News

Posted: 16 January 2026

Scottish Rowing welcomes the Scottish Government’s decision this week to increase funding for sport in the year ahead, with a clear focus on supporting the work of governing bodies.

Alongside many other sports, Scottish Rowing has been part of the Sports Governing Bodies CEO/COO Forum over the past year, working collectively through the Running on Empty campaign to highlight the real impact of years of standstill funding. The campaign set out, clearly and constructively, how rising costs and flat budgets have placed increasing strain on organisations across the sector.

For rowing, those pressures have been felt at every level - from the demands placed on clubs and volunteers, to the cost of delivering development programmes, to the growing financial burden faced by athletes competing nationally and internationally. This uplift in funding won’t resolve all of those challenges, but it will provide some much-needed breathing space and help stabilise core activity.

The Running on Empty campaign was about more than funding alone. It was about demonstrating the wider value of sport - in supporting physical and mental health, strengthening communities, widening access and creating pathways for people to thrive, both on and off the water. It is encouraging to see that message reflected in the Budget.

We also welcome the ambition around a Summer of Sport. Its success will depend on how it is delivered, and ensuring it is accessible, inclusive and rooted in local clubs across all sports. Done well, it has the potential to leave a positive and lasting legacy.

While this week’s announcement represents a positive step, the case for sustained, long-term investment in Scottish sport remains. Scottish Rowing will continue to work collaboratively with partners across the sector to make that case and to ensure rowing remains accessible, inclusive and sustainable for the future.

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