News

Posted: 09 March 2026

Scottish Rowing has today launched its new long-term strategy, Rowing in Scotland: The Next Chapter - 2026 and Beyond, setting out a vision for a safe, welcoming and thriving rowing community across the country.

Developed through consultation with clubs, volunteers, athletes and partners across Scotland, the strategy outlines how Scottish Rowing will grow participation, strengthen clubs and support performance success while ensuring the sport reflects the diversity and communities of modern Scotland.

The plan focuses on expanding opportunities to experience rowing, developing talent pathways across Classic, Coastal and Para rowing disciplines, and improving the experience of being part of the Scottish rowing community.

Rowing already holds a unique place in Scottish sport. As Scotland’s leading summer Olympic sport, Scottish athletes have won medals at every Olympic Games since 2000, while clubs across the country continue to introduce new participants to the sport on rivers, lochs and coastal waters.

Membership of Scottish Rowing has grown strongly in recent years, increasing by 25.6% between August 2024 and August 2025 and reaching its highest level since before the pandemic. Women now make up more than half of all members, reflecting the changing and increasingly diverse nature of the sport.

Scottish Rowing Chief Executive, Lee Boucher said:

“Rowing in Scotland has so much to offer. We have a proud history and a strong community behind us, but it isn’t always as well understood as it could be.

“Rowing connects people with nature, supports physical and mental wellbeing and provides a welcoming environment for people of all backgrounds. This strategy is about building on the momentum of recent years and creating more opportunities for people across Scotland to discover the sport.”

The strategy is built around three core priorities:

Extending Our Reach – making rowing more visible and accessible across Scotland by working with clubs, communities, education providers, local authorities and community organisations to create new opportunities to take part.

Developing Talent – supporting athletes and coaches through clear and inclusive pathways across both Classic rowing and the rapidly growing Coastal discipline, including Olympic Beach Sprints.

Member Engagement – strengthening the experience of being part of Scottish rowing by supporting clubs, volunteers and participants at every level of the sport.

Chair of the Scottish Rowing Board, Dr Laura Graham said:

“This strategy reflects the insight and ambition of the rowing community across Scotland. Throughout the consultation process we listened to clear feedback about the importance of strong clubs, welcoming environments and a sport that continues to evolve.

“The Board’s role is to ensure Scottish Rowing provides the leadership and stability needed to support that ambition. We believe this strategy gives the sport a clear direction for the years ahead.”

The strategy will be delivered through a rolling three-year delivery plan aligned with sportscotland’s national investment priorities, supported by partnerships across sport, education and local government.

Read the Strategy

You can download the full strategy below:

Rowing in Scotland: The Next Chapter – Strategic Plan 2026 and Beyond (PDF)

Watch the Strategy Launch

To mark the launch of the strategy, members of the Scottish Rowing team share the key themes and ambitions behind the plan in the short video below.

Watch the Strategy Launch Video