News

Posted: 06 October 2025

Scottish Rowing held its Annual General Meeting on Sunday 5 October 2025, bringing together members, clubs, volunteers and partners to reflect on the past year and look ahead with confidence. Attendance was excellent, with the majority of Scottish clubs represented, underlining commitment and strong engagement across the rowing community in Scotland.

Leadership and Growth

President Mike Martin chaired the meeting and highlighted a positive season for rowing in Scotland. Membership has grown, participation at major events has increased and Scottish athletes have continued to make their mark both at home and internationally. He also paid tribute to the dedication of volunteers and the commitment of the Board and staff team.

In his remarks, Mike extended thanks to everyone across the rowing community - from coaches and athletes to officials, club leaders and volunteers - whose energy and commitment make the sport possible. He emphasised that it is the collective effort of so many people, often behind the scenes, that allows rowing in Scotland to thrive.

Chief Executive Lee Boucher described 2024–25 as “a year of challenge and achievement” in presenting the Annual Review. He celebrated a 25.6% rise in membership, international success for Scottish athletes and the launch of the Young People’s Panel. He also underlined the organisation’s focus on wellbeing and protection, highlighting the appointment of a Safe Sport Case Officer and the forthcoming Independent Wellbeing and Protection Review, alongside continued progress on equality, diversity and inclusion and financial sustainability.

Lee reported on the success of the recent Strategy Consultation Roadshow, which saw more than 150 members take part across nine venues. The feedback gathered is now shaping the development of Scottish Rowing’s new strategy, ensuring that the future direction of the sport reflects the voices and priorities of its members.

You can read the full Annual Review 2024–25 here.

Finance Overview

Finance Director Alastair Clarkson provided members with an overview of the organisation’s financial position before inviting David Johnson to deliver a virtual presentation summarising the statutory accounts. Members noted that while a deficit was recorded, this was smaller than budgeted, and the focus now is on generating additional commercial income to ensure long‑term sustainability.

Members were encouraged to support this work: if anyone has contacts, opportunities or ideas that could help generate commercial income, they are invited to speak directly with Chief Executive Lee Boucher.

Decisions and Appointments

Members approved:

• An increase to membership and affiliation fees for 2026–27
• The reappointment of JRD Partnership as Scottish Rowing’s accountants
• The ratification of Ian Munro as Director (Performance). Ian, Rector of Dollar Academy and a former international rower, brings a wealth of experience in both rowing and educational leadership. His appointment strengthens Scottish Rowing’s performance pathway at an exciting time for the sport, with Beach Sprints set to debut at the LA28 Olympic Games. Read more about Ian’s appointment here.

Membership and Governance Review

Members also heard about the forthcoming Membership and Governance Review, which will ensure Scottish Rowing’s structures remain modern, transparent and aligned with best practice. The review will include member engagement and will complement the Independent Wellbeing and Protection Review, embedding Safe Sport into the culture of rowing in Scotland.

Celebrating Our Community

The AGM was also the stage to announce winners of the Scottish Rowing Awards 2024–25, recognising outstanding contributions and achievements across the community. Head of Operations Gillian Stewart introduced the awards, noting the record number of nominations received this year across all categories - a reflection of the strength and breadth of commitment within the rowing community.

Congratulations to all nominees and winners, including:

• Club of the Year – Inverness Rowing Club
• Initiative of the Year – Aberdeen Boat Club (World Rowing Masters Club Initiative)
• Volunteer of the Year – Ian “Chalky” White (St Andrew Boat Club)
• Young Volunteer of the Year – Amy Henderson (Heriot-Watt University Boat Club)
• Club Coach of the Year – Michel Dearsley (Aberdeen Schools Rowing Association)
• Performance Coach of the Year – Lewis McCue (University of St Andrews Boat Club)
• Junior of the Year – Isabel Soyinka (Clydesdale ARC)
• Senior of the Year – Laura McKenzie (Glasgow University Boat Club)
• Crew of the Year – Edinburgh University Boat Club (Prince Albert Challenge Cup 4+)
• Lifetime Achievement Awards – George Parsonage, George Lawson and Sandy Walker

You can read more about the award winners and their stories here.

Looking Forward

The AGM was a reminder of the strength of the Scottish Rowing community - from participants and coaches to volunteers, staff and partners - and the shared ambition to ensure the sport is for everyone. Looking ahead, the AGM showed that while challenges remain, the commitment of everyone involved in rowing in Scotland gives real confidence for the future.