Scottish Cycling is proud to announce the 12 young people who will make up our inaugural Future Leaders cohort. This exciting development follows a comprehensive review of our youth engagement approach, during which we consulted previous members of the Young People’s Panel to help shape a new and improved programme. From this, the Future Leaders initiative was created, with the purpose of offering young people meaningful opportunities to gain leadership experience, professional qualifications, and valuable skills, while ensuring their voices remain central to the future of cycling in Scotland.
The application process attracted significant interest from across the country. Candidates were first invited to complete an application form, after which shortlisted individuals progressed to an engaging and thorough assessment day. This assessment, led by Scottish Cycling staff alongside former panel members, tested a range of skills and involved several components: collaborative group activities, a short presentation, a one-to-one interview, and a written reflection. For many of the applicants, this was their first exposure to a structured interview and application process, with several commenting on how valuable the experience had been for their personal development.
We were genuinely impressed by the calibre and diversity of applications received, which reflected not only the strength of Scotland’s cycling community but also the enthusiasm of its young people to contribute to shaping its future. As a result, we have been able to select a dynamic and inspiring group that showcases the breadth of cycling disciplines and the geographical reach of the sport across the nation.
The 12 members of the Future Leaders cohort are:
- Alexis McCartney, Cumbernauld Centurions
- Ava Cope, Clydesdale Colts
- Ben Raleigh, Glasgow Riderz
- Hamish Mayes, Edinburgh Road Club
- Katie Bryant, KICC
- Leonard Marriott, Carnegie Cyclones
- Lewis McAusland, Falkirk Junior Bike Club
- Logan Anderson, Moray Firth Cycling Club
- Logan Peddie, South Ayrshire
- Magnus Creamer, Grampian Tigers
- Skye Wilson, KICC
- Tyler Muir, South Ayrshire
The programme officially commenced with a two-day residential held at Glenmore Lodge on Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th September. This cornerstone event gave the new cohort the chance to build stronger connections with Scottish Cycling staff and, equally importantly, to establish lasting relationships with one another. Through a mix of team-building activities, informative sessions, and reflective exercises, participants were introduced to the work of Scottish Cycling and gained a deeper understanding of the wider cycling landscape in Scotland.
The residential also placed strong emphasis on personal growth. Each individual identified their own strengths and areas for development, before setting short, medium, and long-term goals—both individually and collectively as a group. These goals will form an important part of the programme and will be revisited regularly throughout the two years to track progress and support continuous improvement.
As the programme develops, participants will work towards achieving two SCQF-accredited qualifications, gain hands-on volunteering experience in areas aligned to their personal interests, and receive structured guidance in carrying out surveys and SWOT analyses on issues they feel passionate about. In doing so, they will not only enhance their own skillsets but also contribute meaningful insights that will benefit the wider cycling community.
The group will next come together in person at the Scottish Cycling Conference, taking place at the Inchyra Spa and Hotel in Falkirk on Saturday 15th November. This will be an excellent opportunity for the Future Leaders to engage further with the cycling community, share their perspectives, and continue their development journey.
We look forward to following their progress and the impact they will have over the coming two years. If you would like to explore opportunities for the Future Leaders to support your ideas or gather their input, please contact [email protected].