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Eleven rowing athletes awarded Winning Students 100 scholarships for 2026/27

Posted: 19 October 2026

Scottish Rowing is delighted to congratulate the 11 rowing athletes named in the Winning Students 100 scholarship programme for the 2026/27 academic year.

Announced on Friday 16 October, the awards will help athletes from five Scottish universities pursue their sporting ambitions alongside their studies. They join a national cohort of 110 student-athletes across 32 sports and 17 colleges and universities, following record demand for the programme for the second consecutive year.

The rowing recipients are:

  • Ava Thurnham – University of Edinburgh
  • Freddy Foxwell – University of Edinburgh
  • Harris Bisset – University of St Andrews
  • Henriette Smit – University of Edinburgh
  • Isla Wilding – University of Edinburgh
  • Jemima Aspinall – University of Aberdeen
  • Katie Robertson – University of Edinburgh
  • Laura McKenzie – University of Glasgow
  • Maisie Aspinall – University of Aberdeen
  • Penny Irvine – University of Edinburgh
  • Scott MacCallum – University of Strathclyde

Backed by sportscotland and the Scottish Funding Council, Winning Students 100 provides financial grants of up to £3,000, alongside academic flexibility and tailored support. The programme helps talented athletes manage the demands of training and competition while continuing their education.

Today’s announcement follows confirmation that Rowing/Para Rowing has been awarded Priority Sport status within Winning Students 100 for the 2026–2028 cycle. This recognises Scottish Rowing’s commitment to supporting student-athletes and the partnership between the sport, Scotland’s colleges and universities, and the programme.

Priority Sport status makes Rowing/Para Rowing eligible for up to 20 scholarship awards annually. Awards are subject to the annual application, nomination and selection process, with the number determined by the strength of applications and how applicants meet the programme’s sporting and academic criteria.

Tom Young, Scottish Rowing’s Head of Performance, said:

 “Congratulations to all 11 athletes receiving Winning Students 100 support this year. Balancing the demands of rowing with academic study takes considerable commitment, and this support can make a real difference to an athlete’s ability to progress in both.

“Our universities play an important role in developing rowing talent in Scotland. Working together with Winning Students 100, we want to help athletes make the most of those opportunities and continue their education while pursuing their ambitions on the water.

“We are also delighted that Rowing and Para Rowing have been recognised as a Priority Sport for the next two years. We look forward to building on this partnership and supporting the next generation of student-athletes.”

 

Cathy Gallagher, Chair of the Winning Students 100 Advisory Board, said:

 “The Winning Students 100 cohort really represents the brightest young talent in Scotland today. It is a privilege to help develop these extraordinary individuals as they embark on, or progress in, their promising academic and athletic careers.

“It is incredibly heartening to have received such high demand for the programme, breaking records for the second year running. This level of interest in the support shows just how important the programme is to the education and sporting ecosystem in Scotland.

“The breadth of talent represented this year is really exciting and it is with real pride that we back each of these athletes for the coming academic year. We are extremely grateful to our funders and partners who make the programme possible and help us deliver a world-leading initiative which enhances both sport and education in Scotland today.”

 

Find out more about the programme at Winning Students 100.

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