News

Posted: 17th September 2024

Scottish Rowing welcomes the news today that the Commonwealth Games is set to return to Glasgow in 2026, following confirmation that the Scottish and UK Government will support the concept proposed by Commonwealth Games Scotland.

Coastal rowing, in the form of the Beach Sprints discipline, was one of three new sports set to make its debut at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Victoria, before the Australian state pulled out of organising the event due to financial reasons.

Photo Credit: Scottish Rowing – Scotland top the medal table at the 2022 Commonwealth Rowing Association Beach Sprint Championships in Namibia

Commonwealth Games Scotland has indicated that the Games model will be ‘scaled back’ with a reduced sports programme in order to deliver a ‘cost effective and sustainable’ Commonwealth Games.

At this stage, due to the strict operating guidelines proposed by Commonwealth Games Scotland, Scottish Rowing is not confident that rowing - in any format - will feature on the sports programme for Glasgow 2026.

Responding to the announcement, Scottish Rowing CEO Lee Boucher said: “Whilst we are delighted that the future of the Commonwealth Games has been secured, we are not certain that rowing will play a part based on the conditions that have been outlined by Commonwealth Games Scotland.

“The rowing community has been on a rollercoaster of emotions over recent years in respect of our inclusion in the Commonwealth Games.  Scotland has established a strong reputation for its coastal sculling programme, and I know it will be huge disappointment for our athletes, coaches and other support personnel if rowing is to miss out on this opportunity.

“Scottish Rowing will continue to engage with Commonwealth Games Scotland as well as the Commonwealth Rowing Association and our Home Nation partners to support the best possible outcome for our sport.”

To read the full announcement from Commonwealth Games Scotland click here.