Lights on in Linwood
December 17, 2025Renfrewshire councillors have formally congratulated local teenager Mitchell Lawrie after he was crowned World Darts Federation (WDF) Open Youth World Champion at just 15-years-old.
At their recent meeting, councillors unanimously agreed a motion praising the Renfrew High School pupil after he beat Florian Preis in the final – taking the win 4-2 to become the first Scottish Youth World Champion in the history of the historic Lakeside venue.
He came close to becoming the youngest-ever winner of a senior world darts title just hours later, being edged out 6-3 in the WDF World Championship final by the winner Jimmy van Schie, who tipped the runner-up to be “the future of darts”.
The Renfrew teen is set to compete at the famous ‘Ally Pally’ this weekend as he plays in the final of the Holiday Inn Express JDC Junior World Championship on 20 December, with the match taking place ahead of the afternoon session of the PDC Paddy Power World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace.
Andrew Sutherland, Head Teacher at Renfrew High School, said: “Mitchell has made, and continues to make, our entire school and community incredibly proud.
“To see someone so young perform at such an exceptional level in any discipline is remarkable. However, it is his humility and character both on and off the stage that truly sets him apart. Our school vision is to Aim Higher! and this is extremely fitting for Mitchell who truly embodies our values.
“On behalf of the entire school community, I wish him every success in his upcoming tournaments and in the exciting journey ahead.”
The initial motion was proposed by Renfrew North and Braehead Councillor John Shaw and seconded by Councillor Lisa-Marie Hughes, with members from across Renfrewshire speaking in favour of the motion before it was agreed.
The motion acknowledged Mitchell’s achievement in winning the WDF Open Youth Championship and recognised his success in reaching the final of the Senior Championship – in which he was the first teenager to do so.
Renfrewshire’s Provost Lorraine Cameron, who chaired the meeting, said: “To become Youth World Champion is an incredible achievement and it really is phenomenal to see a young person from Renfrewshire have such success and be recognised across the country. I hope Mitchell has an incredible future in darts, and we are so proud of him here in Renfrewshire.
The initial motion was proposed by Renfrew North and Braehead Councillor John Shaw and seconded by Councillor Lisa-Marie Hughes, with members from across Renfrewshire speaking in favour of the motion before it was agreed.
The motion acknowledged Mitchell’s achievement in winning the WDF Open Youth Championship and recognised his success in reaching the final of the Senior Championship – in which he was the first teenager to do so.
Renfrewshire’s Provost Lorraine Cameron, who chaired the meeting, said: “To become Youth World Champion is an incredible achievement and it really is phenomenal to see a young person from Renfrewshire have such success and be recognised across the country. I hope Mitchell has an incredible future in darts, and we are so proud of him here in Renfrewshire.
“I am delighted my fellow elected members were in agreement with Cllr Shaw’s motion to formally recognise Mitchell’s dedication and achievement, and I wish him all the best for his remaining tournament this year.”
