Sir Jackie Stewart talks openly about his struggle with dyslexia

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Sir Jackie Stewart's Birthday Cake

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Motor racing legend Sir Jackie Stewart has spoken candidly about his struggle with dyslexia, admitting that his learning difficulty  has often made life difficult for him at public occasions.

"I do not know the words to the Lord's Prayer.  I don't even know the words to the National Anthem.  I have stood next to the Queen many times humming along" Sir Jackie told a press conference today.

Roaring into West Dunbartonshire to visit old haunts, Sir Jackie will receive the Freemanship of West Dunbartonshire at a special ceremony in the Dumbarton Municipal Buildings at tonight. Local school children have given Sir Jackie a guided tour of his old primary school, now Dumbarton Academy, and will interview the racing great about his life and his achievements at a ‘Junior’ Press Conference. They also presented Sir Jackie with a specially designed birthday cake to celebrate his 70th birthday.

Sir Jackie’s reputation as a motivational speaker has inspired many, particularly with stories about his struggle at school and how he was considered unintelligent and academically challenged, and subsequently bullied. Since being diagnosed with Dyslexia at 42, Sir Jackie has worked tirelessly as the President of Dyslexia Scotland. He is Vice-President of the British Dyslexia Association and a Founder and Vice-President of the Scottish International Education Trust and sits on the International Advisory Board to the Scottish Parliament. 

Sir Jackie added: “Hopefully one day we will have a teacher who specialises in learning disabilities, or learning differences, in every primary school. Early diagnosis is the biggest and most important thing you can get to help a young person.”