Scottish Club Chat - Summer 2025
Image - Val Mellon
What a summer it’s been so far! From stellar displays at the Orkney Island Games 2025, to cadet / junior fun at clubs up and down the country. It’s been great to see so many taking to the water and making the most of some good weather.
And, fitting aptly with sportscotland’s July theme of #accesstosport, it was great to see Clyde Cruising Club deliver a successful Scottish Hansa Championship and Duncan’s Regatta at Bardowie. Given his success at the Hansa World Championships earlier this year, it was no surprise that Rory McKinna topped the Hansa 303 singles podium, as well as scooping the doubles win alongside Paula Roddy. It was Duncan Greenhalgh who took top spot in the Duncan’s Regatta Challenger fleet. A big well done to all sailors, and the volunteers who made this event possible.
Updated guidance on PVG (Protecting Vulnerable Groups) checks. RYA Scotland’s latest guidance for clubs provides further clarity around the types of roles that now require Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme membership and aims to address common questions from affiliated organisations. It is particularly relevant for those working with children under 18 or protected adults, especially in structured or regular activities.
RYA Scotland wants to support your event! RYA Scotland is aiming to provide support to several clubs/centres in running first-time opportunity events such as open days, tasters, or transition days. The support offered will be bespoke, based on the request, RYA Scotland’s available resources, and follow-up conversations. This may include some financial support, a coach or instructor, or other tangible assistance. Speak to your RDO or register your interest today.
Tell us how you’d like to connect with others across the Scottish sailing community! This year, we’re postponing our Connected Scotland November gathering, and instead focussing on our latest series of online Connect Calls beginning this September. Calls will cover a range of relevant topics for clubs and organisations in Scotland, giving you the chance to share, learn and grow with others. We still recognise the importance of coming together in person, and want to know what you’d like to see moving forwards as we plan for future gatherings. Tell us how you’d like to Connect with RYA Scotland as well as other clubs, organisations, and groups by emailing development@ryascotland.org.uk.
Know someone at your club or organisation who could make an impact as part of RYA Scotland’s new Youth Voices initiative? As part of an evolving approach to youth engagement, RYA Scotland has launched Youth Voices, to help amplify perspectives and empower young people within the Scottish sailing and boating community. Aimed at individuals aged 14 to 25* with a passion for getting afloat, Youth Voices will give young people the chance to come together with likeminded peers, work on a range of exciting projects, and ultimately influence RYA Scotland decision makers. Sound good? Complete or share our note of interest form.
*Please note, new Youth Voices members must be 23 years or younger to ensure a full two year cycle within the 14-25 age bracket.
The 2025 RYA Scotland Coach Education Subsidy is open for applications. The Coach Education Team are offering to support instructor training in the small boat schemes for either individuals or organisations looking to run courses. While anyone can apply for the Coaching Subsidy there is a focus on supporting young coaches and instructors (under 26), women and girls, and those from rural backgrounds. Those meeting two of the criteria are highly likely to be eligible for up to 50% subsidy (of course cost) and those meeting one likely to be eligible depending on other factors such as volunteering or coming from an area of low SIMD (the Scottish Government's official tool for identifying areas in Scotland of concentrations of deprivation). Applications will be processed by the RYA Scotland Coaching Collective. Please feel free to contact coaching@ryascotland.org.uk if you have any queries. Apply here.
Two top tips for obtaining grant funding for your club. First, get to know your funder. Make contact and tell them what you want to do. They can give you an idea whether it fits their criteria and possibly help you write a better application. They want to give away their money! So, start a conversation. Second, think about what you want to achieve with the funding. Go beyond the activity. How will the project improve someone’s life? Or what problem are you trying to solve? You may be buying boats, but the funder is buying impact. If you have a project you are trying to fund, reach out to your Regional Development Officer.
As you plan for future activity, here are some funding options to consider:
- Aldi Scottish Sport Fund, applications open for Dundee & Tayside close 27 July; applications for Fife, Perth & Kinross are open 28 July to 31 August;
- National Lottery Awards for All Scotland (Please ensure your RDO is aware of any application for this funding as they will likely be consulted during the review process).
- National Lottery Heritage Fund, possibly for traditional boat building or activity;
- National Lottery Young Start, helping young people aged 8 to 24 to become more confident and play an active part in realising their potential;
- Bruce Wake Charitable Trust, for the provision of leisure activities for people with physical disabilities;
- Social Investment Scotland offer loan funding to charities and community groups.
- Athlete Travel Award Scheme supports travel costs for Highland and island talented athletes.
All the best from The Development Team – Laura, Brian, Rhys, Liza, Nathalie & Naomi. 30/07/2025