News

Posted: 13 November 2025

Written by Andrea Byrne, Scottish Student Sport Communications Officer & Glasgow Uni BC Member

 For many Scottish rowers, the November trip to Inverness marks the first major head race of the season and a chance to test early-season speed. This year’s Caley Cruisers Autumn Head delivered everything competitors could have hoped for, with calm water and tight racing across all divisions.

Hosted by the wonderful Inverness Rowing Club, the event once again attracted a large and competitive entry, with crews from across Scotland making the journey north to race on the “best water in Scotland,” the Caledonian Canal. With minimal wind and unusually mild temperatures for this time of year, the event saw quick times across all three divisions 

From the outset, Scotland’s university crews shone. With particular kudos to Edinburgh University BC who impressed across both days, dominating the women’s championship 4s events, with wins in the 4+, 4- and 4x. Their strength not confined to big boats, with a notable performance from Grace Dawson in the Women’s Champ 1x, highlighting that EUBC’s class extends to small boats. The women’s championship events not claimed by Edinburgh went to Glasgow University BC, who took the 2-, and Strathclyde Park RC who won the 2x, proving the competitiveness of championship rowing in Scotland. 

 
Image: Scottish Rowing. Edinuburgh Uni BC, winners of the W Champ 4x. 

On the men’s side, St Andrew BC delivered a strong showing in the championship sweep events, taking victories in both the 2- and 4-, demonstrating the club’s mastery of sweep rowing. Edinburgh claimed the 4+, while Glasgow University BC won the 4x, Strathclyde Park RC secured the 2x and St Andrews University’s Harris Bisset took the win in the 1x, highlighting the range of top-level talent across Scotland’s university and club programmes.

Image: Scottish Rowing. Performance Development Academy athletes from Strathclyde Park RC, winning O Champ 2x.

No review of university rowing at Inverness would be complete without acknowledging the Scottish Student Sport (SSS) races, which provided a thrilling showcase of emerging talent. Strathclyde University BC stood out with victories in the women’s beginner events, while Heriot Watt University BC and Aberdeen University BC claimed strong results in the men’s beginner and intermediate races. Glasgow and Dundee also made their mark in the intermediate categories, underlining the strength and depth of Scottish student rowing and setting the scene for an exciting year of racing ahead. 

Image: Scottish Rowing. Winners of the SSS WBeg 4x+ event, Strathclyde Uni BC.

The junior racing also provided plenty of excitement, with strong performances across the board. George Watson’s College were dominant in the men’s sculling events, with wins in the J16 and J18 1x and 2x. As well as a winning the J18 4x. On the women’s side, George Heriot’s School impressed with victories in the J18 1x, J18 4x and J16 2x. Strong performances also came in the sweeping categories from Aberdeen Schools Rowing Association continuing their legacy as a powerhouse of junior rowing in Scotland with wins in the Open J18 4+ and Women’s J18 4+.

The British Rowing U19 trials saw commanding performances from Ezra Ferguson of George Watson’s College and Caitlin Warnock of Glasgow RC , each asserting dominance in their respective categories. Both athletes finishing nearly 30 seconds ahead of their nearest rivals and firmly marking themselves as strong contenders for further selection. 

Image: Scottish Rowing. George Watson's College, winners of the O J18 2x.

Masters rowing at Inverness provided both excitement and a showcase of experience across the field. St Andrew BC performed particularly strong with wins in the Open Mas 1x, Open Mas 2x and Open Mas 4+. Additionally, Strathclyde Park RC won the Women’s Mas 2-, 2x and 4+. However, Aberdeen BC, Inverness RC and Castle Semple RC also showed depth of performance with multiple wins each across a variety of events. These results build on the excitement following a successful World Masters Regatta back in September, if this event is anything to go off the masters will be ones to watch this season.

Image: Scottish Rowing. Castle Semple RC/Nottingham City RA composite, winners of O Mas 4x.

Overall, the 2025 Caley Cruisers Autumn Head delivered a fitting start to the Scottish rowing season, showcasing the depth and talent across Universities, Clubs, Schools, and Masters crews alike. With calm conditions, strong competition and fast performances, last weekend reinforced Inverness as a highlight of the Scottish rowing calendar. As crews head into the winter training period, these results will offer both a benchmark and a source of motivation, promising for an exciting season of racing ahead.

Huge thank you to all the volunteers at Inverness RC for putting on a fantastic race weekend and to all our Umpires for keeping the racing fair and safe. See you back on the Caledonian Canal in March!