievements, the tartan reflects his connections to Scotland, China, family and sport, with 100 and 24 commemorating his 1924 Olympic success. Purchase your own scarf or notebook through Kinloch Anderson and own a piece of history.
About Eric Liddell
Eric Liddell was a Scottish sprinter, rugby player, and Christian missionary. Although he was born in Tianjin, North China, Eric had strong links to Scotland and Edinburgh. He studied at the University of Edinburgh, represented Scotland in Rugby and Athletics, lived and taught in Edinburgh.
At the 1924 Summer Olympics in Paris, Liddell refused to run in the heats for his favoured 100 metres because they were held on a Sunday. Instead he competed in the 400 metres held on a weekday, a race that he won. He returned to China in 1925 to serve as a missionary teacher. Aside from two furloughs in Scotland, he remained in China until his death in a Japanese civilian internment camp in 1945.
Liddell’s Olympic training and racing, and the religious convictions that influenced him, are depicted in the Oscar-winning 1981 film Chariots of Fire.
The story of Eric Liddell is important not only because of his sporting success but also his values and the good he brought to those he met. The story of his remarkable life and work continues to inspire people today.
Key Achievements
2024 was a very special year for The Eric Liddell Community.
As a charity named after Eric Liddell, we felt that it was incumbent on us to mark the centenary year of his gold medal win at the 1924 Olympic Games in Paris.
Throughout 2023 and 2024, we hosted a variety of special events celebrating all aspects of Eric Liddell’s life—from community and sport to faith—bringing people together from all walks of life to honour his enduring legacy.
We were honoured that our Patron, HRH The Princess Royal, graciously supported many of our events. Two standout moments she attended were The Inaugural Eric Liddell Lecture and The Eric Liddell Awards Gala Dinner.
The Inaugural Eric Liddell Lecture
The Inaugural Eric Liddell Lecture was held on 7th November 2023 on board Fingal, Edinburgh.
An informed lecture was delivered brilliantly by Professor Dr Grant Jarvie, along with inspirational input from our Patron, Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal.
Over 60 senior executives from major corporations attended the event, which led to the development of a wide range of contacts that benefitted both The Eric Liddell 100 and The Eric Liddell Community.
The Eric Liddell Awards Gala Dinner
The Eric Liddell Awards Gala Dinner took place on 1st November 2024, hosted by Sally Magnusson MBE, with a live auction by David Tanner. HRH The Princess Royal presented awards to individuals who made outstanding contributions to sport, science, and community work.
In partnership with key organisations, 100 people were honoured throughout the year with Eric Liddell Awards for exemplifying passion, compassion, and integrity.
ELC 100 News
