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• Roy Sinclair

The University of the Highlands and Islands has a new sports club. Students joining UHI Rowing have been seen on the Caledonian Canal this week learning the fine art of rowing. Joining them and offering support to novice rowers is World Rowing Championship double medallist Alan Sinclair from Munlochy (on steps in centre). Alan, who’s rowing career started on the canal, is taking a well earned rest from GB squad training before returning soon to gear up for next year’s Olympic Games in Rio.

Student novices Robin Waddell, Will Fraser, Craig McIntosh, Alasdair Brann and Fraser Ellen are joined in the boat by Sophie Warburton, Scottish Rowing Regional Development manager. Seeing them safely from the steps is coach John Sharkey.

UHI Rowing is a new sports club and students have been attending “Come and Try” sessions. Two crews are being formed and the hope is to compete in the Scottish Student Championships next April. John Sharkey says “The students are showing promise even at this very early stage of their rowing career. With some of the finest water to train on in the land, and motivated students, there is every reason to suppose we have future champions in the making. Who knows, one or more who are starting out now may become our next (but one) Olympic champion."