News

Posted: 05 October 2026

Growth, sporting success and a clear direction for the years ahead were at the heart of Scottish Rowing’s 2026 Annual General Meeting, which brought members together online on Sunday 4 October.

Representatives from clubs across Scotland took part in the meeting, while members of the Young People’s Panel joined from their residential weekend and had the opportunity to observe Scottish Rowing’s formal governance and decision-making processes.

Reports from President Mike Martin and Chief Executive Lee Boucher covered the launch of Scottish Rowing’s new long-term strategy, continued membership growth, additional investment in the sport and success across community, club, pathway and international rowing.

Members also watched Scottish Rowing’s Annual Review video, celebrating some of the highlights from the past 12 months and the people, clubs and partners who continue to make rowing happen across Scotland.

Watch the Scottish Rowing Annual Review video

A year of progress

The AGM followed the publication of the Scottish Rowing Annual Review 2025-26, which reflects on the achievements of the past year, the challenges facing the sport and the priorities for the future.

One of the year’s most significant developments was the launch of Rowing in Scotland: The Next Chapter. Developed through consultation with clubs, volunteers, athletes and partners, the strategy sets out a clear ambition to grow rowing in Scotland, with more people on the water, stronger clubs and better connections through the rowing pathway.

Members heard that average monthly paid membership increased by 5.8%, while outreach programmes continued to create opportunities for new people and communities to experience rowing.

There was also much to celebrate across competition and performance. Twenty-one events were delivered across Classic, coastal and indoor rowing, while athletes from Scotland achieved success at domestic and international level. Highlights included the Junior Women winning the Home International team trophy for the first time since 1998 and 15 athletes supported through the Scottish Rowing Performance Programme representing Great Britain in major international competition.

The completion of the Independent Wellbeing and Protection Review was another important area of progress. Informed by wide-ranging engagement and evidence gathering across the sport, the Review recognised a strong commitment to keeping people safe and identified opportunities to strengthen Scottish Rowing’s approach further. The Board is considering the full report and recommendations, with a further update to be provided once an action plan has been agreed.

The meeting also recognised the facilities challenges that remain, particularly at Strathclyde Park and Glasgow Green. Scottish Rowing thanked Glasgow Rowing Club, Castle Semple Rowing Club and the Glasgow Humane Society for the practical support they have provided to the clubs displaced from the East Boathouse. Scottish Rowing will continue working with clubs, local authorities and other partners towards sustainable long-term solutions.

Investing in the future

Finance Lead David Johnson presented Scottish Rowing’s financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2026, supported by Finance Director Alastair Clarkson. The financial statements showed a return to surplus following a deficit in the previous year.

The meeting also heard that Scottish Rowing has secured £156,500 of additional sportscotland investment for 2026-27. This is supporting work across coaching, participation, club development and the Classic and Beach Sprint performance pathways.

AGM business

Members approved Scottish Rowing’s affiliation fees, membership fees, levies and charges for the year ending 31 March 2028. The appointment of Johnston Carmichael LLP to prepare Scottish Rowing’s annual accounts was also approved.

Members considered three ordinary resolutions proposed by Member Clubs. Each was put to a vote and was not carried. The full voting results will be published alongside the AGM minutes.

New Director elected

Lindsay Flockhart of St Andrew Boat Club was elected as Scottish Rowing’s new Director (Development) for a three-year term through to the 2029 AGM.

Four candidates stood for election, and Scottish Rowing thanks each of them for putting themselves forward. The strength of interest in the role reflects the commitment within the rowing community to contributing to the leadership and future development of the sport.

The meeting also recorded its thanks to outgoing Director (Development) Sophie McCall for her contribution during three years of service on the Board.

Celebrating our community

The AGM concluded with the announcement of the Scottish Rowing Awards for the 2025-26 season, recognising outstanding achievements and contributions from across the rowing community.

A separate story celebrating the award winners and everyone shortlisted will be published shortly.

Scottish Rowing would like to thank everyone who attended and contributed to the AGM, and all those whose work made the progress of the past year possible.

Read the Scottish Rowing Annual Review 2025-26