Madras College has received two rowing machines from St Andrews Boat Club as part of a new scheme aimed at getting more people into the sport.
The machines were from a set of eight that had been purchased by the club after receiving a grant from Sport Scotland – the national agency for sport,
Plans are now in place to run regular sessions for pupils at Madras to encourage them to get involved with the watersport, both indoors and outdoors at Lochore Meadows.
The classes, which will be run by members of the boat club and Iain Rice, St Andrews university’s director of rowing, will also be open to the wider community.
Students at the university can currently get coaching qualifications through the university, and it’s hoped that they’ll be able to put their skills to the test as part of the new programme.
Iain Rice said he hoped that the new scheme would get more people out on the water, and would provide a boost to the sport in Fife.
He said: “All our student volunteer coaches have gained Scottish Community Rowing Coach Qualifications through Scottish Rowing and this programme is aimed at beginners as part of a learn to row scheme.
“The plan is to progress the programme so pupils can learn the basics indoors on erg machines, before taking their new skills out on the water at Loch Ore where the University Boat Club is now based.”
The club bought the machines following a succesful Awards for All bid.
The Fife Indoor Rowing Programme is being supported by Active Fife as part of the wider Active Schools Network supported by Sport Scotland.