Come rain or shine, HMS Scotia has a busy sports schedule throughout the year, thanks largely to our own “Club swinger" (Physical Training Instructor) Chief Petty Officer Henry Gibson.
Whole Ship sports nights are a monthly feature, with participation in traditional naval sports including bucket ball, Swedish Long ball and Deck Hockey.
During our seasonal "It’s A Knockout” competitions, Scotia raises money for forces charities and Macmillan Cancer Care.
Our own Leading Hand Kim MacDonald (a gym owner and instructor in Brechin) shares her passion and expertise with her shipmates through her regular High Intensity Training (HIT) workouts.
You have to be fit in the Royal Naval Reserve, but playing team sports are a great way to stay healthy, whilst building camaraderie and having fun!
The mandatory annual fitness test is relatively easy to pass, with a bit of personal application and persistence - and support from your “oppos”!
As well as sport, there are some great Adventurous Training (AT) opportunities available to everyone in the RNR.
Over the last few years, Scotia reservists have participated in paragliding courses in Bavaria, ski championships in France and numerous kayaking competitions and endurance events – and the vast majority of participants start off as complete beginners.
A particular highlight for one of Scotia’s sailors was participating in Exercise Trans globe, a joint Royal Navy and Royal Air Force expedition, sailing 3,000 nautical miles from Perth to Sydney.
Not content with covering all those miles, he then continued straight into the Sydney to Hobart ocean race!
Sports and AT, with access to free facilities and equipment are one of many perks for members of the Royal Naval Reserve. Hiking, boxing or just a regular workout - we have great fun, keeping fit and healthy.
At its training base within MOD Caledonia, Scotia reservists have access to a pool, gym, weights, multi-use outdoor pitch and squash courts.
With sailing expeditions, AT weekends and routine sport firmly set in our training plan, HMS Scotia and the PT staff who look after us are in for another ‘fit for life’ year.
