Tuesday 26th May 2026

SSS have secured significant investment from sportscotland to support a Summer of Sport across Scotland’s colleges and universities.

Students across Scotland’s Colleges and Universities will be able to enjoy a Summer of Sport thanks to a significant investment in tertiary education from sportscotland.

SSS have been successful in securing funding on behalf of the tertiary education to support free and low-cost opportunities for young people to get active as part of the national Summer of Sport programme.

The sector-wide bid means we will now distribute funds directly to Scottish institutions to support specific projects with successful bids set to be announced in the coming weeks.

The fund is part of an £18 million cash injection from the Scottish Government designed to help communities celebrate an incredible Summer of Sport, which will include the FIFA World Cup and a home Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. A total of £1.75 million was allocated to National Partners with SSS bidding from this pot.

Helping students celebrate an incredible few months of sporting activity, we will also support projects covering the transitional period of students returning to campus, helping maintain the momentum of this summer.

Commenting, SSS COO Stew Fowlie said:

“The Summer of Sport campaign is a wonderful development and I am delighted that SSS has been recognised as a key national partner in delivering the campaign.

“Significant funding secured by SSS will support a brilliant variety of projects, linking campuses and communities across Scotland. This will help provide opportunities for many many hundreds of folk that otherwise might not have had the chance to get active – with extra effort being taken to keep them going into 2027 and beyond.”

About the 2026 Summer of Sport:

The 2026 Summer of Sport will provide children and young people across Scotland the opportunity to get active in their local communities through events and activities hosted by schools, clubs, sporting bodies and local authorities. Free and low-cost opportunities will be provided with investment from the Scottish Government and delivered by sportscotland, as the excitement of the FIFA World Cup, Commonwealth Games and more inspires a generation to get involved in sport and physical activity.

The Summer of Sport forms part of a wider £20 million Scottish Government investment in sport and physical activity across Scotland, including:

  • £15 million for the Summer of Sport, providing free and low-cost sport and activities for children and young people.
  • A universal learn-to-swim offer for every primary school child in Scotland, that will continue beyond 2026, backed by initial year-one investment of £2 million.
  • A £2 million ‘Celebration of Football’ fund, aligned with the FIFA World Cup, using the power of Scotland’s national game to change lives through football.
  • A £1 million ‘Health in the Community’ campaign targeting areas with low activity levels to become and stay active.
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Thursday 21st May 2026

Check out the 20 individuals, clubs and teams who have been nominated for the 2026 Scottish Student Sport Awards in June.

Scottish Student Sport are delighted to reveal the clubs, athletes, coaches and volunteers shortlisted for the 2025/26 SSS Awards.

A total of 20 athletes, coaches, volunteers, clubs and teams are nominated across six awards with the event taking place on Wednesday 11th June at Hotel du Vin, St. Andrews.

From Olympians to BUCS-dominating teams to committed volunteers, the shortlist represents the true scale and impact that student sport has in Scotland.

Our membership is well represented with a total of ten institutions fielding successful nominations; the University of Edinburgh leading the way with four. The College sector is represented by a nomination apiece for West College Scotland and North East Scotland College.

Two additional awards will be presented on the evening: the Honorary President’s Medal for outstanding commitment to student sport in Scotland, and the Dr. Rob Macpherson Award which will be presented to our SSS volunteer of the year.

Over the next two weeks we’ll be talking more about each of our shortlisted nominees on our social media so be sure to follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram to hear about everything they’ve achieved this year.

Coach of the Year

  • Rachel Cremin (University of Strathclyde) – Netball
  • Scott MacAulay (University of Stirling) – Tennis
  • Mat Trodden (University of Edinburgh) – Swimming

Female Athlete of the Year

  • Angharad Evans (University of Stirling) – Swimming
  • Megan Keith (University of Edinburgh) – Athletics
  • Toni Shaw (University of Aberdeen) – Swimming

Male Athlete of the Year

  • Neil Simpson (University of Aberdeen) – Snowsports
  • Barney Stewart (Heriot-Watt University) – Football
  • Judd Sundelson (University of St. Andrews) – Golf

Volunteer of the Year

  • Madeleine Bell (University of Edinburgh) – Karate
  • Finlay MacCallum (Robert Gordon University) – Climbing
  • Sibylle Reboul (University of St. Andrews) – Rugby
  • Ethan Thomson (North East Scotland College) – Basketball

Club of the Year

  • University of Aberdeen Weightlifting Club
  • University of Glasgow Ski & Snowboard Club
  • University of St. Andrews Tennis Club

Team of the Year

  • University of Edinburgh Hockey Men’s 1’s
  • University of Glasgow Lacrosse Men’s 1’s
  • University of Stirling Tennis Men’s 1’s
  • West College Scotland Football Men’s 1’s

Dr. Rob Macpherson Award (SSS Volunteer of the Year)

  • To be revealed on the night

SSS Honorary President’s Medal

  • To be revealed on the night
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Sunday 17th May 2026

Check out the final agenda ahead of Conference 2026 in St. Andrews this June!

The 2026 Scottish Student Sport Conference, powered by Technogym, will take place on 10th – 11th June at the University of St. Andrews.

Always a highlight of the SSS calendar, the conference brings together our community to network, share best practice, and celebrate the success of student sport.

On the Wednesday evening we’ll all come together for the ever-popular SSS Awards Night. More information about categories and nominations will be released to institutions in due course.

Online ticket sales are now closed but anyone still interested in attending should contact SSS Business Manager Julia Stenhouse-Walton.

Accommodation

This year, accommodation will be available through our hosts the University of St. Andrews for a reduced event rate of £90 per person. You can book any rooms through the Conference sign-up form or by contacting Julia Stenhouse-Walton.

Rooms will be double beds with en-suite and includes a buffet breakfast.

Please note that we’re running low on availability for accommodation so book ASAP to avoid disappointment!

Agenda

June 10th – Connecting the Wider Scottish Sport Sector

Information regarding the venue and parking will be circulated to all attendees prior to the event.

Stew Fowlie, COO, SSS and Clare Peddie, Vice-Principal (Education) at the University of St. Andrews

Paul McPate, Co-Director, Sport and Active Health, University of Dundee

Drawing on more than 40 years in student sport Paul will share the lessons, relationships and defining moments that have shaped both his career and the wider sector. Having witnessed significant change across university sport since beginning his career in 1985, Paul will reflect on how student sport has evolved through the lessons he has learnt along the way.

From adapting to an evolving sector to recognising the lasting impact of creating opportunities for others, the session will encourage attendees to reflect on what truly matters in sport and leadership, and what experiences from the past can teach us about shaping the future.

Choose one of the following breakouts to join:

Burnout: Being Fit for Purpose

David Howatson, Educator, Technogym

Based on the latest research into the syndrome of burnout, David from Conference Headline Partners Technogym will be discussing the impact in the context of fitness professionals and sports coaches.

What Good Looks Like Managing Operations

Craig Campbell, Chief Explanation Officer, Ops Pal

Running a leisure site safely involves a staggering volume of tasks, risk assessments, and procedures. You already know the sheer effort it takes. The challenge isn't doing the work—it is proving the work is consistently getting done.

In "What Good Looks Like", Ops Pal explore how to make your operations visible without adding to your team's workload.

You will discover how to:

  • Transition from being exposed to genuinely audit-ready.
  • Stop vague task allocation and ensure explicit ownership.
  • Use intelligent reporting to fix operational gaps before they escalate to senior management.

Join Ops Pal to learn how to know things are okay, rather than just thinking they are.

Participation in Focus: National Trends and Parasport Perspectives

Molly Byrne, Head of Belonging, BUCS

This interactive session will explore emerging insights and trends from UK-wide participation data gathered through BUCS Play, alongside a focused deep dive into findings from the recent Para & Disability Sport Survey. Bringing together national perspectives, lived experiences and sector-wide challenges, the session will examine what the data tells us about engagement, inclusion and the future of student sport participation.

Designed to encourage active audience involvement throughout, delegates will have opportunities to reflect, discuss and contribute their own experiences and perspectives, helping to shape a shared understanding of the opportunities and barriers facing the sector.

A chance to meet our partners including Technogym, Canterbury, BE Uniforms and Ops Pal.

Danielle Grieve, Activities Development Manager, Aberdeen University Student Association

This interactive networking session will provide delegates with the opportunity to build new connections and strengthen relationships with colleagues from across the student sport sector. Designed as a fun and informal social activity, the session will encourage attendees to meet new people, share experiences and connect beyond their own institutions and roles.

Alongside creating space for conversation and community-building, the session will also encourage the development of mentoring and peer-support relationships across the sector. Whether delegates are looking to share experience, seek guidance, support emerging professionals or build longer-term connections, the session aims to foster meaningful relationships that continue beyond the conference itself.

Choose two of the following breakouts to join:

The Role of Sport in Transitions
Kaden Houghton, Robert Gordon University, Current MRes Student

This session draws on Kaden’s MRes programme, exploring the transition to university and the role of physical activity in supporting psychological wellbeing. It will consider the challenges students face when entering higher education, including social adjustment, identity, and connection, and position sport and physical activity as key enablers within this transition improving overall student experience.

Building Belonging in Competitive Teams
Josh Darley, Liverpool John Moores University

This session draws on student-led research on the role of student sports team in creating a sense of belonging. Combined with research into practice from a year as VP Activities at Liverpool John Moore University Student Union, Josh will explore how sports teams can enhance but also negate a sense of belonging within their internal structures. In providing real life examples from their year in role, Josh outlines the tangible changes that have been made to create positive club cultures through the enhanced role of student leaders.

Using Sport for Social Change: The Positive Masculinity Project
Lauren Simpson, Active Campus Coordinator, Dundee and Angus College

This session explores how sport can be used as a powerful platform to engage young men in meaningful conversations around critical social issues. Lauren’s sessions throughout a dedicated programme explored how sport could be an entry point for dialogue that challenges attitudes, builds awareness and encourages positive behaviour change. Through delivering sessions over an academic term, the session will highlight how sport can be used to open up difficult conversations, foster reflection and support the development of more inclusive mindsets. Attendees will gain insight into approaches such as these and consider how they can equally be applied within their own programmes and communities.

Turning Ambition into Action: Co-Creating the SSS Equality Strategy
Waiyin Hatton, Chair of SSS Equality Action Group & Jordan Dawson, SSS Head of Development

This interactive session will bring members together to help shape the future direction and delivery of SSS’ Equality Strategy. Building on existing progress and recognising the challenges still ahead, the session will focus on how collective action, shared responsibility and meaningful engagement can drive long-term change. Designed as an active and participatory session, this workshop will provide members with the opportunity to contribute directly to the development of future strategy and help shape a shared vision for equality, inclusion and belonging.

This fireside-style panel session will bring together senior leaders from across SGBs for an open and reflective conversation on the role of student sport. Hosted by our very own Chris Purdie, the discussion will explore the opportunities, challenges and priorities shaping the sector, alongside the role student sport plays within Scotland’s wider sporting landscape.

June 11th – Member Collaboration In Action

Information regarding the venue and parking will be circulated to all attendees prior to the event.

Professor Susan Brown, Head of Sport Engagement, Edinburgh Napier University

In our opening to Day 2, Professor Susan Brown will explore her role as University Head of Sport Engagement and what this means for Edinburgh Napier University. As the University’s first post-holder in this area, her role brings together sport, research and student experience into a single, strategic vision—positioning sport as a key driver of innovation, inclusion and external impact internally, locally and nationally.

Bringing together student experience, research, partnerships and civic engagement, this role represents a step-change in how sport can contribute to institutional priorities. Susan will reflect on what it means to position sport as a driver of innovation, inclusion and impact—sharing insights into how this approach is shaping culture, strengthening connections, and opening up new opportunities across the university and beyond.

Choose two of the following breakouts to join:

Stay Well and Thrive: Using Insight and Evidence to Drive Change
Alison Cox MBE, Mental Health Lead, Glasgow Clyde College

This session, will share how Glasgow Clyde College has developed a whole-college approach to student wellbeing, using induction, digital engagement and data-informed practice to create a more supportive and connected student experience. Drawing on the College’s “Stay Well and Thrive” initiative, the session will explore how wellbeing has been embedded from enrolment onwards through accessible digital resources, proactive support and institution-wide collaboration. Alison will explore the role that data, insight and evidence can play in demonstrating the value and impact of wellbeing-focused work to senior leaders and decision makers.

 

Putting Funding in Students’ Hands: What Works?
Phoebe Moncur, Club Development Officer, Robert Gordon University & Stew Fowlie, COO, Scottish Student Sport

This session will examine how different approaches to funding student sport can be developed and delivered within institutions. The session will showcase RGU Sport Training and Education Programme (STEP) as a practical example of how targeted investment can support participation, development and wider student outcomes. This will be followed by an overview of the Summer of Sport funding initiative and the journey to delivery, offering a broader sector perspective on how funding can be used to enhance opportunities and drive impact.

 

Student Voice to System Change: Shaping Wednesday Afternoons
Eilidh Stuart, VP GSBS, GCUSA & Anna Bole, Student Intern, SSS

This session will explore how student insight and institutional policy can work together to shape the future of Wednesday afternoons across tertiary education. The first part of the session will showcase a SSS student internship project examining student perceptions, experiences and expectations of Wednesday afternoons, providing valuable insight into students experiences. Building on this, the session will then explore a policy-focused approach to creating change in this space from GCU, considering how institutions can respond to evolving student needs while balancing sport, wellbeing, academic commitments and wider engagement opportunities. Together, the session will offer both an evidence-informed student perspective and a strategic discussion on how Wednesday afternoons can be reimagined to better support participation, belonging and student life

A chance to meet our partners including Technogym, Canterbury, BE Uniforms and Ops Pal.

Our 'unconference' format puts you in the driving seat. Just like in sport, this is where tactics are tested, challenges are faced head-on, and team-mates come together to find solutions in real time.

Rather than a fixed agenda, this session is shaped by you — our members. You’ll bring the topics, set the priorities, and lead the conversations that matter most across the student sport landscape. Come ready to play your part — bring a challenge, an idea, or simply your experience. The strength of this session comes from the collective knowledge in the room. The more you put in, the more you, and the sector, will get out.

A final chance to network!

Sam Gough, England Captain

In this closing keynote, Sam Gough will share her journey through sport, education and leadership as captain of England’s first ever blind women’s football squad. Drawing on her lived experience as a visually impaired athlete, Sam will reflect on the barriers she encountered in accessing sport, the transformative impact of inclusive opportunities, and the growing visibility of blind women’s football on the international stage.

From navigating exclusion within school sport to representing England and advocating for the future of the women’s game, Sam’s story highlights the power of sport to build confidence, identity and belonging. Her keynote will explore themes of resilience, representation and systemic change, challenging institutions and organisations to think differently about inclusion and access in sport.

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Awards

The prestigious Scottish Student Sport Awards Dinner will take place on the evening of Wednesday 10th June where we’ll celebrate the students, staff, and volunteers that have made the season so successful.

This year we’re delighted to be hosting our Awards at the iconic Hotel du Vin in St. Andrews and we hope you will join us.

Tickets include a welcome drink, wine, and a three course dinner and can be purchased either separately, or in our discounted Conference package.

View this year’s shortlists here!

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Saturday 16th May 2026

SSS Placement Student Anna has been researching the realities faced by students trying to combine academics and Wednesday afternoon sport.

Through research conducted by recent placement student Anna Bole, SSS has been exploring the realities students face when trying to balance academic commitments with participation in university sport with a particular focus on Wednesday afternoons.

The study combined survey responses from student sports club members alongside insight from University sabbatical officers across Scotland. While exploratory in nature, the findings highlighted consistent challenges around academic flexibility and participation in student sport.

The research found that:

  • 84% of students reported missing academic commitments in order to participate in fixtures
  • 50% had chosen not to play fixtures because of academic pressures
  • 64% believed more could be done to support students balancing sport and study
  • 25% experienced weekly clashes between academic and sporting commitments

The findings also highlighted the inconsistent nature of support across institutions. In many cases, flexibility for sporting commitments depended on informal conversations with individual academic staff rather than a clear or consistent institutional approach.

Students described the pressure of balancing competing priorities, with many highlighting the impact this had on their enjoyment of sport and wider student experience

Whilst this research focused on universities, informal conversations across our colleges suggests similar barriers to competition, participation and a complex balancing act for students.

For many students, Wednesday afternoons are about far more than competition. They provide opportunities to build friendships, strengthen belonging, develop leadership skills and engage more fully in university life.

The research also raises wider questions beyond sport, including how institutions support participation in volunteering, societies and the broader student experience.

As conversations continue across the sector, the work highlights the importance of creating environments where students do not have to choose between their studies and the opportunities that help them thrive personally, socially and academically.

As this work moves into its next phase, expanding the research across the wider membership will help build a clearer understanding of student experiences across the sector. Through continued collaboration with institutions, students and partners, SSS hopes to support meaningful conversations around academic flexibility, participation and the role sport plays in creating positive and connected student experiences.

A huge thank you must also go to Anna, for her work in leading and shaping this research. Through her thoughtful approach, engagement and commitment to bringing her own experiences to the wider sector, Anna has played a significant role in helping bring these important conversations to the forefront of the sector.

Want to hear more? Anna will be part of our Conference 2026 line-up!

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Friday 15th May 2026

Find out how you can be part of the first SSS Research Advisory Group, helping shape the future of student-led sport research in Scotland.

Update – 27/05/26: we have been overwhelmed by the number of responses we have received! Notes of interest are now closed for this group.

Do you want to help shape the future of student-led sport research in Scotland?

Scottish Student Sport is establishing a new Research Advisory Group to support us in connecting student research more directly with the needs of the sport sector.

Each year, students at all levels across Scotland produce high-quality research on a broad range of topics from participation to inclusion, from psychology to coaching.

Too often, student research and sector insight exist in parallel. This initiative aims to bring them together—creating a shared space where academic expertise and practitioner experience directly inform one another, shaping research that is both rigorous, relevant and student delivered.

We are looking for a small group of academics and practitioners who are motivated to work at this intersection to form part of our first advisory group.

As part of the groups initiation, it will aim:

  • Co-develop and refine the overall approach, vision and aims of the programme
  • Identify and agree priority areas aligned to both academic and sector interests
  • Shape the principles for governance, ethics and student experience
  • Inform how partnerships between institutions and the sport sector operate
  • Contribute to the design of a model that is both sustainable and scalable

We are particularly keen to hear from:

  • Academics involved in student research or dissertation supervision
  • Practitioners working in sport perf development, participation, inclusion, or policy

If you are interested in being part of this work, please get in touch with our Head of Development, Jordan Dawson.

 

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Tuesday 28th April 2026

Over 100 staff and students came together in Edinburgh for the second annual ESOL (English as a Second Language) Football College Cup.

Over 100 staff and students came together in Edinburgh last week for the second annual ESOL (English as a Second Language) Football College Cup.

Hosted by a group of Active Campus Coordinators, the event provided opportunities for eight ESOL departments to come together, engaging students outside of the classroom.

Historically underrepresented in organised sport, events like this provide a key avenue to engage with minority groups in Scotland’s colleges with a love of football bringing students together.

This tournament provided a useful warm-up for many of these players who will be participating at our College National Finals, held at Oriam on Wednesday 29th April.

On the day Dundee & Angus College took the win in their first tournament appearance, beating UHI Perth in the Final. Emad Abdulrahman (West College Scotland) was named Player of the Tournament while Shazyar Rasouli (Forth Valley College) and Mustafa Ibrahim Abdullah (Edinburgh College) picked up Goal and Goalie of the Tournament respectively.

More importantly, this tournament provides an opportunity for ESOL students to connect and engage when many are still settling into the country. Across the tournament there were stories of individuals who had travelled to Scotland together and were finally meeting again having been separated on arrival.

The talent on show was evident. Participating players included students who competed for Team Scotland in the Homeless World Cup while there was a real emphasis on participation across the college teams.

Our thanks to the Project Group of Grant Sutherland (Glasgow Kelvin College), Natalie Dott (Glasgow Clyde College), Savannah Antoine (West College Scotland) and Xsara Murray (Edinburgh College) for their time dedicated to growing the ESOL football programme. Its growth in the last 12 months is clearly evident with the amount of sport on show.

The Active Campus Coordinators involved hope this event will continue to grow with more colleges joining in coming years, alongside regional projects to provide further support such as that seen in Glasgow. What’s for sure is that there is plenty more to come!

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Thursday 9th April 2026

Scottish Student Rugby will face Newcastle Red Bulls Students later this month in their first fixture since 2019. Read more here.

Scottish Student Rugby returns with a first Men’s National Squad fixture since 2019 later this month, against Newcastle Red Bulls Students.

Bringing together some of the best student players in Scotland, the programme provides an opportunity for players to be challenged and develop whilst experience a high-performance environment.

The fixture, taking place on Wednesday 29th April at Kingston Park, kicks off at 18:30 with tickets available for just £5 (free for u18s) here.

The return of a National Squad programme has been led by volunteers from across the student game in Scotland who have been keen to provide an opportunity that complements the existing performance pathway, giving players sitting just outside traditional systems a chance to be seen, gain exposure and push themselves.

With this year’s fixture acting as a pilot, it is hoped that an expanded programme can be introduced in the future, including the reintroduction of a Women’s National Squad. Programmes like this are reliant on committed volunteers and any individuals who would like to support a possible squad in the fixture are encouraged to contact SSS Rugby Lead Ruairidh Campbell.

The squad to travel to Newcastle will be led by University of St. Andrews Director of Rugby David Morris, who said:

“I am incredibly passionate about University and College rugby and the student athlete experience. The return of the Scottish Student Rugby programme is very important in showcasing the talent within our system. It is a representative programme and it matters that everyone involved reflects their journey and community with pride.”

David Morris has a wealth of experience in student rugby having previously been Director of Rugby at Loughborough University, coaching the side to a BUCS Championship, victory over England U20s, and progression into National League 1.

He will be supported by Bob McKillop (University of Stirling) and Dave Hampton (Heriot-Watt University) who each bring strong knowledge of the Scottish pathway and player development environments.

Bob McKillop, who coached the Scotland Club XV alongside head coach roles at the University of Stirling and Heriot’s this season, commented:

“There’s a huge amount of potential in the student game. Bringing this programme back gives players a chance to connect into something and push themselves in a different environment.”

Dave Hampton added:

“The student game is full of talent and ambition. This programme is a great way to give players a real insight into high-performance rugby and help them prepare for the next step in their development.”

Coordinating the programme’s revival is Lewis Skinner (University of Glasgow), who highlighted the volunteer effort behind it:

“I’m hopeful this programme can grow into something that complements the performance pathway and gives players a real opportunity to develop. Every single person involved is volunteering their time because they believe in the student game, and I want to thank everyone who has helped make this happen. We are also grateful to Newcastle Red Bulls for their support with this fixture.”

There is strong evidence that the student game can produce great players with over 200 athletes progressing from BUCS leagues into professional pathways in the last decade. This programme intends to provide a structured step for the next generation, providing opportunities for players, coaches and support staff to gain experience in a high-performance environment.

Over 70 players were nominated by coaches and captains from across Scotland’s universities and colleges. A trial squad will convene for the first time next week before a final squad is announced in the build-up to the game.

Their opposition, Newcastle Red Bulls Students, will be made up of players from the Universities of Durham, Newcastle and Northumbria. As some of the top rugby-performing universities in England, the team will provide quality opposition for our side.

The squad will be one of a number to play under the Scottish Student Sport (SSS) name this season. Ruairidh Campbell, SSS Rugby Lead said:

“It’s exciting to see our Rugby National Squad take shape. This year we will have National Squad activity across six sports and the return of rugby to the fold is a welcome addition.

We are indebted to our volunteers who have spearheaded this initiative, and our members for supporting the activity. We hope a successful pilot this month will pave the way for a sustainable programme moving forward, providing opportunities for students in Scotland.”

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Tuesday 31st March 2026

One of the oldest – and certainly the biggest – trophy in the SSS collection, the Queen’s Park Shield has been in for some conservation work.

For over 100 years the Queen’s Park Shield has been the jewel in the crown of student sport trophies in Scotland.

Initially contested between the four ‘Ancients’ (the Universities of Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow and St. Andrews) whose crests each feature on the shield, in recent years the competition has been dominated by other institutions. Wednesday’s meeting between Heriot-Watt University and the University of Stirling will be the fourth time in five years the two sides have met in the final.

So many years of being lifted and celebrated with by student footballers has clearly taken its toll on the old shield. Recent winners have been encouraged to take care when lifting as to not displace the solid silver figurine who was starting to show some wobble while stain marks were clearly present from years of silvo. So, where do you take a unique shield with over a hundred years of history to return it to its former best?

Step forward Will Murray from the Scottish Conservation Studio.

The objects Will has helped conserve are both historic and eclectic; his back catalogue a sign of the talents he holds. Recently from the world of sport he has been entrusted with a pair of Pele’s boots – complete with mud from 1969 – and an intricate model of Ibrox. Sporting artifacts are far from his only specialty. Also in the studio on the day of our visit was a shipwrecked sculpture from Shetland – admittedly a far more complex project than our wee shield!

Will was entrusted to strip the shield back into its many pieces and identify required repairs, which included:

  • Fixing the footballer by re-threading a new rod and soldering a fresh pin to keep him secure
  • Repair the chipped blue enamel on the University of Edinburgh crest
  • Deep clean the wood to remove years of staining from polishing
  • Carefully examine each silver plate and bring it back to life with some careful polishing
  • Coat the shield with some light wax to offer future protection from tarnish, handling and the environment

As can be seen from the before and after photos the shield has been through quite the transformation! Its conservation, and careful management in the future, should hopefully leave the Queen’s Park Shield in good shape for many years to come.

Its first outing will come on Wednesday 1st April as its two most recent holders, Heriot-Watt University and the University of Stirling, battle it out in the Final at Oriam.

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Thursday 19th March 2026

Scottish Student Sport are delighted to confirm the return of a Rugby National Squad for the first time in over seven years.

Scottish Student Sport are delighted to confirm the return of a Rugby National Squad for the first time in over seven years.

Acting as a pilot season, this year’s squad will play a fixture away to a Newcastle Red Bulls Student Select side on Wednesday 29th April at Kingston Park.

Scottish Student Rugby last played in 2019 with a fixture against Ireland Students. We’re hoping that a successful pilot will pave the way towards further representative fixtures in future years.

It is also an intended aim of the programme to introduce a Women’s squad after this season’s limited pilot.

The squad’s revival has been supported by a number of coaches from Scottish student rugby sides. The side’s coaching and support staff will be announced in due course.

Nominations and Trials

We are now seeking nominations from Scottish institutions for male players who will be available on Saturday 29th April. Criteria for selection is as follows:

  • Enrolled at a SSS member University or College
  • A registered player with Scottish Rugby (SCRUMS number required)
  • If playing in a student side they should be a regular first team player
  • Available to attend a trial

Nomination should be via a club’s coach or captain. If a student is part of an institution that does not have a recognised club side, they may nominate themselves.

Nominate players here.

Please get in contact if you have any questions – email us here.

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Tuesday 10th March 2026

Ready for BUCS Scottish Conference Finals? Check out all the pre-event info you need here as we prepare for St. Andrews.

BUCS Scottish Conference Finals are here! On Wednesday 11th March, over 500 students will descend on the University of St. Andrews seeking glory.

21 finals will take place over the day with 42 teams vying to become either Conference Cup or Conference Trophy Champions in 2026.

Participating in the day? Access the full pre-event info here.

Looking for where to park or find your pitch? Click here for the Venue Map.

We have merch! Our brilliant partners BE Uniforms will be on site (located beside registration) and will be selling our exclusive Scottish Conference Finals 2026 tee shirt.

Stay up to date on the day! Follow us on Instagram for live updates, and for links to our photo albums.

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