News

Posted: 29 April 2026

The sun glinted off the calm waters of Holme Pierrepont last weekend as young rowers from 16 regions competed in Nottingham at the British Rowing Junior Inter-Regional Regatta (JIRR).

The Scotland region fielded a squad of 70 athletes from eight Scottish clubs, contesting 26 of the regatta’s 30 events. Their efforts were rewarded with a total of 202 points, securing 10th place overall in what proved to be a fiercely competitive regatta. Competition was particularly strong this year following the division of the Thames Upper Region into three separate regions, increasing the number of the country’s top junior athletes on the start line.

Image: Scottish Rowing. The Scotland Region Team 2026 in front of the Holme Pierrepont results board.

Seven crews charged down the course in the time trials to secure their places in the A Finals. Scotland’s first medal of the day was a silver, claimed by Alva Clements of George Watson’s Col BC in the WJ16 1x. Clements produced a determined performance in a thrilling contest, finishing just 0.6 seconds behind her rival from Thames Upriver West.

Another silver followed in the penultimate race of the programme, where Aberdeen Schools RA’s, Sandy Bain and Nicol Martin took second place in the OJ16 2- after a hard-fought battle with the crew from Thames Upriver West.

Stirling RC also celebrated a historic achievement, as the club’s first-ever crew selected for JIRR secured a bronze medal in the WJ15 2x. Lili Grammare and Hannah Cowley delivered an impressive performance, underlining the strength and potential of athletes from one of Scotland’s smaller junior programmes. Bronze medals were also won by the George Watson’s Col BC crew of Rory Burden and Ruairidh McNab in the OJ16 2x, returning to the team following their medal winning performances in the J15 events in 2025.

Gold was struck just once this year but was done so in style as the composite crew of Blythe Robertson (Strathclyde Park RC) and Kate Desmeulles (George Heriot’s Sch) powered down the course in the WJ16 2x. 

Image: Scottish Rowing. Gold medal winners, Kate and Blythe, in the WJ16 2x posing in the boat with their medals.

In the remaining finals, the Aberdeen Schools RA boys narrowly missed out on a medal, finishing fourth in the OJ15 4+. There was also heartbreak for the Strathclyde Park RC/Inverness RC composite crew in the WJ16 4x after a broken seat wheel interrupted their race. Despite the setback, the crew showed remarkable determination, continuing to the finish with just three rowers and displaying great resilience and sportsmanship as they crossed the line with their heads held high.

The highlights extended beyond the A Finals, with memorable moments throughout the programme. Assistant Team Manager, Cara O'Donnell, singled out one race in particular. 

Image: Scottish Rowing. The Stirling RC WJ15 2x with their families on the medal pontoon.

Off the water, the atmosphere was just as impressive, with a strong sense of camaraderie throughout the Scotland gazebo as athletes, coaches and supporters cheered each other on. A special mention must go to the parents, who made themselves known on the grandstand side of the course as some of the loudest and most enthusiastic supporters of the weekend. Thank you to all the parents and supporters who travelled to Nottingham to encourage the team.

Huge thanks are also due to the club coaches, whose dedication and hard work extend far beyond race day. Their commitment in the build-up to the regatta and their ongoing support of these young athletes is outstanding and the team simply would not exist without them.

Full results can be found here.