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 6 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 rowed at Edinburgh between 2002-2009 and then was involved in coaching from that point on. Coaching the Novice Men in the 2012/13 season was the seed that then saw me wish to pursue a career in coaching and so in the 2013/14 season I became a full time coach at the club and began coaching the Senior Women’s Squad. The rest, as they say, is history.

I’m entering my tenth season coaching the Senior Women’s Squad in a professional capacity. Despite the difficulties that the early season brought us last year with races cancelled left, right and centre; the squad had arguably its most successful season to date. It would be fair to say that trying to better it this season is somewhat intimidating but, if we are to, I believe we have the personnel to do it.

john.higson@ed.ac.uk

I began my role at Edinburgh University Boat Club in September 2021, having spent the previous 4 years coaching in Aberdeen. Prior to this I had been studying for a degree in Sport and Exercise Science while rowing competitively. I began rowing in 2007 while at school and have been hooked on the sport ever since. Until 2016 I raced both domestically and internationally to some success, including winning 2 medals in the M4- at the U23 World Championships in 2015 and 2016. I moved into coaching after stopping rowing and felt this to be a natural progress which has allowed me to work in the sport I love and utilise the skills I learned while competing and studying.

 I am delighted to be able to coach at Edinburgh University boat club and play a part in building on the success of EUBC. I am invested in giving our athletes the best opportunity to be successful and believe this will push Edinburgh as the top offering for a student rower.

 I am proud to be part of this coaching team and want to help continue to enhance the club ethos where every alumni is proud of their time at EUBC.

lmccue@ed.ac.uk

Rowing came into my life via encouragement from a cousin 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 central to my life. 

My first degree in archaeology was a clear sign a career of professional rowing coaching lay ahead, but naturally I first had to climb the ladder of museum management where I ended as a curator of a transport museum and freelance exhibition consultant. Finally prepared to ditch the suit for a Musto jacket, I was fortunate to have the support of Angelo Savarino, the Newcastle head coach during my career change and since 2010 I’ve had the opportunity to work around the country with a great range of athletes, from those with GB representative ambitions to those who (like me) saw rowing as a way to help develop some of those basic life skills and open new doors.

I’m looking forward to joining the Edinburgh coaching team, it’s impossible not to admire the incredible work that has happened here in Scotland and I’m excited to be able to play a part in it. That said you’ll be far more interested in my dog, Jess - a rescue German Shepherd. She’ll be around and looks forward to making your acquaintance.

michael.hughes@ed.ac.uk