Helensburgh Leisure Centre: Argyll & Bute Scottish Schools swim trials

Taking place for the first time since 2019, when the event was held at the old Helensburgh swimming pool, the recent trials were staged in the town’s new leisure centre.

A total of 116 pupils from across Argyll and Bute took part in the event, with schools sending their top swimmers to compete in a packed schedule of races. Local swimming clubs played an important role in helping Active Schools identify suitable swimmers for the event and identifying which schools they attended.

Action from the finals at the new Helensburgh Leisure Centre

Alex Edmonstone, Active Schools’ sport and community learning manager, said: “LiveArgyll Active Schools would like to thank all our local swimming clubs, schools and volunteers on the day for supporting a highly successful event.

“A special mention must go to Stuart McQuaker, head of PE for Campbeltown Grammar School and a coach with Kintyre ASC, for coordinating all the swimmer entries and logistics of running the event on the day.”

He continued: “Our Active Schools co-ordinators based throughout the authority are working hard, supporting schools and community sports clubs and organisations to provide our young people opportunities to take part in sport and physical activity and lead active and healthy lifestyles.”

Active Schools swimming event Helensburgh Nov 2022

The Argyll and Bute swimming event provides a competitive platform for swimmers and is an opportunity for them to meet the consideration times required for the Scottish Schools national event taking place in January 2023.

The day was made possible by partnership working between liveArgyll Active Schools and leisure facilities staff, local clubs throughout the authority (including Helensburgh Amateur Swimming Club), Argyll and Bute schools and of course, all the volunteers that supported on the day.

The event was attended by Andrew Nisbet (Chair of liveArgyll) and local councillors, Maurice Corry and Ian MacQuire, who were on hand to present the winners with their medals.

Active Schools swimming event Helensburgh Nov 2022

Helensburgh and Lomond’s top performers on the day included the following.

Iona McGarry (Hermitage Academy) – 1st in girls’ 50m breaststroke, 2nd in 50m backstroke and freestyle.

Lance McMahon (Hermitage Academy) – 1st in boys’ 50m butterfly, 2nd in 50m backstroke, breaststroke and freestyle.

Caitriona Stewart (Hermitage Academy) – 1st in girls’ 100m breaststroke and 200m breaststroke.

Daniel Hendry (Lomond School) – 1st in boys’ 100m butterfly, 200m butterfly, 100m freestyle and 200m IM.

Active Schools swimming event Helensburgh Nov 2022

William Peace (Lomond School) – 1st in boys’ 200m IM, 2nd in 100m butterfly.

Alice Cumming (Hermitage Academy) – 1st in girls’ 200m IM, 100m butterfly and 100m breaststroke.

Paul Walter (Lomond School) – 1st in 200m backstroke, 2nd in 100m Freestyle.

Abbey Hennessay (Hermitage Academy) – 1st in girls’ 400m IM and 3rd in 100m freestyle.

Anna Walker (Hermitage Academy) – 3rd in girls’ 50m butterfly.

Active Schools swimming event Helensburgh Nov 2022

Luke Watling-Smith (Hermitage Academy) – 1st in boys’ 100m breaststroke, 2nd in 100m freestyle.

Jack MacDonald (Lomond School) - 1st in boys’ 200m freestyle, 100m backstroke and 100m freestyle.

Archie Balfour (Hermitage Academy) – 3rd in boys’ 100m backstroke.

Joseph Aylward, Lomond School – 2nd in boys’ 100m breaststroke.

Action from the finals at the new Helensburgh Leisure Centre

Information about Helensburgh Amateur Swimming Club and how young people can get involved and attend sessions can be found by contacting HASC.headcoach01@gmail.com or by visiting the club’s website at helensburghasc.co.uk.

For information about how to get involved with sports volunteering in local schools with Active Schools email martin.caldwell@liveargyll.co.uk.