Roll of Honour
2nd Lieutenant
Ian Darroch Mackay
Student
Ian Darroch Mackay was born in Glasgow, and was the eldest son of Mr Alexander Leiper and Mrs Margaret Mackay. The family lived at 'Ravenscraig' on Aytoun Road in Pollokshields, and Ian was educated at Glasgow Academy.
Ian joined the University of Glasgow in 1915, enrolling to study for an Arts degree with the intention of later taking the Law Bar. In his first year he studied Latin and Greek. His participation in the University's Officers' Training Corps saw him obtain a commission in May 1916, cutting short his University career.
Ian joined the 14th Battalion Argyll and Sutherland and quickly gained the rank of Second Lieutenant. As a soldier he was awarded the Victory and British War Medals. Ian Darroch Mackay was killed on the 21st March 1918, the first day of the German Spring Offensive. He is commemorated on Bay 9 of the Arras Memorial, Pas de Calais, France.
Ian is remembered on the University of Glasgow Roll of Honour. His former school - Glasgow Academy - also remembers him every Sports Day, when the winner of the 200 metres sprint is awarded the Mackay Shield. Originally awarded for the 220 yards flat race, the shield was presented by his parents in memory of their son. It was first awarded in 1921.