News

Posted: 30 March 2026

Scottish Rowing is sad to announce the unexpected death of Anne McGhie, wife to late husband and Clydesdale ARA and SARA ex-President James “Jimmy” McGhie (one of the 4 infamous Jimmies of umpire fame), and sister in law to the late Clydesdale ARA ex-President William McGhie. Anne passed away on the morning of 25th March, peacefully at home.

For many years from the late 60's onward Anne was a well-known and well respected figure in the rowing world within Scotland. Rowing was a huge part of life for her and her family.

Anne was a proud mother to her late son Alistair a Clydesdale Coxwain, to her daughter Lesley, a Clydesdale and National Oarswoman and Sculler, and to her youngest son Jim, general goffer as a young boy, at many regattas on the Clyde, Strathclyde Park and even Holme Pierre Pont.

Anne was dedicated to Clydesdale and Scottish Rowing as much as her family. She baked and served food, teas and coffees at Clydesdale Regattas, named several boats at the club, one in memory of her husband Jimmy McGhie, donated trophies in memory of her son Alistair, presented medals at Scottish Championships and became well known amongst competitors at rowing events all around Scotland as 'The SARA shop', selling SARA merchandise from the back of a wooden trailer and camping chair.

She was also involved at the highest levels of the sport where and alongside her family and the wives of some other great Clydesdale ex-Presidents, she was an official at the 1986 Commonwealth Games at Strathclyde Park.

Anne loved being part of the rowing family right up until her husband passed away in 2005, when she took a step back. However her love of rowing and the friendships that she made were strong. For many subsequent years she would pop back to the occasional event having moved coincidentally closer to Strathclyde Park, where she sat fondly thinking upon great memories and great friends that the rowing community provided.

Anne will be greatly missed by her family and the rowing community who knew her.