Category: A News

12/05/2026

YPSP on Mental Health Awareness Week

This week is Mental Health Awareness Week, and I have been talking to members of the SDS Young Persons’ Sports Panel about what mental health means to them.

The SDS YPSP is a group of 15 disabled young people who are committed and enthusiastic about disability sport. In our monthly meetings we discuss a wide range of topics, from events and inclusive sports to raising awareness and social media. Since Mental Health Awareness Week is the 11th to 17th of May, I thought it timely to chat about the importance of mental health awareness and acceptance.

When asked what mental health meant to them, the panel had some really insightful answers. “Keeping things positive and trying not to let things get on top of you,” said Calum, highlighting the importance of stress and mental health. When you have a lot of possibly tricky things happening in your life, it’s important to find ways to cope before the stress becomes overwhelming. “Do you want to focus on the negatives or the positives?” asked peer mentor, Caitlyn.

Another key insight from the group was that mental health effects everybody in many different ways. It can be about dealing with a mental health condition but also keeping positive in everyday life. As Hollie described, “it’s not just the bad bits but the good bits too and everything in the middle!”

The theme of this week, from the Mental Health Foundation (MHF), is taking action for yourself, for someone else, and for all of us. Through our discussions, we found that sport plays a crucial role in both personal mental health and helping others. Peer mentor Ross said it was important to “focus on yourself for a wee bit each day.” All the panel members agreed that their sport helped them to feel better. “If I’ve got something on my mind I’ll do my swimming” said Ruby. Calum also agreed, saying, “I go out for a run and write my feelings down.”

We also talked about the impact sport can have your mental health when it’s not going so smoothly. Calum talked about the pressure of competing and how he focuses on not burning himself out so much. I also believe that it is important to remember why you love your sport and make sure to protect that joy. Volunteering is a great way to do this, with Millie Boo saying, “it can be so rewarding for mental health.”

With many of our panel members volunteering in disability sport, we discussed what actions we can take to help the mental health of others too. “Give them time to talk to you or let them know you are there,” said Ruby, adding that she spreads encouragement and positivity to participants. You can never know what someone else is going through, so you should always be aware of how your actions can impact someone’s mental health.

This Mental Health Awareness Week, the MHF invites you to reflect on your actions for mental health, as we build “communities of motivated people [who] are laying the

foundations for a society that prioritises good mental health.” Whether you act for yourself of others, “it shows it’s okay not to be okay and no one is alone,” as Millie Boo told me. This is action at its most powerful.

Scottish Disability Sport are currently recruiting for the next intake of our Young Persons’ Sports Panel and Young Start coaching programmes. Applications for both programmes close on 22nd May 2026. To apply or find out more information, please visit: Young Start and Young Persons’ Sports Panel –

06/05/2026

Break the Barrier: Scotland’s 2026 Manifestos

Break the Barrier: What Scotland’s 2026 manifestos mean for disability sport (and why it matters now)

By Mark Gaffney, Head of Policy, Scottish Disability Sport

Yesterday, I covered why making Scotland more inclusive and accessible is the right thing to do if we want to improve our nation’s health outcomes. Today we look at each of the main political parties in Scotland and what their manifestos are saying about their commitment to action.

For a wider take on how sport is covered in the party manifestos I would thoroughly recommend Malcolm Dingwall Smith’s insightful pieces reviewing each of the major parties and their commitment to action on sport.

The detail below will be more related to how each party intends to improve the lives of those with a disability. If we’re serious about health, education, social care, and equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI), then we have to be serious about disability sport and physical activity—not as an add‑on, but as a system outcome.

Scottish Disability Sport’s Call to Action is built on lived experience and evidence. It shows a profound participation gap: over 90% of disabled respondents do not meet recommended physical activity levels, even though 95% believe being active benefits their mental health and wellbeing. People aren’t opting out; they’re being locked out—by affordability, transport, inaccessible facilities, inconsistent support across systems, and fear that being active could jeopardise financial support.

SDS’ message to every party is clear: inclusion is a rights issue under UNCRPD Article 30, and it requires cross‑government delivery (sport, health, education, local government, social care, transport and EDI working together).

Below is an SDS‑lens summary of what the major parties’ 2026 Scottish manifestos offer—and our take on what needs strengthened.

Overall, it would be fair to say that sport is not a strong theme throughout and suffers in comparison to other areas such as Culture which sees a continuation and extension of funding levels to the tune of £100m with a further £50m uplift within 5 years. With green shoots of progress being seen in sport speaking as a collective voice, then this should be the least the sector aspires to. It also should be said that politicians need to absolutely do their bit too and commit to promises that were made. The doubling of the sports budget that was promised in the last government didn’t ever materialise, despite the welcome £40m uplift following the last budget. Figures can often be misleading and much of that £40m uplift is one-off funding – which will undoubtedly do good – but doesn’t ultimately give people the best chance to sustain, consolidate and develop impact over time.

What the parties are saying (through a disability sport lens)

Let’s start with the party that has been in power for nearly twenty years. The Scottish National Party (SNP) are the outgoing government and all up to date polling would suggest that they are set to continue to be the largest party at Holyrood – although, they may ultimately fall short of the majority that John Swinney would want. Whether a coalition is formed with another pro-independence party (i.e. the Greens) remains to be seen.

SNP: big on cost of living and NHS. Sport needs to be named, funded, and measured.

With an obvious overarching fundamental push for independence, the SNP manifesto launch messaging cites 50 steps it will take which features amongst them

a commitment to extra help with cost of living
new school breakfast clubs
summer of sport
public sector reform
increased Additional Support Needs support.

There is a clear focus on tackling the cost of living and commitment to the NHS access with some commitment to a preventative approach through early intervention and prioritising self-management of care through a new app.

The usual hallmarks of an SNP administration are there with state-led support for university fees, prescriptions, school meals, dental and eye checks and winter payments for families with disabled children offset by higher tax rates for the highest earners – caveated by their contention of the “fairest and most progressive tax system in the UK”.

Continuing their aims of eradicating child poverty, the SNP will maintain the Scottish Child Payment and introduce Bright Start Breakfasts across all primary and special schools – ensuring a healthy start to the day for kids with breakfast and play amongst friends.

Further to this a Digital Inclusion Action Plan and a promise to tackle the cost of disability with the much sought after third-sector support for multi-year settlements for Disabled People’s Organisations (which ones exactly, we do not know but likely to be connected to the delivery of the Disability Equality Plan – £2.5m of additional investment) and a Transition to Adulthood Guarantee for all young people with disabilities.

Returning to healthcare now, the promises of investment in the NHS are evident with a community-care theme emerging throughout. Chest, Heart and Stroke Scotland will benefit to the tune of an initial £1m to support the expansion of new stroke rehabilitation gyms. There is a further commitment to work with people with lived experience to develop a long-term conditions framework with detail, again, a bit light.

In the SNP manifesto sport sits within the healthcare portfolio and is framed with a focus on international events, citing an exciting summer of sport ahead and the £40m of new investment. There is new Sports Taster Fund with boccia – and Scottish Disability Sport – one of the lucky few sports explicitly referenced. Free swimming lessons for every primary school child is highlighted with a commitment to statutory consultation with sportscotland and Scottish Swimming for every pool under threat of closure.

Further relevant commitments

Any child with additional support needs will be supported through specialised ASN provision in school – regardless of where they go to school.
Behaviour specialist teachers supporting schools
Development teacher training specifically designed for teaching in special schools.
BSL training for teachers with a pool of specialist deafblind teachers
Bespoke employment apprenticeship scheme for young people with disabilities

SDS View: Sport appears important to the SNP particularly through a health and communities context. It is positive that SDS is explicitly referenced which shows disability sport is on the radar. The test is whether disability sport is treated as a system outcome—through proportionate funding, accessible facilities and travel, workforce training, and a consistent health/social care referral offer—not simply as a positive aspiration. The cross-portfolio work with Equalities and the Disability Action Plan will engender positive outcomes.

Scottish Greens: the most explicit disability sport platform

The Greens are the clearest in naming barriers SDS hears daily—lack of facilities/greenspace, prohibitive costs, and poor public transport—and treating sport as a wellbeing investment. Their manifesto includes commitments that map directly onto SDS’ Call to Action, including:

Real‑terms, multi‑year funding for sport/active living organisations (stability matters for inclusion delivery).
Protecting and requiring accessible, affordable, fit‑for‑purpose facilities through planning decisions.
Widening access for disabled people and embedding disabled sport knowledge in public health and leisure settings—high alignment with our whole‑system ask.
Children’s Sports Card: affordable access to sport and recreational activities
A commitment to enhance support to disabled Scots and their carers and implementing recommendations of the Independent Review on Adult Disability Payment including scrapping the inhumane 20m rule
Inclusive communication approaches across public bodies and services

Their “Disabled people” chapter also commits to incorporating the UN Convention on the Rights of Disabled People into Scots law and requiring Disabled People’s Organisations’ involvement in planning infrastructure—both highly relevant to inclusive facilities and services.

SDS View: strongest “what” on paper; delivery will depend on sustained investment and local implementation capacity. There is a strong commitment, as you might expect, to places and spaces being inclusive.

Scottish Labour: strong health/care reform story—sport must be hard‑wired into it

Labour’s manifesto is framed around NHS access, workforce reform, and tackling delayed discharge, including neighbourhood health hubs that co‑locate general practice with community health, physiotherapy and social care. This is a major opportunity for disability sport if we choose to use it: SDS is explicitly calling for “a health and social care system that prescribes appropriate physical activity opportunities at every stage of the individual’s pathway.”

Labour also highlights support around transitions into work and improving access to services—important in a landscape where disabled people fear being penalised for being active.

SDS View: disability sport is not consistently named as a deliverable outcome. The risk is “health reform without prevention pathways”—and physical activity becomes assumed rather than commissioned, referred, and measured.

Scottish Liberal Democrats: carers and community healthcare—missing a clear inclusion pathway into sport

The Liberal Democrats foreground faster access to care, long‑term workforce planning, and tackling delayed discharge—explicitly acknowledging that you can’t fix the NHS without fixing care. This aligns with SDS’ view that disability sport is part of prevention and independence, not an optional extra.

Their manifesto also highlights support for carers and improving services for people facing barriers—including disability employment gap ambitions—which matters because carers and social support networks are often the enablers of participation.

There is a strong ASN commitment in education through staffing and support and robust social care investment.

SDS View: as with several parties, there is no clearly defined “referral‑to‑community sport” pathway (health – social care – leisure trusts/clubs) with inclusion training and accountability. Without that, provision remains patchy and postcode‑dependent.

Scottish Conservatives: efficiency and reform—real risks for EDI capability and inclusive delivery

The Conservatives’ manifesto is driven by public sector reform and cost‑cutting, including reducing public bodies and reporting burdens. But one section is particularly concerning from an SDS inclusion perspective: it proposes banning public sector roles devoted exclusively to diversity, equality and inclusion.

Why this matters: SDS’ Call to Action requires disability inclusion training, inclusive communication, culture change, and partnership working across systems. That capability doesn’t appear by magic—it is built and maintained. Removing specialist inclusion infrastructure without replacing it with a robust, enforceable alternative risks weakening delivery at precisely the point we need it most.

SDS view: if “efficiency” becomes a proxy for stripping inclusion capacity, we will widen inequalities—especially in local services where disability sport opportunities depend on trained staff and accessible systems.

Reform UK (Scotland): economy-first, “welfare” reform, and cultural framing—major inclusion risks unless safeguards are explicit

Reform’s Scotland manifesto is explicit about its framing: it argues Scotland must reduce a perceived “work to welfare” imbalance, and it positions welfare as a “safety net, not a lifestyle choice.” It proposes tax reform and a broad “new economy” approach, and it criticises what it describes as “woke policies” in areas including immigration and gender.

On health, Reform says the NHS will remain free at the point of need but “needs reform,” and it links NHS performance problems to delayed discharge and system productivity.

SDS view: the Reform manifesto does not set out a clear disability sport or inclusive activity pathway, and its welfare rhetoric creates a clear risk against SDS’ evidence base unless counterbalanced by explicit safeguards. SDS’ survey found 40% fear losing financial support if they are seen to be more active, and our Call to Action demands government reassurance that being active will not negatively affect support. Any approach that increases conditionality, distrust, or fear—without crystal‑clear protections—could further suppress participation and worsen health inequalities.

This is not a theoretical concern. It is what disabled people told us, directly, in Scotland.

What we need next: a cross‑government “inclusion delivery deal”

Regardless of who forms the next Government, SDS is calling for a practical delivery package that connects health, education, social care, transport, and sport:

Physical activity as a core part of health and care pathways: Build referral routes so every disabled person can access appropriate activity opportunities at every stage of their pathway—as the Call to Action sets out.
Benefits reassurance that removes fear: Put safeguards in policy, communications and practice so disabled people can be active without worrying that visibility equals penalty.
Self‑Directed Support that works consistently for sport and activity: End local variability and ensure SDS budgets can fund participation reliably.
Accessible transport and facilities as enabling infrastructure: Investment, planning rules and local delivery must remove barriers around travel and inclusive spaces.
Workforce training and inclusion capability: Inclusive delivery requires trained people and accountable systems—not just warm words.

Final thought

This election sits inside a wider national moment. SDS has deliberately positioned the period from the election through to Glasgow 2026 as the time to “reignite the conversation” and demand systemic change.

Disabled people are telling us they want to be more active—but they need Scotland to build access, not just celebrate inspiration.

If you’re an MSP candidate, policymaker, health leader, local authority, leisure trust, or sport organisation: let’s align around the Call to Action and commit to delivery that crosses the usual boundaries.

Links (for readers)

SDS Call to Action (web): Scottish Disability Sport – Call to Action
SDS Call to Action (PDF): SDS Call to Action PDF
Scottish National Party (SNP) manifesto (PDF): SNP Scotland 2026 Manifesto
Reform UK Scotland manifesto (PDF): Reform UK Scotland Manifesto
Scottish Conservatives Manifesto (PDF): Web-SCUP-Manifesto-2026
Scottish Labour Manifesto (PDF): COMPRSSED-MANIFESTO
Scottish Lib Dems Manifesto (PDF): Change with Fairness at its Heart
Scottish Greens Manifesto (PDF): Greens Manifesto – Sport
Manifesto accessibility tracker: Disability Equality Scotland tracker

05/05/2026

A Call to Action Scotland Cannot Ignore

A Call to Action Scotland Cannot Ignore: Making Sport and Physical Activity a Right for People with disabilities.

By Mark Gaffney, Head of Policy at Scottish Disability Sport

As Scotland approaches another pivotal election on Thursday, we are rightly focused on the kind of country we want to be. One that values fairness, equality of opportunity and wellbeing for ALL our people; or one that continues to accept deep and preventable inequalities as inevitable. Nowhere is that choice clearer than in sport and physical activity for people with disabilities.

Sport and physical activity can be a source of joy, connection and lifelong health. Yet for thousands of people with disabilities across Scotland, it remains out of reach. Countless studies – including our own National Survey – show that people with disabilities are significantly less likely to be active than non‑disabled people, not because of a lack of interest or talent, but because of structural barriers that persist year after year. These barriers are not accidental. They are the product of policy and strategy choices, funding decisions and accountability gaps. That is why Scottish Disability Sport (SDS) launched its Call to Action in September 2025 (following the findings from the first ever National Survey) and why it must be central to the next Scottish government’s priorities.

The benefits of sport and physical activity are well‑evidenced. They improve physical and mental health, reduce loneliness, strengthen communities and increase confidence and independence. For people with disabilities, these benefits can be transformative. Yet all too often people with disabilities face inaccessible facilities, a shortage of inclusive opportunities, inadequately equipped teachers and coaches in inclusive practice, limited transport options and patchy local provision – despite the fine efforts of the SDS Member Branches to support as many people (including, critically, adults with disabilities who are often overlooked when it comes to opportunities). These barriers compound wider inequalities in health, employment and social participation.

Scotland has no shortage of strong words or progressive intentions. Strategies on health, equality and inclusion repeatedly recognise the importance of physical activity – particularly for those least active if we want to start moving the dial on reducing inequalities in health to counter Scotland’s place as the “Sick Man of Europe” with the lowest life expectancy in Western Europe. However, people with disabilities have learned the hard way that recognition alone does not equal change. What is missing is consistent delivery, co‑design with people with disabilities, and long‑term commitment backed by proactive intentional change, resource and accountability.

The SDS Call to Action sets out a practical, proactive and engaging framework to change this. At its core is a simple principle: People with disabilities must have the same right to be active as everyone else as laid out in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities. This means embedding inclusion across the whole sporting and physical activity system, not treating it as an optional add‑on, a “nice to do” or a short‑term project.

First, we must address leadership and accountability. Inclusion cannot sit on the margins of government portfolios or be passed between agencies and left to fall between the cracks. The next Scottish Government should clearly assign responsibility for people with disabilities’ access to sport and physical activity to the sector as a whole, with measurable outcomes and transparent reporting. Without this, inequalities will continue to fall through the cracks. It may be too optimistic at this juncture to ask for a Cabinet Secretary post in sport alone, but it shouldn’t be beyond the realms of reason for it to achieve a prominence alongside a complementary portfolio area such as Culture and for those incumbents to work with those in the Equalities portfolio amongst others to engender better outcomes for people with disabilities.

Investment matters. Inclusive provision costs money—whether that is adapting facilities, supporting specialist equipment, or ensuring clubs have the support they need to welcome disabled participants. Yet inclusive investment is not an additional luxury; it is a preventative measure that saves costs across health and social care in the long term. Funding models must recognise this and provide sustainable, multi‑year support, particularly at local and community level where impact is greatest.

People and skills are key. Teachers, coaches, volunteers and staff want to do the right thing, but many lack confidence or training in inclusive practice. A strengthened national approach to workforce development is essential, ensuring inclusion and disability awareness are core components, not optional extras. This is about empowering people to say “yes” rather than defaulting to exclusion through uncertainty.

If all our trainee PE teachers, Primary teachers and sports coaches are educated in inclusive practice at source then by extension the chances of a better experience for people with disabilities at school or within community activity suddenly look more hopeful. The same is true for health and social care. Inactivity should be treated with the same weight as other harms such as smoking, drugs, alcohol and poor diet and suitable and appropriate activity (not just gym referrals with are not appropriate for many) must be prescribed and facilitated at every stage of a person’s care journey. From there, clear pathways to lifelong, sustained engagement should be straightforward and supported. Links between education, healthcare, local authorities, governing bodies of sport and third sector need to be joined up and systemic.

A major barrier that continues to be impactful for people with disabilities in Scotland is the lack of clear guidance and robust policy to reassure people with disabilities that being active will not affect their government financial support they rely on so heavily to just live. We are hearing anecdotally that the move from the UK system to Social Security System appears to have generally gone smoothly and on the face of it is a more compassionate and supportive system, however, more needs to be done to ensure people are not penalised for engaging in efforts to improve their health. Current benefit rules and systems can discourage participation and engagement in sport and physical activity. Although Self Directed Support is designed to prioritise choice and control, inconsistent implementation around accessing physical activity is limiting these choices. Physical activity should be seen as a critical and substantial need for individuals to allow them the freedom to pursue health and wellbeing gains. It has been proven that it can cost an average of £1100 a month more to have a disability than to not, clearly difficult choices need to be made for individuals for the most basic of needs before determining whether expensive sporting opportunities are accessible to them. This is why we back a mandated inclusive strategy where all bodies who receive any public funding ensure that they are accountable for providing affordable and accessible opportunities for people with disabilities and furthermore provide a discounted rate to participate.

Finally, people with disabilities must be at the heart of decision‑making. Policies designed for People with disabilities too often fail because they are not designed with them. Co‑design is not a buzzword; it is a necessity. People with disabilities are experts in their own lives, and their voices must shape facilities, programmes and policy from the outset. At SDS we talk about taking an intersectional approach to inclusion. But what does this mean? Essentially, it means that we know that people are not made up of one characteristic alone, individuals have many identities – and these very identities can layer multiple and varied barriers to being active. One-size-fits-all approaches will often miss key needs. Collaboration with informed organisations, individuals and co-design will benefit future policy and planning.

This election presents a clear test. Parties across the political spectrum will talk about prevention, wellbeing and tackling health inequalities. The question is whether they are prepared to act when it comes to people with disabilities’ right to be active. Platitudes are not enough. What we need are clear pledges aligned with the SDS Call to Action, setting out how the next government will reduce barriers, close participation gaps and deliver lasting change.

Scotland has the talent, the evidence and the infrastructure to lead the way on inclusive sport. What has been lacking is the political will to treat this issue with the urgency it deserves. If we get this right, the rewards will be felt far beyond sports halls, playing fields and leisure centres—improving health, strengthening communities and affirming the value of people with disabilities’ participation in every aspect of Scottish life.

As voters prepare to make their choice, I urge them to ask a simple question of those seeking office: Will you turn inclusion into action? For People with disabilities across Scotland, the answer cannot be postponed any longer.

The SDS four-point Call to Action Graphics are available to download via the links below:

Tomorrow, Mark will take us through a summary of each of the main party manifestos and what they mean for people with disabilities in Scotland.

22/04/2026

Team Scotland Para Bowls Squad Named for Glasgow 2026

The full lineup of Para Bowls athletes for Team Scotland at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games has been announced.

Glasgow 2026 will see Bowls and Para Bowls in a reimagined format and for the first time in Games history it will be played indoors. With four medal events in Bowls and three in Para Bowls, the revised competition formats will be fully integrated and run across all ten days of the competition.

Leading the charge for the Para Bowls team is Birmingham 2022 gold medallist Pauline Wilson. In her Team Scotland debut, Wilson took gold in the Women’s B6-8 Pairs and will be hoping to repeat her success four years on. She will be partnered by Mary Wilson.

The depth of experience and accomplishments continues with returning gold medallists from Birmingham 2022 and all heading to their third Games for the team namely Garry Brown in the Mixed Pairs (B6-B8); Robert Barr in the Mixed Pairs (B2-B3) and his Para Director Sarah Jane Ewing.

Completing the line-up are: Stuart Sloan (Men’s Pairs, B6-B8), Mary Stevenson, (Mixed Pairs, B2-B3) and Jim Aitken (Para Director, B2-B3).

Elinor Middlemiss, Team Scotland Chef de Mission, said: “We are delighted to announce the entire team for Bowls and Para Bowls, and I’d like to congratulate all the athletes selected.

“Our Bowls and Para Bowls athletes have historically been very successful at the Games, and I am sure it will be no different with this exciting new format and in an indoor setting. This team has such a mix of youth and experience, it is wonderful to see the sport attracting new players of all ages and I am sure they will undoubtedly inspire those who come along to watch and cheer them on at the SEC Centre.”

Athletes from across all 10 sports and six Parasports featured at Glasgow 2026 will continue to be selected in the coming months as Team Scotland shapes up for an exciting home Games.

Bowls and Para Bowls take place at the Scottish Event Campus with competition running from 24 July to 2 August. Tickets to watch Team Scotland compete are available here.

Selected Team Scotland Para Bowls Athletes:
Garry Brown – Men’s Pairs (B6-B8)
Stuart Sloan – Men’s Pairs (B6-B8)
Mary Wilson – Women’s Pairs (B6-B8)
Pauline Wilson – Women’s Pairs (B6-B8)
Mary Stevenson – Mixed Pairs (B2-B3)
Robert Barr – Mixed Pairs (B2-B3)
Sarah Jane Ewing – Para Director (B2-B3)
Jim Aitken – Para Director (B2-B3)

Team Scotland’s Para swimming squad has also been announced, which you can check out here.

22/04/2026

Seven Scots Selected to Swim at Glasgow 2026

Team Scotland’s momentum towards the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games continues to pick up pace with the selection of a seven-strong line up in Para Swimming.

With Glasgow 2026 set to have the largest Parasport programme in Commonwealth Games history, four men and three women will make up Team Scotland’s Para Swimming team competing at Tollcross International Swimming Centre this summer. Toni Shaw is set for a third Games appearance with Team Scotland, while Stephen Clegg, Ollie Carter and Sam Downie return after debuts at Birmingham 2022. Making a first Commonwealth Games are James Clegg, Faye Rogers and Astrid Carroll.

At Paris 2024 Stephen Clegg (Lothian) delivered the first two Paralympic gold medals of his career in the S12 100m Butterfly and 100m Backstroke – setting a new World Record in the latter. A three-time Paralympian, having made his debut at Rio 2016, he also boasts a silver and two bronzes from Tokyo 2020.

Making his Commonwealth Games bow in 2022, Stephen secured a sensational silver in Birmingham in the S13 50m Freestyle, despite swimming up a classification.
Clegg said: “It’s such an honour to be selected for a Commonwealth Games and to have a home Games is such a rare opportunity. To have a crowd that is there for you is really special. As I’ve got older, I have learned to use the crowd in a much more effective way, and I think the atmosphere in Glasgow is going to be huge.”

Also a Paralympic gold medallist at Paris 2024, Faye Rogers (Aberdeen) won the S10 100m Butterfly and marking an incredible 12 months, that also saw her become World Champion in the same event on her major international debut. In 2025 she won a further five medals at her second World Para Swimming Championships in Singapore and will make her Team Scotland debut in Glasgow.

Rogers shared her excitement: “I’ve never competed for Team Scotland before so it’s my first Commonwealth Games and I feel very fortunate to get a home Games. I am most excited about it being in Glasgow and Scotland so that my family can come.”

There will be an incredible Commonwealth Games debut for London 2012 Paralympic medallist James Clegg (Lothian), following a triumphant return to the sport. A medallist at the World Championships in 2013, he makes his first international team in 13 years, joining brother Stephen for the first time. It’s a family affair for the Cleggs, with sister Libby a Paralympic champion and Commonwealth Games gold medallist in athletics.

Four years ago Toni Shaw (Aberdeen) took her first Commonwealth Games medal, clinching an opening night bronze in Birmingham in the S9 100m Freestyle. The Paralympic Games and World Championship medallist will be on the hunt for more silverware this summer.

Also returning to Team Scotland are Sam Downie (Lothian) and Ollie Carter (Fife). Sam – who made his international debut just months prior to Birmingham 2022 – was only 16 years old at his first Games, the youngest athlete on the team. He competed in the S9 100m Backstroke, swimming up a classification, and finishing in the top 6 in the event. Ollie took 7th place in Men’s 100m Butterfly S10 – entering poolside in a kilt, in an iconic moment at the Sandwell Aquatics Centre.

There will be a Commonwealth Games debut for Astrid Carroll, (Lothian) who burst onto the international Para swimming scene with a pair of medals at the 2025 World Championships, a silver in the SB12 100m Breaststroke and a bronze in the S12 100m Backstroke.

Elinor Middlemiss, Team Scotland Chef de Mission, said: “I’d like to offer a huge congratulations to all of the athletes who have been selected for Team Scotland at a home Games. We look forward to them representing their families, communities and country with pride in Glasgow this summer.

“There is a huge amount of experience in this Para Swimming team, in both our returning athletes and those making their Commonwealth Games debut. I look forward to watching these athletes deliver what I’m sure will be strong performances in Glasgow and wish them every success.”

Para Swimming will take place at Tollcross International Swimming Centre with competition running from 24 July to 29 July. Tickets to watch Team Scotland compete are available here.

SELECTED ATHLETES
Astrid Carroll
Ollie Carter
James Clegg
Stephen Clegg
Sam Downie
Faye Rogers
Toni Shaw

17/04/2026

National Boccia Squad Confirmed

With Returning Talent and New Additions

Scottish Disability Sport (SDS) is the recognised governing body for the sport of Boccia in Scotland and is tasked with developing players capable of domestic and international success. SDS is also responsible for progressing the best Scottish talent to a UK Boccia World Class Programme where players represent Great Britain at European, World and Paralympic level.  In order to achieve this, a competitive national squad is a vital element.

After the selection process, 8 players have been re-selected onto the squad after a successful 2025 season. They are being joined by two new players, Layla McCloskey (East Renfrewshire) and Rachael Page (Fife), who have impressed in the 2025 year with their recent results and long-term potential. SDS is also delighted to have coaches Claire Morrison, Jenny Nethery and Peter McGuire coaching the national squad.

Please see the squad selection below –

Players
Name	Classification	Local Authority	SDS Branch
Alex Medley	BC1	Perth and Kinross	Perth and Kinross Disability Sport
Kayleigh Brown	BC2	South Ayrshire	Ayrshire Sportsability
Layla McCloskey	BC2	East Renfrewshire	Disability Sport Glasgow
Rachael Page	BC2	Fife	Disability Sport Fife
Patrick Wilson	BC3	City of Edinburgh	Lothian Disability Sport
Fiona Muirhead	BC4	South Lanarkshire	South Lanarkshire Disability Sport
Paul McIntyre	BC4	Stirling	Forth Valley Disability Sport
Scott McIntyre	BC4	Stirling	Forth Valley Disability Sport
Stephen McGuire (MBE)	BC4	South Lanarkshire	South Lanarkshire Disability Sport
Tyler McLelland	BC4	Fife	Disability Sport Fife
Meredith Greenwood	Ramp Operator (Patrick Wilson)	City of London

Coaches
Name	Local Authority
Claire Morrison	Fife
Jenny Nethery	Renfrewshire
Peter McGuire	South Lanarkshire

Alex Medley about to throw a boccia ball overarm. — Alex Medley

Layla McCloskey about to throw a boccia ball — Layla McCloskey

Fiona Muirhead having just thrown a boccia ball — Fiona Muirhead

Kaleigh and Kevin brown smiling and laughing as they play boccia together. — Kaleigh and Kevin Brown

Podium photo which includes Stephen McGuire in the middle, with a gold medal around his neck and holding a trophy. — Stephen McGuire (middle)

Podium photo which includes Patrick Wilson in the middle, with a gold medal around his neck. Meredith Greenwood, his ramp operator, is holding a trophy. His dad is standing behind him. — Patrick Wilson and Meredith Greenwood (middle)

Rachel Page smiling to the camera whilst on the boccia court. A young boy in a wheelchair is next to her. — Rachael Page

Paul McIntyre smiling to the camera. He is in his wheelchair and on a boccia court. A man in a wheelchair is to his right and a lady is standing in the background. — Paul McIntyre

Action photo of Scott MyIntyre about to throw a red boccia ball. His competitor, Tyler McLelland, is in the background watching on. — Scott McIntyre

Photo of Claire Morrison and two other woman, standing giving a panel discussion at a boccia event. — Claire Morrison (far right)

Peter McGuire and Jenny Nethery talking and discussing tactics at a boccia compeition. — Peter McGuire and Jenny Nethery

If you would like to find it any more information, please contact SDS’s Performance Development Lead and Boccia Development Officer, Jonathan Kennedy on email: Jonathan.Kennedy@scottishdisabilitysport, or call: 0131 317 1130

Latest News can be found here: Latest News Latest News.

15/04/2026

The Power of Sport: Jim Anderson’s Story

By William Moncrieff, Communications Officer

Since taking up sport in the 1970’s, Jim Anderson OBE has made himself a household name throughout the Scottish sporting landscape. Jim’s incredible career saw him compete in swimming at a staggering six Paralympic Games, where he had great success, earning him the affectionate nickname of ‘Jim the Swim’.

Jim’s swimming career spanned two decades, where he competed against some of the best in the business, filling up an impressive trophy cabinet in the process. Now at the age of 63, Jim hasn’t loss his competitive edge, often taking to the boccia court to show his athletic ability.

Initially trying sport 50 years ago, it would have been impossible to forecast the lifelong impact that Jim would have on Scottish sport. However, like many athletes Jim didn’t take up sport to be in the spotlight, it was something a lot simpler.

Growing up with cerebral palsy, sport provided an opportunity of independence and inclusion. He said: “I really enjoyed it, just because I was able to do something.”

In his twenties, Jim set his goals and ambitions firmly on becoming a Paralympian and at the Barcelona 1992 Summer Paralympic Games, his dreams were answered. Jim wasn’t willing to stop there though, going on to compete in the next five Paralympics, to retire after the London 2012 iteration.

Throughout his Paralympic career, Jim found himself on the podium a total of 17 times, winning six golds, nine silvers and two bronze medals which all added to his legacy as one of Great Britain’s most prolific swimmers.

Undeniably though, Jim’s highlight came at the 2004 Paralympic Games in Athens, when competing in the 50m, 100m and 200m Freestyle S2 and 50m Backstroke S2. He commented: “I am most proud of my four gold medals in Athens, it was great.”

Another element of his Paralympic career that Jim looks back on with an immense amount of pride, was managing to perform at the highest level, in front of those closest to him: his mum and dad – John and Brenda – and brother, Stuart. “To see me on the podium was wonderful for my family,” he said.

Although Jim no longer finds himself competing in swimming, he has made sure to still stay involved in the sport, saying, “I retired after London 2012, but I am still involved with the Scottish Disabled Swimming Team.”

Working once a month with some of Scotland’s emerging talent, has been providing Jim with a deep sense of enjoyment as it takes him back to what it first meant to him to be included in sport. One of his favorite elements, is playing a role in developing the next generation of Scottish athletes, saying: “I like helping the new swimmers coming up, it is great.”

Along with being a keen volunteer in swimming, Jim has been working hard to provide individuals in the east of Scotland with an opportunity to take part in boccia. Helping to found a drop-in session in Broxburn, Jim has opened the door for many individuals to try boccia in a fun, friendly, inclusive and accessible setting. A main reason for starting the club, was because of the incredibly inclusive nature of boccia. Jim wanted to provide as many people as possible with an opportunity to enjoy the sport: “Boccia is great, because anyone can play it,” he said.

Furthermore, boccia provides Jim with opportunities to get out and compete in sport. He said: “I like that I still get to compete.”

Jim throws a boccia ball during a game at the Scottish Championships. It is a side-on photo showing Jim in his wheelchair - which has a yellow frame - wearing a blue fleece with a bright red bag around his shoulder that sits on his lap. He has white hair and wears glasses.

Having received countless accolades and winning a total of 57 medals across the Paralympic Games, World and European Championships, Jim is a great role model in sport – showcases what is possible if you have a disability.

Being a role model is something that Jim is extremely proud of, for it: “makes people realise that they can do it, and that nothing is a barrier,” Jim said.

To find out all about the sport and physical activities in sport within your local area and community, reach out to your Regional Development Manager.

To keep up to date with all things disability sport across Scotland, follow Scottish Disability Sport on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

14/04/2026

Inclusion Front and Centre in Latest COSLA White Paper

The Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA) has recently launched ‘The Future of Public Leisure and Sport – An Investment in Wellbeing‘, the second in a series of white papers to be published in advance of the 2026 Scottish Parliament election.

Scottish Disability Sport (SDS) is pleased to see that Inclusion is explicitly highlighted as one of the five key themes of the new COSLA White Paper. The paper uses the SDS Call to Action as a reference and cites the multiple and complex barriers that many people face which serves to widen activity and health inequalities. The first ask is investment in national affordability programmes which SDS champions to reduce some of the cost barriers people with a disability face when accessing sport and leisure.

The paper highlights a pivotal moment for Scotland, arguing that improving population health, supporting inclusive economic growth and restoring sustainable public finances will require a decisive shift from crisis response to long-term prevention.

COSLA is urging the incoming Scottish Government to work in partnership with Local Government to unlock the full preventative potential of leisure, sport and physical activity, and to support a healthier, more equal and more prosperous Scotland.

You can read the COSLA White Paper here: COSLA-White-Paper-An-Investment-In-Scotlands-Wellbeing.pdf

Learn more about SDS’s Call to Action and the SDS National Survey.

13/04/2026

Scottish Athletes Shine at DSNI Boccia Challenger in Antrim

By Jonathan Kennedy

Scottish Disability Sport (SDS) is delighted to celebrate the outstanding performances of three national squad athletes who competed at the DSNI Boccia Challenger in Antrim, 6th – 8th the March 2026. All three players delivered impressive results and represented Scotland with distinction throughout the event.

In the BC4 category, Fiona Muirhead produced a standout performance characterised by consistency, composure, and determination. With the event played in a round robin format, the competition came down to the final match, where Fiona faced Penny Froude of Boccia England in a decisive showdown for the top medals. After a tense and keenly contested match, Fiona secured a 3–2 victory, claiming the gold medal and marking a fantastic start to their 2026 campaign.

In the BC1 category, Alex Medley competed in an exceptionally close and competitive field. Despite delivering high quality play throughout the round-robin stages, Alex narrowly missed a podium position, finishing in 4th place.

Layla McCloskey was the third member representing SDS where she competed in the BC2 category. This was Layla’s first event competition as a member of the SDS National Boccia Squad. Building on strong momentum after finishing 2025 on a high at the UK Boccia Championships, Layla continued her impressive play by reaching the 5th/6th playoff matches in a highly competitive field.

Squad group photo, consisting of (from left to right) Peter McGuire, Layla McCloskey, coach Claire Morrison, Fiona Muirhead, SDS boccia development officer Jonathan Kennedy, Alex Medley. They are all looking to the camera and smiling. Peter, Fiona and Alex are in their wheelchairs, Layla is sitting on her frame whilst hugging Claire. Claire and Jonathan are standing up.

The DSNI Boccia Challenger offered invaluable experience for all three Scottish athletes as they continue their progression within the national programme. Performances of this calibre help build important momentum as they embark on their 2026 season. A big thank you to Disability Sport NI for hosting the event.

SDS is the national governing body for Boccia in Scotland and is dedicated to the growth and success of the sport at all levels.

If you are interested to learn more about boccia and your local opportunities, please contact Jonathan Kennedy, the Boccia Development Officer, via email on Jonathan.Kennedy@Scottishdisabilitysport.com; or call on 07830158253.

09/04/2026

Medal Moments from the 2026 National Schools Boccia Championships

On Thursday 26th March, 48 pupils from schools across the country attended the Scottish Disability Sport (SDS) National Schools Boccia Championships, which was supported by Shepherd Chartered Surveyors.

The annual event attracted young people between P5 and S6 with a learning disability or physical disability, all vying for a spot on the podium, with participants travelling as far as Shetland.

SDS’s Boccia Development Officer, Jonathan Kennedy remarked on the day: “It is fantastic to see so many participants coming to compete to be Schools Championships. With 48 participants here, it has made for a very busy and competitive event. There are players from all round Scotland, including Shetland, Borders, Ayrshire and Highlands which means players can meet others from all around the country and put their skills to the test against other regional champions.”

The morning session was filled with pool games which decided who would advance to the knock-out games and medal matches after the lunch break. The morning session provided a lot of action, with just two ends deciding the winner of each game.

Intensity rose in the afternoon session, with finals decided for the three medal categories: learning disability, physical disability and players with an assistive device (ramp).

Kennedy Masamuna (Glasgow) faced off with Bilal Shakoor (Perth and Kinross) in the gold medal game for players with a learning disability. The pair were equally matched after the two ends and so a tiebreaker was needed to decide the medals, with Kennedy taking the win to top the podium.

A tiebreaker also decided the results of the bronze medal game, with Julian Smolinski (Highland) taking the win over Glasgow’s Lucja Kostrzewska.

In the physical disability category, Perth and Kinross’ Emma McManamon just missed out on gold, losing 2-1 to James O’Brien (South Lanarkshire), with Cole Harvey securing the bronze for Highland, with a 3-0 win over Hannah Crookes (Highland).

Gold belonged to Zac Cameron (Forth Valley) in the assistive device (ramps) category, after sealing a 2-0 win over Joe Driffield (Ayrshire). Ibrahim Ismail (Glasgow) and Hareth Al Jaffa (Glasgow) faced off in the bronze medal game. It was a convincing win for Ibrahim, who booked bronze with a lead of 4-0.

Jonathan Kennedy said: “The National Schools event is in its fourth year of being run and is set up to introduce young people to a national competition whilst also allowing for a learning opportunity. A lot of players in this hall today may play a little in school and had a regional qualifier before coming here. Whereas a few participants are regulars and already compete across Scotland in the regional events. So, having an event like this where newer players can come and develop their skills whilst also meeting others who are already competing, is a great opportunity to develop new players to the regional events across Scotland to start developing our players of the future.”

The SDS National Schools Boccia Championships is one of many SDS boccia events supported by Shepherd Chartered Surveyors. Their support plays a significant role in supporting the development of boccia across Scotland.

Ian Fergusson, Senior Partner at Shepherd Chartered Surveyor, said: “Events like the SDS National Schools Boccia Championships are vital in giving young people the chance to compete, connect and show what they can achieve in an inclusive and supportive environment.”

Shepherd Chartered Surveyor will also be supporting the second instalment of the Family Boccia Day in Moray (May), following the great success of the inagural event held earlier this year (Central).

Full results from the National Schools Boccia Championships are available here: National School results 2026.xlsx and the full photo gallery is available below.

If you would like to find out about opportunities to take part in boccia, please contact SDS’s boccia Development Officer by email (jonathan.kennedy@scottishdisabilitysport.com) or phone (0131 317 1130).