Blind brothers are making a splash as they seek to emulate their sister

James and Stephen Clegg are the only two Scots in the British Disability Squad for the best emerging talent, and regularly win medals competing against disabled and able-bodied swimmers. Both have recently broken British records in their age groups for visually-impaired swimmers.

The boys' sister Libby won a silver medal in the 2008 Paralympics in Beijing for the 100 metres sprint – and won third place in the BBC Young Sports Personality of the year.

James, 16, and Stephen 14, are already training hard to be future Paralympic heroes – and selection for the squad is a big step along the way.

James stands a chance of going to the 2012 games in London, but both brothers are aiming more realistically for the 2016 games.

The brothers – and Libby, now 20 – all have Stargardt's Disease, a deteriorating genetic eye condition which affects the central vision. But, none of them has allowed the condition to dent their sporting ambition.

"James is already on the British Swimming World Class Talent Programme," said Paul Wilson, Disability Performance Development Manager, based at the University of Stirling. "Both boys were recently at the British Championships in Sheffield where James won four gold medals and three silvers, and Stephen won two bronze medals.

"They are both impressive and determined swimmers. If they carry on with their training, they could both be looking at future Paralympics."

James is doing so well that he has also been chosen as an Ambassador for the UK School Games. "As well as being a great swimmer, James is a great all-rounder," said Mr Wilson. "He has a great personality and is just really sociable."

The boys' mother Moira, who lives in Langholm, Dumfries and Galloway, is up at 4am every Monday to get James to training.

She said the Royal Blind School has been amazing in its support of both boys, and Libby, who left the school last year and is now a full-time athlete who is also training in sports massage.

She added: "The Royal Blind School has given all my children an abundance of confidence. During the week, the school takes care of getting the boys to their training sessions and let them have extra training in their own pool.

"Many people think the Paralympics is second best to the Olympics – but competitors have to train hard and have to be of a world-class standard, not just be blind or have a disability.

"Both boys went to mainstream primary school, but a blind child will never be picked for any national award. They can do that at the blind school. In mainstream, they will always be different, but they aren't at the blind school, which has the proper resources to help them learn.

"The blind school not only educates them, but it prepares children for independent living by teaching skills such as washing and ironing. It also fully supports each child and encourages them to pursue their goals. The school organises taxi runs for the boys' swimming sessions and gives extra time in its own pool."

Mr Wilson also praised the Royal Blind School's support of the boys and their sister before she left last year. He said: "The school always tries to support where it can. Carrie Mannion, the deputy head, has provided extra sessions in the school's pool and is always looking to find both swimmers more pool time."

Mrs Mannion said: "Blind school swimmers compete regularly at galas for swimmers with disabilities and come away with stacks of medals – we have a strong swimming tradition because we have a pool on site at Craigmillar Park.

"However, James Clegg in particular is on quite a different level. He is one of those naturally sporty children who can turn themselves to just about anything.Now Stephen is showing great potential too."