The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Strathallan pupil, 14, steps up to join Scotland men’s slalom team
A Crieff teenager is hoping to be sport’s next big thing as he celebrates being chosen to represent Scotland in next year’s international canoeing contests.
Findlay McLean, who attends Strathallan School in Perthshire, is one of a handful of young paddlers selected for the Scotland K1 men’s slalom team.
The 14-year-old said he was shocked to be chosen for the Scottish Canoe Association’s performance squad but said he is looking forward to working hard for the opportunities which may stem from the call-up.
Current coronavirus restrictions mean the teenager will not be able to compete until 2021 at the earliest.
He said: “It ’s quite surreal and it was a huge surprise. I’ve been canoeing for almost eight years, so to get on to the SCA Performance Squad is a huge moment.
“With current restrictions it looks like we will be competing next year, so I hope to get lots of training in this year to allow me to go on to bigger and better things in the sport I love.”
Findlay trains with local clubs Breadalbane and Strathallan and has worked to get to the top of his game for almost a decade.
He will be joined on the squad by former Strathallan pupils Fraser Glasgow, Natasha Pottinger and William Fotheringham.
Jim Thompson, director of sport at the Perthshire school, said: “We wish Findlay, our former pupils and all other Scottish paddlers, the very best in their training and racing endeavours for 2021.”