Edinburgh students beat Glasgow in boat race

Edinburgh win Women's First and celebrate at the finish by the Glenlee outside the Riverside Museum, Glasgow. Pic: Robert Perry

Around 1,000 spectators looked on as Edinburgh and Glasgow’s elite university rowers took part in seven races on the River Clyde today in the Scottish Boat Race.

The capital’s students were celebrating after they also won the women’s race following defeat in last year’s contest.

Running since 1877, the Scottish Boat Race is said to be the third oldest boat race in the world behind only the famous Oxbridge contest and Harvard-Yale Regatta in America.

Robin Hart-Winks, Edinburgh Women’s first VIII captain, said: “There was a lot of pressure on us this year as we came in feeling like the stronger team, but you never know what’s going to happen when it’s a one on one race.

“Last year we had a steering malfunction, so to have a clean race this year was good.

“It’s been a great atmosphere with so many people down, as well as family and friends. It’s fantastic to get such strong external support.”

Ross Urquhart, the Edinburgh men’s captain, missed the last couple of years of racing in the event through injury but was in the boat to lead his team to victory.

He said: “It feels amazing, today is a big relief for me.

“The atmosphere has been brilliant. When I raced in 2011 it was mostly family and friends supporting, but having a huge crowd like today really helps you get over the line that much faster.”

Glasgow took the title in the men and women’s reserve races as well as the men’s alumni contest, with Edinburgh winning the remaining competitions.

Stephen Fisher, Glasgow captain, said: “The Edinburgh first crews were extremely strong this year with the men’s team performing particularly well.

“It’s a shame we couldn’t build on the first few wins in the early races but overall it’s been a fantastic day and congratulations to Edinburgh on their wins.”