The Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland is delighted to recognise Ernie Walker as an Honorary Fellow, the highest honour that the Incorporation bestows upon those outwith 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.

Arnie Dunn, President of RIAS, will present Ernie with his Fellowship. Neil Baxter, Secretary and Treasurer of the Royal Incorporation, will deliver the following citation at the Millennium Suite at Hampden Park, Glasgow on Thursday 17th April at 11am: “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. In his various UEFA roles Ernie has helped to set the Health and Safety and architectural standards which are now the norm for football stadia throughout the world. He has advised the Scottish Parliament on stadium design matters. His book, Football Stadia – Technical Recommendations and Requirements (1992), is the multi-lingual bible. on international stadia design.