Coaches

Rowing has been my life since dreams of Pro Rugby were cut short due to injury. A fortunate injury, it turns out. Rowing has given me some of the highest highs (and maybe lowest lows). It has now given me a career, and I even found a wife. I have come full circle. Born in Edinburgh in the 80’s (that’s enough detail), I have lived and rowed in Scotland, England and Ireland.

I have represented Scotland, Great Britain and Ireland as an athlete (some with success, others less so) before returning to the city of my birth to take on the task that has been my new life for the last 12 years. Rowing is life. Life is Rowing. Wouldn’t have it any other way. I also like cats. And dogs, but I’m not allowed one.

colin.williamson@ed.ac.uk 

I learnt to row at Edinburgh University back in 2002 and haven't let go of the club since then. Coaching the Novice Men in the 2012/13 season was the seed that started the pursuit of a career in coaching and so in the 2013/14 season I became a full time coach at the club leading the Senior Women’s Squad. The rest, as they say, is history.

I have coached several athletes to the World University Games and a number of World Under 23 Championships for Great Britain with the privilege of also coaching at these events myself. To pick highlights from my career would be unfair to any performances that I fail to mention in the 200 world limit of this blurb. What I can say is that year upon year the squad never fails to impress and, without fail, continue to raise the bar of expectation for the ones that follow.

john.higson@ed.ac.uk

Having learnt to row at St Andrew Boat Club in 2012, rowing quickly became my life. The next logical step would be to study at a university where I could get a great degree and continue to row at a high level, the obvious choice was Edinburgh University. From here, I spent the next six years competing for them, racing both domestically and internationally. 

After the 2023 European championships I knew it was the right time to step away from rowing. From here I accepted a role at Scottish Rowing which quickly ignited my passion for coaching, and then accepted the Edinburgh University role in May. Our goal is to be one of the best programs in the world, and I truly believe we can achieve this.

dflockha@ed.ac.uk

Rowing came into my life via encouragement from someone who rowed for GB as a junior, so when I started at Newcastle University, I joined the rowing club, and like with many, the sport became a central part of my life.

My first degree in archaeology was a clear sign that professional rowing coaching lay ahead, but first, I climbed the ladder of museum management where I finished up as a curator of a transport museum and freelance exhibition consultant.

Finally prepared to ditch smart casual for a Musto jacket, I took the opportunity to return to my roots at Newcastle to support my career change, and since 2010, I’ve had the opportunity to work around the country with a vast range of athletes, from those with GB ambitions to those who (like me) saw rowing as a way to help develop some of those basic life skills and open new doors.

Now in my sixth season at Edinburgh, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed every moment working as part of this incredible club. I look forward each September as the new intake arrives, and we embark on a new journey together.

michael.hughes@ed.ac.uk