JAMIE Bowie has reflected on a “special” four-and-a-half years after leaving his role as East Lothian’s athletics development officer.

Bowie, himself a talented 400m runner who represented Scotland at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, has taken a job in gymnastics.

He remains involved, though, as a trustee and coach at Team East Lothian (TEL), but has left his part-time post with East Lothian Council to become performance manager at Scottish Gymnastics.

The 27-year-old told Courier Sport: “When you sit back and look at everything that’s happened, it’s been pretty special.

“I think seeing the growth of athletics in the area, and the new track [at Meadowmill] opening, has been really positive – it has been absolutely non-stop.

“One of the biggest things for me was the formation and the growth of Team East Lothian, because that was a personal project and it was great to see it coming off.”

Bowie, originally from Inverness, said he “really enjoyed” his time working in the county.

“I feel like I had a positive impact on athletics and I met some really great people during my four-and-a-half years,” he said. “I still feel a part of it because I’m still involved [at TEL] – I’m actually in East Lothian just as much now as I was before.”

Bowie admitted that he faced “different challenges” as he tried to balance his own training regime with the role.

He added: “It is all a balancing act really. I’m part-time so it’s about being more organised.”

Bowie was also pleased with the achievements of East Lothian’s youngsters.

He said: “We had guys who have been getting international selections and there are a few more who are coming through.

“It is good to see East Lothian getting a mention on the track, but also with Cera Gemmell’s selection for the [Scottish] cross-country team as well.”

Bowie, who won a silver medal at the 2014 IAAF World Indoor Championships as part of Britain’s 4x400m relay team, took up his new role in September.

He admits it has been a different challenge, but is “really enjoying it”, saying: “It is a new challenge for me but I’m really enjoying being involved in the performance side of sport.

“I loved the development role but my background is in performance sport, so that’s been good.”

Bowie has been replaced as the county’s athletics development officer by Janelle McGurk, who started on December 1.