Edinburgh students top Glasgow in boat race

EDINBURGH University students have rowed to victory in an annual boat race against their Glasgow rivals.

Picture: John Devlin

The Edinburgh men’s team took the trophy in the challenge on the Clyde, which saw rowers cover around 2km from the “Squinty” Bridge to the Riverside Museum.

Glasgow won the women’s event in the traditional contest, which dates back to the 1870s.

Fought out over eight races including beginners, reserves and alumni, hundreds of spectators turned out to see Edinburgh University crowned this year’s overall winner.

Men’s captain Calum Irvine said: “The crowds are getting bigger and bigger each year, it’s great to see so many new faces down at this year’s race to make it the best yet.

“It was a hard-fought race with Glasgow and a few blade clashes at the start showing just how tough it was. It was the best Glasgow team we’ve come up against and a truly fantastic race.”

Glasgow women’s captain Claire Aitken said: “The Edinburgh crew were extremely difficult to beat and the conditions were really choppy as we knew it would be.”