| Rias award for Ernie Walker |
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| Friday, 18 April 2008 | |
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The Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland has made Ernie Walker an Honorary Fellow, the highest honour that the Incorporation bestows upon those outside the architectural profession. He joins a list of Honorary Fellows which represents many of Scotland’s greatest cultural, political and business figures and which now includes one of the most influential figures in Scottish football. Ernie Walker CBE worked for the Scottish Football Association (SFA) from 1958–90, as its Secretary from 1977–90. He was Chairman of the UEFA Stadium and Security Committee from 1988-2004 for which he supervised the introduction of all-seated stadia throughout Europe. Ernie also presided over the introduction of the eastern European nations to UEFA following the fall of the Iron Curtain. He examined the bid to host the World Cups of 1994 and 2002, travelling to USA, Brazil and Morocco for the former and to Japan and Korea for the latter, which culminated in Japan and Korea’s successfully joint hosting of the 2002 World Cup. Ernie chaired the Health Education Board for Scotland (HEBS) from 1990–94. He is currently a consultant on stadia matters to UEFA. As the citation reads: "Ernie Walker’s Honorary Fellowship of the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland recognises one of Scotland’s most distinguished sons whose influence on the architecture of football stadia is enduring and of world significance." |








