University of Stirling welcomes UK Government minister, as preparations begin for Commonwealths

The University of Stirling today welcomed UK Government minister Kirsty McNeill MP to campus, where she met athletes and coaches as preparations get under way for next year’s Commonwealth Games.

Ms McNeill, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Scotland and MP for Midlothian, had the opportunity to observe the University’s high-performance swimmers in training, before meeting with Olympians Duncan Scott and Katie Shanahan, and Head Performance Swim Coach, Ben Higson.

Duncan – Scotland’s most decorated Olympic and Commonwealth Games athlete – has recently returned to training after winning gold for Great Britain, alongside Stirling teammate Jack McMillan, in the Men’s 4x200m Freestyle Relay at the World Aquatics Championships last month. He is now fully focused on the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, as he seeks to defend his 200m Individual Medley and 200m Freestyle titles.

Looking ahead to next year’s Games, Duncan, who won silver at Glasgow 2014, said: “Many athletes don't have the opportunity to compete in a home Commonwealth Games once during their careers – so, I feel incredibly fortunate to have the chance to do it for a second time.

“The Games are a sporting institution, and for them to be taking place here in Scotland once again is incredible – not only for the athletes, but for sports fans across the country too. Huge credit has to go to all those involved in making this happen and ensuring that the Games go ahead.

“There was such a super atmosphere in Glasgow in 2014 – and I’m looking forward to competing in front of a home crowd again, and hopefully win some medals!”

Visit: David Bond and Cathy Gallagher, showcase the National Swimming Academy to Kirsty McNeill MP, right.

Katie, who won two bronze medals at the 2022 Games in Birmingham, said: “I am absolutely delighted that the Commonwealth Games are going ahead next year. The Games were in the balance for quite some time, and the fact they are now taking place here in Scotland is fantastic news – and testament to the hard work that's gone on behind the scenes.

“We've just returned to training following the summer and the Games are the main focus of this season – there's a real excitement amongst the squad here at Stirling about what we can achieve in front of a home crowd. To be able to compete at a home Games in front of family and friends will be a dream come true and a career milestone for me – I can't wait!”

In 2022, the University of Stirling – Scotland’s University for Sporting Excellence – sent a record number of athletes to the Games, with 20 travelling to Birmingham to compete. The group spanned five nations and four sports – swimming, triathlon, judo and hockey – and they returned with a total of 16 medals, all won in the pool.

During her visit to campus, Ms McNeill visited the National Swimming Academy, the high-performance fitness facilities and the National Tennis Centre.

Meeting with Cathy Gallagher, Executive Director of Sport, and David Bond, Director of Performance Sport, the Minister heard about the University’s leadership in sports, health and wellbeing, and the continued success of its high-performance athletes.

UK Government Scotland Office Minister Kirsty McNeill said: “With less than a year to go to the Commonwealth Games it was very exciting to see how Scotland's top swimmers are preparing at the University of Stirling's world class facilities. The UK Government was proud to help secure this sporting spectacle for Glasgow in 2026. It will be another opportunity for our incredible athletes, Glasgow and Scotland to demonstrate our ability to compete and put on top global events.”

Showcase

Cathy Gallagher, Executive Director for Sport, said: “We were delighted to host Kirsty McNeill MP on campus today, and to have the opportunity to showcase all the hard work going on behind the scenes here at the University of Stirling as we begin our preparations for next year’s Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

“As Scotland’s University for Sporting Excellence, we cannot wait for the Games, to welcome athletes from around the world, and to see our own athletes compete on the international stage.”

University of Stirling Sport

At Stirling, athletes have access to world-class facilities, including a 50-metre pool, unrivalled outdoor space, and state-of-the-art strength and conditioning suites. In addition to its coaching and facilities, Stirling’s International Sports Scholarship Programme – one of the largest high-performance programmes in the UK – offers athletes funding support, academic flexibility, equipment and kit. It has supported hundreds of athletes since its inception in 1981 – with many competing on the world stage, including at the Olympics and Commonwealth Games.

Core sports include swimming, golf, tennis, triathlon, football and curling, while individual scholarships cover all Olympic, Paralympic and Commonwealth Games sports.

Read more about sports scholarships at the University of Stirling.