Stirling duo recognised at Team Scotland Awards

University of Stirling swimmer and World, Commonwealth and European champion Duncan Scott – and coach Steven Tigg – were celebrating last night after scooping top prizes at the Team Scotland Scottish Sports Awards.

At the Awards event, Scott was named Male Athlete of the Year – a feat he previously achieved in 2017 – before going on to being crowned overall Scottish Sportsperson of the Year. The 21-year old joins an illustrious group to receive the Emirates Lonsdale Trophy, including Sir Chris Hoy, Sir Andy Murray and Dame Katherine Grainger, reinforcing his burgeoning reputation as the country’s top athlete. It capped a year of success which saw Scott become Scotland’s most decorated athlete at a Commonwealth Games, and win a hat-trick of European Championship golds

It was similar repeat success for Scott’s coach, Steven Tigg, whose ongoing contributions to the University’s high performance swimming team saw him take home the Coach of the Year Award, which he also won in 2016. In his role as Head Performance Swimming Coach, Tigg has overseen a medal-laden year, with Stirling swimmers winning 10 medals at the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games in April and a further six at the recent European Championships in Glasgow.

Commenting on the accolades, the University’s Director of Sport, Cathy Gallagher, said: “Duncan and Steve’s awards are just reward for their hard work and achievements over the past year and a positive reflection on the exceptional training environment we provide at the University of Stirling.

“Duncan’s a phenomenal young athlete and he still has a lot to achieve – yet he continues to set the standard at a local, national and international level, whilst Steve has shown time and time again that not only is he a fabulous coach within the Stirling set-up but he is truly world-class and has proven that on a global stage.

“It was a great honour and privilege for the University to celebrate with Duncan and Steve at the event and we look forward to sharing further successes in the future.”