BBC Scotland’s Tom English to host marquee discussion featuring two of rugby’s greatest captains at The George Hotel
Sandy Young/scottishphotographer.com
Watsonian Football Club has announced that former All Black captain and World Cup winner Sean Fitzpatrick and Scottish rugby icon Gavin Hastings will headline ‘The Hoodoo Lunch’ at The George Hotel on Friday, 6th November 2026.
Taking place on the eve of Scotland’s Nations Championship test match against New Zealand, the event brings two of world rugby’s most legendary figures together on stage.
Chaired by BBC Scotland chief sports writer Tom English, the feature discussion will examine rugby’s ultimate rivalry, shared memories of battling the All Blacks, and Scotland’s ongoing quest to break the “Hoodoo”.
Gavin Hastings is the only Scot to captain a winning test match side against the All Blacks, in the second Lions test in 1993, and the afternoon will also feature contributions from Watsonian internationalists who took on New Zealand over the decades.
Watsonian Football Club president John McLellan said: “New Zealand don’t seem to be getting any weaker, but we hope our first Hoodoo lunch will also be the last if Scotland score a historic victory the day after.
“We’re looking forward to hearing from Gavin and Sean about how it might be achieved.”
The lunch is in aid of Maggie’s Centre, in memory of Scott Hastings, the British Heart Foundation and Watsonian Football Club.
Scotland’s basketball team, Caledonia Gladiators, and global sports brand Reebok have launched a new campaign celebrating the transatlantic connection between basketball’s American roots and the rapidly growing game in Scotland.
Building a Basketball Nation marks the official kit launch for the 2026/27 season, bringing together professional players with young people from the local community to explore how a game born in America has found a home in Scotland.
The campaign comes as Boston and Glasgow prepare to become sister cities, strengthening a long-standing connection between the two cities and their shared sporting and cultural heritage.
Shot within Caledonia Gladiators’ home arena and Glasgow Life’s basketball court in Victoria Park, the film sees the next generation of Scottish players take to the court alongside American and Scottish professional players. It celebrates the moments that make basketball more than just a sport – from the sound of a ball hitting concrete to the squeak of trainers on the court, and the voices of friends, families and teammates coming together.
At the heart of the campaign is a simple message: while basketball was built in America, Scotland is building its own basketball nation.
Bringing together players from different backgrounds, ages and stages of their basketball journeys, the film highlights the role of the game in connecting communities and inspiring the next generation.
The partnership also marks the continued relationship between Reebok and Caledonia Gladiators, united by a shared belief in the power of sport, community and culture to bring people together.
Caledonia Gladiators are celebrating their growing fanbase for the 2026/27 season so far, with a sellout game at the men’s first home game on 21st September and a 128% increase in the women’s season opener from 2025/26.
Tony McDaid, CEO of Caledonia Gladiators, said: “Ultimately, we’re focused on building a basketball nation in Scotland.
“Basketball is one of the country’s most-played sports, from schools and community courts to games in gardens across the country.
“We know American professional basketball is something many people watch and enjoy, but we’re bringing that live basketball experience to our communities here in East Kilbride, Glasgow and further afield.
“Our new campaign celebrates the real shift we’ve seen in basketball in Scotland over the last few years. Our fanbase has grown significantly, we’re engaging with more young people than ever before, and we regularly see fans out in the community wearing our Reebok kit. That’s something we’re incredibly proud of.
“It’s fantastic to continue our longstanding partnership with Reebok. Together, we’re helping to grow the game, connect communities and build a basketball nation.”
John Carden, Managing Director of Sports Hub Brands, teamwear partner of Reebok, said: “Basketball has always been about more than what happens on the court. It creates connections, inspires communities and brings people together through a shared love of the game.
“Building a Basketball Nation captures that perfectly, celebrating the sport’s American heritage while recognising the exciting growth of basketball in Scotland.
“We’re proud to continue our partnership with Caledonia Gladiators and support their ambition to grow the game, inspire the next generation and build a basketball culture that can continue to grow for years to come.”
As they strive to build a basketball nation, Caledonia Gladiators work closely with Basketball Scotland to build momentum for the sport across the county.
David Fallon, Chief Executive Officer of Basketball Scotland, said:“The continued growth of basketball in Scotland depends on all parts of the game working together, from our clubs and community programmes through to the professional game.
“We’ve been pleased to work closely with Caledonia Gladiators to help raise the profile of basketball, inspire more young people to pick up a ball and strengthen the connection between grassroots participation and the opportunities people can see at the highest level of the game.
“There is real momentum around basketball in Scotland, and showcasing the sport in our communities and giving young people visible role models can play an important part in turning that interest into lasting participation.”
The 2026/27 Reebok x Caledonia Gladiators kit is now available to purchase within the merchandise shop open on gamedays at Caledonia Gladiators’ home arena at Playsport, as well as online at www.caledoniagladiators.com.
Caledonia Gladiators are Scotland’s professional basketball team, playing at the highest level of basketball within the UK’s Super League Basketball. Tickets start from just £5 for men’s and women’s fixtures. To find out more and book your seat, visit www.caledoniagladiators.com.
To view the full Building a Basketball Nation film, fans can watch via:
Young athletes from across Edinburgh were among the biggest contingent at last weekend’s SprintFastest All-Star Indoor Championships, with 25 athletes representing the City of Edinburgh Council area.
The Edinburgh contingent, drawn mainly from Edinburgh AC and Harmeny AC, included rising sprint talents Aoiffion McVittie-Brangan and Reeva Grant, who joined more than 180 young athletes from across Scotland at the Glasgow International Arena.
Funded through a £20 million Scottish Government investment and supported by sportscotland as part of the national Summer of Sport 2026 initiative, the event followed the inaugural SprintFastest, which was held at Grangemouth Stadium in March.
Thanks to summer of sport funding, the indoor championships were bigger and better attracting more than 180 young athletes from across the country.
SprintFastest is recognised for its commitment to accessibility, inclusivity, and strengthening pathways into athletics for young people across the country and to provide a platform for Scotland’s rising sprint stars.
Founder of SprintFastest, Dr Enoch Adeyemi, set out to create an accessible youth athletics event to bring families and young people together. He said: “At SprintFastest, we believe every young person deserves the chance to shine.
“This event is about much more than racing. It’s about creating opportunities, building confidence and showing young people what they can achieve when they are given the right platform.
“Thanks to sportscotland’s Summer of Sport funding, we’ve been able to bring together some of Scotland’s most talented young athletes while making the experience accessible, welcoming and inspiring for families from across the country.”
The talented field included boys and girls across five age categories, drawn from 24 local authority areas of Scotland.
Minister for Community Care Alison Thewliss MSP and sportscotland Chair Maureen Campbell attended the event to see first-hand how the young people were benefiting from Summer of Sport investment.
Ms Thewliss MSP, Minister for Community Care said: “The Summer of Sport programme has been a fantastic way to help more children and young people across Scotland discover the joy of being active, while removing some of the barriers that can prevent them from taking part.
“SprintFastest is a brilliant example of this in action, bringing young people together through an exciting and accessible athletics experience. It’s exactly the kind of opportunity we want to see more of, giving young people the chance to try something new, build confidence and hopefully discover a sport they can enjoy for years to come.”
Game On: Creating opportunities for children and young people across Scotland
Since launching in May 2026, the Summer of sport programme has supported local authorities, schools, clubs and sporting bodies to create free and low-cost opportunities for children and young people aged between three to 26 to take part in sport and physical activity.
The campaign, backed by Scottish government investment, as part of a £20 million fund has been administered by sportscotland and was inspired by the landmark summer of international sport, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup and Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.
A wide range of sporting organisations received funding through a competitive application process to sportscotland, including football, cycling, cricket, golf, padel, archery and judo.
Maureen Campbell, Chair of sportscotland, added: “The Summer of Sport programme has shown what can be achieved when we work together to make sport and physical activity more accessible, inclusive and enjoyable for young people across Scotland.
“The response so far has been hugely encouraging, with young people telling us that the programme has helped them become more active and inspired them to do more sport. SprintFastest is a great example of that ambition in action, creating an exciting opportunity for young people to experience athletics, have fun and be inspired by what they can achieve. We’re proud to be supporting opportunities like this as Summer of Sport events continue into the new year.”
Inspiring a new generation to get active and try sport
Interim survey data conducted by sportscotland shows the Summer of Sport is already making a lasting impact, with 75% of children and young people surveyed saying they had become more active as a result of taking part, while 79% said it had made them want to do more sport.
One in four (25%) had already taken up a new sport and one in five (20%) had joined a new club, highlighting the programme’s ability to turn new experiences into continued participation.
The programme is also helping break down barriers to participation, with 28% of young people trying their chosen activity for the first time. Low-cost and local opportunities have been key, with 73% of parents and carers saying being local or easy to reach helped their child participate, while 63% highlighted free access. The experiences have been rated highly, with children and young people giving activities an average score of 4.7 out of 5.
Activities will take place beyond the summer, supporting increased opportunities and participation.
Queen Margaret University’s growing reputation for Gaelic football is helping create a strong sense of community for students from across the UK and Ireland, with the University’s successful teams offering a welcoming home away from home alongside opportunities to compete at a high level.
The 2025/26 academic year has been another successful season for QMU Ladies Football Club, with the club growing to more than 70 members and securing its fifth consecutive Scottish Championship League title.
The team also celebrated winning the British Championship Shield in Birmingham in 2025, competing against university teams from across the UK.
The men’s Gaelic football team has also enjoyed significant success in recent years, winning the Scottish University Championship in both 2023/24 and 2024/25 and finishing both seasons as unbeaten champions.
Following some time away from competition, the team’s re-establishment has been supported by the large Irish community studying at QMU, while also providing an opportunity for students from Scotland and elsewhere to get involved in the sport and Irish culture.
The success of QMU’s Gaelic football clubs is also helping attract prospective students, particularly those from Ireland who are looking to continue playing the sport while studying in Scotland.
For some students, the opportunity to join a successful Gaelic football club is an important factor when choosing where to study.
Nicki Carr, an MSc Speech and Language Therapy student from Dublin, said: “The QMU Gaelic Football team has been a big part of my first year at QMU and has really helped me settle into university life.
“Moving to a new country and starting a busy postgraduate course was a big change, so being part of the club gave me a great way to meet people, make friends and feel more settled.
“I really enjoyed being able to continue playing a sport I love without there being too much pressure around performance. The team was a good balance of football and socialising, and I got to meet people from different courses and years that I probably wouldn’t have met otherwise.
“Having a thriving Ladies Gaelic Football Club team was actually one of the things that attracted me to QMU when I was applying, as I knew it would be a good way to meet people and get involved in university life. Looking back, joining the team has been one of the best parts of my first year and has given me so many good memories and friendships that I’m really grateful for.”
Although Gaelic games are deeply rooted in Irish culture, QMU’s clubs welcome students from all backgrounds and experience levels. Whether students have played Gaelic football or camogie (an Irish stick-and-ball team sport played by women) for years, are new to the sport, or simply want to try something different, everyone is encouraged to get involved.
The men’s team has seen first-hand how quickly new players can take to Gaelic football, with students with little or no previous experience able to develop their skills alongside more experienced players. For the 2025/26 squad, creating a “home away from home” has been an important part of the club alongside building on its recent success on the pitch.
Ciara Brady, Social Secretary for QMU Ladies Gaelic Football Club, said: “The inclusive culture created within the clubs means that members quickly become part of a close-knit community, with friendships formed through training sessions, matches, travel and social events throughout the year.
“The success on the pitch reflects the commitment and dedication of players, coaches and committee members, but the clubs’ impact extends far beyond trophies. They provide opportunities for students to grow in confidence, meet new people and create memories that last well beyond graduation.”
The club’s achievements have also been recognised through the QMU Students’ Union Excellence in Sport Award, with the Ladies Gaelic Football Club receiving the award for two consecutive years.
Joe Agnew, QMU’s Student Union President of Activities, said: “Sport plays an important role in the student experience at Queen Margaret University, and our Gaelic football clubs are a fantastic example of how extracurricular activities can help students build connections.
“The achievements of our women’s team, alongside the continued success and growth of our men’s team, demonstrate the strength and enthusiasm for Gaelic games at QMU. The clubs give students the chance to compete at a high level while developing skills and connections that can last throughout their time at university and beyond.”
With both clubs continuing to grow, QMU’s Gaelic football teams are combining sporting success with opportunities for students to try something new, develop their skills and become part of university life.
THE Civil Service Strollers who play in the Lowland League East, the 5th tier of football in Scotland, are playing Formartine United from the Highland League in the 1st round of the Scottish Gas Scottish Cup this Saturday.
We are hoping for a good crowd at Christie Gillies Park at Marine Drive to cheer us on to a win and hopefully play one of the top SPFL teams in the next round.
Kick Off is 3.00pm Admission is £15 and Concessions are £8. Tickets can also be purchased on the Fanbase App
For more information about The Strollers see our website:
Saturday, 3 October 2026will see all twelve Utilita Energy Hubs across the UK come together to host National Football Rebooted Day 2026 – a nationwide community event designed to collect pre-loved football boots and make the beautiful game more accessible for families and young people.
Hosted simultaneously at Utilita Energy Hubs in Leith (Edinburgh), Hartlepool, Huddersfield, Blackburn, Sheffield, Derby, Leicester, West Bromwich, Luton, Shirley (Southampton), Gosport, and Newport (Isle of Wight), the event will encourage members of the public to donate unwanted football boots that can be refurbished and rehomed through the Football Rebooted initiative.
Club mascots will be on hand at each high street Hub to welcome fans and pose for selfies, while Football Rebooted Ambassador David James MBE will lead the national celebrations from Derby. Meanwhile, Southampton FC legend Francis Benali will visit the Shirley Hub in Southampton, and former Middlesbrough FC players David Wheater and Craig Hignett, alongside current women’s player Megan Borthwick, will make a special appearance at the Hartlepool Hub.
Visitors to the Leith Energy Hub in Edinburgh will be welcomed by a Hibs Club Mascot and invited to donate football boots via a dedicated Football Rebooted collection point. In return, donors will have the opportunity to enter prize draws featuring a range of rewards, including Hibernian FC football tickets, signed merchandise, an energy-efficient Air Fryer, and other spot prizes.
The day will also feature a range of interactive football-themed activities and competitions, including games such as ‘Guess the Footballer’ and the ‘Lace Race’, giving participants of all ages even more opportunities to win prizes while supporting a worthwhile cause.
Natasha Baillie, Leith’s Utilita Energy Hub Supervisor, said: “Everyone deserves the chance to enjoy the benefits of sport, no matter their background or financial situation. Football Rebooted Day is a fantastic opportunity for people across the UK to support their communities through a simple act of generosity.
“By donating a pair of football boots, supporters can help keep young players active in the game they love, while giving quality equipment a second life instead of sending it to landfill.”
Since its launch, Football Rebooted has helped thousands of pairs of football boots find a new home, reducing waste and helping remove one of the financial barriers that can prevent children and young people from participating in sport.
Members of the public are encouraged to bring along football boots in good, reusable condition and help kick-start a new journey for boots that might otherwise remain unused at home. All donated boots will be re-distributed to local football club foundations.
Event Details
The National Football Rebooted Day forms part of Utilita’s ongoing commitment to supporting communities through its nationwide network of Energy Hubs, which provide free advice, guidance and practical support to thousands of people every year.
Greig Laidlaw, Magnus Bradbury and Jamie Dobie bring top-level experience directly to pupils at Edinburgh school
An elite coaching team featuring some of the biggest names in Scottish rugby has come together at Merchiston Castle School as the new term gets underway.
Former Scotland captain Greig Laidlaw is among the high-profile names now working directly with pupils at the Edinburgh school, alongside Scotland internationals Magnus Bradbury and Jamie Dobie.
Led by new Director of Rugby and High Performance Jack Moran, the coaching team brings current and former international experience directly into the school’s rugby programme, building on Merchiston’s long-standing reputation as Scotland’s leading producer of professional rugby players.
For Bradbury and Dobie, the new role brings their rugby journeys full circle. Both developed their game at Merchiston before progressing into professional rugby and representing Scotland, and are now sharing that experience with the next generation coming through the school.
Nick De Luca, Director of Sport and Activities at Merchiston and former Scotland international, said: “Every new term brings new talent through our doors, from boys beginning their rugby journey at eight to those preparing to take their next step beyond school.
“We have a proud track record of developing players who go on to the professional game, including the likes of Magnus and Jamie, and more recently being involved in Jake Dalziel’s journey as he made the move to Newcastle Red Bulls’ senior academy this year.
“But success isn’t only about producing professional players. It’s not simply about spotting talent; it’s about developing all the talent a player has and helping them reach their potential.
“It’s about developing resilience, discipline and ambition in every boy. Having coaches who know first-hand what it takes to reach the highest level – to handle pressure, overcome setbacks and thrive is incredibly powerful. Not just for sport, but for life.”
Greig Laidlaw, former Scotland rugby captain, commented: “It’s great to get started at Merchiston and I’m really looking forward to helping the boys develop in all areas of the game over the coming season and beyond.
“I won’t shy away from working hard on the basic skills needed to excel, while also helping them develop as leaders.”
Jamie Dobie, Scotland international and former Merchiston pupil, said:“I’m delighted to be back helping the next generation of Merchiston players get the most out of their rugby.
“It doesn’t feel that long ago that I was on these pitches with the same hopes and dreams as many of the current boys, so working with them feels like a real full circle moment.”
Magnus Bradbury, Scotland international and former Merchiston pupil, added:“The school gave me a lot during my time here, and it feels good to be able to give something back.
“I’m hoping to share the knowledge and skills I’ve gained throughout my career and make a difference to the boys and their rugby journey.”
To learn more about Merchiston Castle School, please visit:
Bringing together 70 sports disciplines under one umbrella, Edinburgh Wildcats showcases the sporting prowess from Scotland’s number one sporting university
The University of Edinburgh Sport has unveiled the Edinburgh Wildcats – bringing together all 70 sporting disciplines, from rugby to archery and weightlifting, to showcase the incredible sports prowess of the university.
In a move that will see the university become the first in the UK to adopt the American collegiate sporting model, Edinburgh Wildcats is the country’s biggest multi-sports club and creates a movement that will encourage the community of Edinburgh to get behind the university’s talented athletes.
Bringing together more than 10,000 students across 200 teams, Edinburgh Wildcats has been created to reflect the community built at the University of Edinburgh Sport, which has supported both alumni and current students to compete across a range of competitions, including the most recent Glasgow Commonwealth Games, Paris Olympics and Paralympics.
Scotland’s most decorated athlete, double Olympian Eilidh Doyle, is leading the charge for Edinburgh Wildcats. An alumna of the University and Global Ambassador for Sport, she said:“The facilities and support that young and emerging athletes receive from the university is second to none.
“Through Edinburgh Wildcats this feeling and belief in the achievements that can be created through hard work, dedication and perseverance has been captured.
“It brings all of the athletes together, allowing them to share in one passion and one journey for greatness, while also allowing the local community to get behind them and show their support.”
Mark Munro, University of Edinburgh Director of Sport and Active Health, said:“At the University of Edinburgh Sport we have been able to support a phenomenal number of athletes to perform on a global stage across so many disciplines.
“Through Edinburgh Wildcats our aim is to bring these athletes together and create a space in which to champion the incredible talent that lies within current students and alumni who have come through our doors.
“The facilities here at the university are second to none, something that can be seen from the volume of international teams choosing to train here while visiting Scotland, and this, paired with the fantastic support of our staff, comes together to create an environment that pushes athletes to greatness.
“Our hope is that through Edinburgh Wildcats we’ll be able to welcome even more students and spectators to discover the sporting expertise we are known for.”
Friday 18 September will see the first official rollout of the Edinburgh Wildcats, during the men’s rugby varsity match at Hive Stadium, Murrayfield where The University of Edinburgh will take on St Andrews University in the World’s oldest Varsity match.
Residents across the capital will also see the new team name put in the spotlight over the coming week, with billboards and digital adverts going live throughout the city.
Featuring world-class training facilities, The University of Edinburgh Sport is renowned as the number one sports University in Scotland and one of the best in Europe. For over 150 years, the university has assisted some of the most decorated athletes and sporting communities in the world – from Olympians to pioneering researchers – creating a lasting legacy that sees its impact reach across the world.
Notable alumni include Multiple Olympic champion cyclist Sir Chris Hoy; Britain’s most decorated female Olympian, Baroness Katherine Grainger; Scottish Rugby Head Coach,Gregor Townsend; and Commonwealth Games swimmer Archie Goodburn.
For more information on University of Edinburgh Sport, visit:
With November being men’s mental health awareness month we wanted to make a powerful statement in addressing it and what better way.
Frank Bruno MBE is a former WBC world heavyweight champion who has faced many challenges in boxing and with mental health and we are delighted he is going to share some of these stories with us on the night.
The evening will consist with doors opening at 6 with some welcoming refreshments (non alcoholic), a photo with Frank and then listening to Franks journey. With the evening coming to an end around 8.15.
Tickets are on sale now for all BLAST members or affiliations.
On general sale from September 18th.
Please note, tickets are limited to only 100. This is a very small and intimate event.
Please contact the FB page with any enquiries or to secure your space.
A consortium led by Spartans main shareholder Scott Davidson have been given EFL/IFR approval to purchase Shrewsbury Town FC.
The deal has yet to be finalised and is yet to receive SFA approval. The proposed new Board of Shrewsbury Town FC will be chaired by Scott and will also include fellow Spartans directors Will Dotson and Craig Graham, subject to IFR clearance which is expected this week, as well as Brad Friedel the US International and ex Premier League goal-keeper.
There will be an informal relationship between Spartans FC and Shrewsbury Town FC which will allow both of us to benefit from sharing knowledge and experience.
We also both have excellent Community Foundations, this deal will provide valuable opportunities for collaboration and mutual learning.
Further information will be shared as the acquisition process proceeds.
