World Champion rowers prepare for historic encounter

Champion rowers from the University of Edinburgh and the University of Glasgow will compete in the world’s third oldest boat race this weekend.

The Scottish Boat Race, first staged in 1877, will take place on the river Clyde on Saturday 26 May and will involve four teams - the 1st VIII, 2nd VIII, Novice, and Alumni. Glasgow’s new Head Coach, Patrick (Paddy) Hudson, is looking to start his tenure with a victory, while Edinburgh’s Head of Performance Rowing, Colin Williamson, has a sixth consecutive win in his sights.  The course starts at the King George V Bridge, with the finish line opposite the Glasgow Science Museum, passing under four iconic city bridges and providing ample opportunity for the public to cheer on the teams.

 The Scottish Boat Race occupies a unique place in the racing calendar for us. Over the past 5 years, we have built the programme to the level where we have athletes competing at World Championships and World Cups, with all the extra demands on time which that entails. However, there will always be a special place for taking on our old rivals, in our oldest fixture, and we will be looking to defend our current winning streak with fierce pride and determination.

A wealth of student talent

Both clubs feature a wealth of talent. Edinburgh’s Josh Armstrong, Maddie Artlett and Lucy Glover have all represented Great Britain. Glasgow’s Robyn Gillies has featured in the Scottish Senior Rowing Team, Lindsay Vest coxed the Glasgow Second VIII to victory against Edinburgh in 2016, and Gerard Gallagher recently rowed at Henley for Glasgow. 

I’m very excited for the 2018 Scottish Boat Race. The Glasgow University Boat Club rowers have trained extremely well through the hard winter months, to ensure that we are in the best physical, technical and mental shape to take on our old rivals on 26 May. It’s sure to be a fantastic day of racing

Performing at the highest level

Rowing is one of Edinburgh’s core performance sports and is support by British Rowing.  The University’s Performance Rowing programme aims to develop athletes to national and international standards, whether they arrive as experienced juniors or complete novices.  The University of Glasgow has been producing top-flight rowers for the past 148 years. Recent years have seen a number Glasgow rowers selected to represent Scotland at the Home International Regatta, and to represent Great Britain at the European Universities Rowing Championships.

Race times on Saturday 26 May

• 1200 Alumni
• 1210 Novice women
• 1220 Second women
• 1230 Second men
• 1250 First women
• 1300 First men

Find out more

For full details visit the Boat Race event page on Facebook