News

Following a robust recruitment process, JudoScotland is delighted to announce the appointment of Adam Lovey as the new National Referee Coordinator.

In this pivotal role, Adam will lead and support Scotland’s dedicated team of judo referees, continuing the development of a strong and sustainable officiating pathway. We caught up with Adam to hear more about his vision for the future of refereeing in Scotland. 

“I want to build on the work of my predecessor to create a supportive and successful referee development pathway in Scotland. My goal is to make Scotland the most successful region in the BJA for refereeing and referee development.” 

With over 15 years of experience in refereeing, Adam brings a wealth of knowledge and a strong network of relationships across Scotland and the wider UK judo community. 

“I’ve built up a lot of experience and connections over the years, and I plan to use these to advance Scottish refereeing. Having come through the system myself, I understand both its strengths and its challenges. My aim is to improve the areas that need change and help others navigate the pathway more effectively.” 

Adam is passionate about mentoring and education, and he’s committed to supporting new and aspiring referees. 

“I plan to be an active and encouraging tutor, working alongside our existing team to assist those coming through. I’d also like to expand our tutor numbers so we can introduce a mentoring system, making the journey into refereeing more accessible and rewarding.” 

Looking ahead, Adam has ambitious goals for the growth of refereeing in Scotland. 

“I’d love to see Scotland with five active IJF referees within five years. We currently have three (the most we’ve ever had) and I’m on the pathway myself. Achieving five would be groundbreaking. I also want to strengthen our numbers across all levels, aiming for 7–10 National B and 8–12 National C referees. This would give us a broader base and reduce the pressure on the same individuals at every event.” 

Adam succeeds Neil Malone, whose leadership and dedication have been instrumental in shaping the officiating landscape in Scotland. Neil continues to be a valued source of support and guidance for referees across the country. 

JudoScotland looks forward to the next chapter in referee development under Adam’s leadership, and we’re excited to see the impact of his vision and energy on the future of Scottish judo.

Ravenscraig Regional Sports Facility played host to an exciting weekend of judo action as the Scottish National Closed Championship 2025 welcomed 361 judoka from 46 clubs across the country. 

Over two days, Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th November, the tatami came alive with fierce competition, camaraderie, and standout performances. Club Sportif emerged as the dominant force, topping the medal table, with Garioch Judo and Pro Judo close behind in second and third place, respectively. Notably, 27% of competitors were female, reflecting JudoScotland’s growing female membership and commitment to inclusivity in the sport. 

Saturday’s events saw a mix of minors, pre-cadet, cadet, junior and senior categories, with standout performances from Hibari Kan Judo Club’s Kevin Gordon. Having already met a qualification criteria for the 2026 Commonwealth Games, Gordon added to his accolades with a gold in the Junior –100kg and a silver in the Senior category. 

The Buchanan family stole the spotlight in a remarkable display of sibling success. Lexi Buchanan clinched triple gold in the Cadet and Junior, and Senior –48kg categories. Her brothers Jude and Joseph followed suit, Jude winning gold in the Pre-Cadet –60kg, and Joseph securing Senior –60kg gold along with a silver in the Junior category.  

Meanwhile, Tam’s Brig Judo Club demonstrated that success isn’t reserved for the biggest clubs. For the first time in recent history, the team secured three medals: Emma McCall claimed silver in the Cadet Female -52 kg category, Mark McGarrie earned silver in Veterans M5–M6 -73 kg, and Andrew Strachan took bronze in Veterans M3–M4 -100 kg. 

Sunday marked a historic moment with the inclusion of the Veterans category, a first in recent memory for the Closed Championship. The passion and commitment of these seasoned judoka added a new layer of inspiration to the event, and JudoScotland looks forward to expanding this category in future editions. 

Adding a touch of excitement off the mat, Finnie, the official mascot of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, made a special appearance, delighting competitors and spectators alike. 

In a record-breaking show of support, 91 coaches pre-registered to coach matside, underscoring the vital role they play in fostering a safe and supportive environment for athletes. 

The event’s success was made possible by the tireless efforts of volunteers, including referees, table officials, and the enthusiastic Game Changer team. Members of the Senpai programme also played a key role in supporting officials and ensuring smooth operations throughout the weekend. 

If you would like to view the full list of results from the weekend click here. 

We are thrilled to share that Loretta Doyle has been shortlisted for the Scottish Women in Sport (SW/S) Inspiration in Sport Award, a recognition that reflects her extraordinary contributions to judo over more than five decades. 

From competing in the first-ever Women’s Judo World Championships in New York in 1980, to playing key roles in global multi-sport events such as the Paris 2024 Olympics, Loretta’s journey has been nothing short of remarkable. Her commitment to the sport continues through the Loretta Doyle Judo Foundation, which supports individuals facing significant challenges, making judo more accessible to all. 

Earlier this year, we sat down with Loretta to celebrate her achievement of being awarded her 9th Dan. During our conversation, she reflected on her personal journey in the sport and her passion for giving back. 

“Judo has always helped me achieve more and feel good about myself… I love judo. I see so many benefits. If everyone did even just two or three months of judo, they would get something out of it. It would make them a better person.” 

“For me, judo has always been about chapters. The first chapter is your own wellbeing and self-worth, discovering what you’re capable of. Then you share that experience, and eventually, you give back.” 

On receiving her 9th Dan at the Paris Grand Slam earlier this year, Loretta reflected;  

“Receiving my 9th Dan from the International Judo Federation is an absolute honour. It’s humbling. It’s not just about your achievements as a competitor, it’s about what you give back, how you develop yourself and others through the sport. I was a world champion for a year. I’m a 9th Dan for life. That belt tells the story, it earns respect and reflects over 52 years of service to the sport.” 

Loretta’s passion for inclusion and opportunity led her to establish the Loretta Doyle Judo Foundation, which works with refugees, children with disabilities, older adults, and others who may face barriers to participation. 

“I’ve always wanted to give back. I wanted everyone to have the same opportunities I had. That’s why I started the Foundation, to remove barriers and make judo accessible to all. Judo is more than a sport, it’s a tool for social change, confidence, and community.” 

Loretta Doyle’s nomination for the SW/S Inspiration in Sport Award is a testament to her lifelong dedication to judo and her unwavering commitment to empowering others through the sport. 

The Scottish Women in Sport Awards will take place on Friday 21st November 2025 at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Glasgow. 

JudoScotland is proud to celebrate the achievements of Lois Goldie, who has been shortlisted for the Scottish Women in Sport (SW/S) Young Sportswoman of the Year Award. 

The SW/S Awards recognise not only the success of female athletes across Scotland, but also the contributions of volunteers, coaches, pioneers, and others who make a lasting impact on women in sport.  

At just 14 years old, Lois has already emerged as one of Scotland’s most promising young athletes. Competing at the under-15 level, she has earned selection to represent her country on the international stage, delivering outstanding performances that mark her as a rising star in Scottish sport. 

Lois Goldie delivered an exceptional season in judo, claiming titles as a Scottish Champion, British Champion, Commonwealth Judo Championship Gold Medalist, Luxembourg International Gold Medalist, and Lithuania Alytus Open Bronze Medalist. 

Each result showcases her ability to compete and succeed at the highest level, both domestically and internationally, while proudly representing Scotland against some of Europe’s strongest young athletes. 

Beyond her personal achievements, Lois is a natural role model within her judo and wrestling clubs. She regularly supports younger athletes, helping them develop their skills and confidence. Her kindness, leadership, and encouragement have created a positive and inclusive environment, and she is widely admired by her peers and coaches alike. 

Inspired by Scottish Commonwealth medalists Connie Ramsay and Rachel Tytler, Lois is forging her own path on the international stage. Born in 2011, she exemplifies the qualities of a junior athlete who has achieved excellence, represented her country with distinction, and continues to inspire those around her. 

We wish Lois the very best at the SW/S Awards and look forward to seeing her continued success in the years ahead. The Scottish Women in Sport Awards will take place on Friday 21st November 2025 at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Glasgow. 

A brief update from the JudoScotland Chair Marc Preston on activity in October.

The month started with Highland Budokan hosting the Grand Prix event on 4^th October in Inverness.   Despite Storm Amy, the event ran smoothly and I’d like to praise everyone involved for their co-operation and support!

On 14^th October I visited Pro Judo in their city centre facility.   I was very impressed and it’s always wonderful to see permanent, dojo facilities.

Myself and Judith were delighted to present Claire Shiach, of Pro Judo, with the Player Development Coach of the year award in recognition of an outstanding contribution to long-term athlete development aligned with the JudoScotland Player Development Framework.   It was an honour that Claire was delighted to receive, in front of judoka, fellow coaches and parents in her own club environment.  I’ve known Claire for a long time, since we were youngsters.  We were both part of the team that went  to the Commonwealth Games in New Zealand in 1990, where Claire took the Silver medal for Scotland. She was an exceptional competitor who won many international medals during that period where GB had an abundance of world class/world medallist female judokas.

British Judo’s Board of Directors meeting in London clashed with a holiday I had arranged with my family. I’d like to thank our Board Director Jodie Cox for stepping in and representing JudoScotland as the Home Nation representative at the Board Meeting.  She enjoyed the experience which she noted was ‘very informative’ and provided a substantial report back as we work to ensure strong collaboration and robust processes.

On 28^th October we had our monthly JudoScotland board meeting to which we invited our President and Vice-Presidents to attend.  It was a highly productive session with a number of topics for discussion and decision. I would like to congratulate Sandy Hodge, who has now taken on the role of Vice Chair for JudoScotland as supported by his fellow Board Directors.  Sandy has a wealth of experience and knowledge within judo due to his previous involvement as sportscotland Partnership Manager and laterally as an Independent Director. Sandy has recently been leading a project to create clear Board portfolios to enhance our strategic monitoring. I look forward to working with Sandy in this coming year as we aim to achieve the ambitious goals that we have set.

Winning Students 100, Scotland’s national sport scholarship programme, has announced its 2025-26 cohort, marking a record-breaking year for applications and reaffirming its status as a world-leading dual-career programme.

This year’s intake will see 106 student athletes supported as they pursue excellence in both sport and academia. Spanning 31 sports and 18 further and higher education institutions, this year’s in-take of athletes represent the brightest of young sporting talent based in Scotland. We are pleased to share that six Scottish Judoka will be beneficiaries: Eden Heffernan (University of Edinburgh), Sophie Wood (Edinburgh Napier University), Sunny Doig (Heriot-Watt University), Eva Ewing (City of Glasgow College) and Kirsten Taylor (Perth College UHI).

Since its launch in 2008, Winning Students 100 – formerly Winning Students – has become a vital support system and talent pipeline within Scottish sport, supporting over 1,700 student athletes to help them reach the pinnacle of their respective disciplines while gaining an academic qualification and forging the start of a successful career path.

The scholarship is funded by sportscotland, the Scottish Funding Council and Scotland’s higher education and further education sector and managed by Scotland’s University for Sporting Excellence, the University of Stirling.

Cathy Gallagher, Chair, Winning Students 100 Advisory Board said: “Winning Students 100 is a bold and forward-thinking investment in the future of Scottish sport and education. The programme positions Scotland as a true pioneer, delivering a comprehensive support system that empowers athletes to achieve their full potential.

“The programme is about cultivating well-rounded leaders who are prepared for success in all aspects of their life. This year’s record-breaking applications highlight the programme’s reputation as a world leader in dual-career support, and we are proud to champion these exceptional individuals.

“As we look ahead to the coming year, we are filled with hope and excitement for what this cohort will achieve. Whether it’s excelling in their academic studies, breaking records in their chosen sports, or representing their nations on the world stage, these students embody the very best of what this programme stands for.

“This dual focus on academic and sporting excellence has made Winning Students 100 a powerful platform for success. By working closely with sportscotland, the Scottish Funding Council, partner institutions, and national governing bodies, we ensure that the programme continues to deliver value to students, parents, institutions, and funders alike. Together, we are shaping the future of Scottish sport and education.”

Kirsty McNealis from Judo Club Esprit has been honoured with JudoScotland’s Technical Official/Referee of the Year Award. This prestigious award is part of the JudoScotland Community Awards, a national initiative that recognises the hard work and commitment of judo volunteers across Scotland.   

In a sport where accolades often go to those who step onto the mat, Kirsty McNealis stands out for a different reason. Despite never taken part in judo herself, Kirsty has become a cornerstone of the Scottish judo community through her tireless work as a Technical Official and as a club volunteer at Judo Club Esprit.  

Her journey began not with a personal passion for the sport, but through her son Dominic; “I’ve never stepped on the mat.  Dominic, my son, was competing and I got encouraged to become a table official. I didn’t have a clue what I was doing but the training was very simple.” 

What started as a tentative step, quickly grew into a full-fledged commitment. From learning the ropes of timekeeping and contest recording to working her way up to senior recorder, Kirsty’s dedication has been unwavering. Even after Dominic stepped away from judo following a motorbike accident, Kirsty continued to volunteer, driven by a newfound passion and the support of the judo community. 

“I was quite happy being that mum, sitting in the stands watching,” she reflects. “I never thought I’d be this involved. But it’s the people, they’ve all supported me. It’s like a family.” 

“I just do my best. I help if I can. I’m there for people. And the last thing new recruits need is somebody going, you’ve done that wrong, so I don’t.” she added “It’s not a role I thought I’d ever be doing, but I absolutely love it. I absolutely love it. 

On receiving her award Kirsty humbly shared, “I’m a wee bit shocked because I don’t think I need an award. I don’t do it for that. I do it because I enjoy what I do.”

Kirsty was presented her award at Judo Club Esprit, the club she credits with shaping her judo journey, by JudoScotland Board Director Mark Brien on Monday 20th October. 

Amy Strachan, from Tam’s Brig Judo Club has been honoured with JudoScotland’s Young Person of the Year Award. This prestigious award is part of the JudoScotland Community Awards, a national initiative that recognises the hard work and commitment of judo volunteers across Scotland.   

For Amy, judo has always been a family affair. Her grandad, Charlie, runs Tam’s Brig Judo Club, and her dad is a regular on the mat. Having first stepped onto the tatami at just four years old, Amy has grown up surrounded by the sport. 

“I basically started judo here when I was about four or five. I got my first judo suit for Christmas and ended up pretty much getting flung on the mat and I was told you’re going to try this see how it is and I’ve stuck with it. I’ve been here ever since.” 

When Amy started university, she discovered a new side to the sport she’s always loved. Studying Sport and Physical Activity, she joined the university’s judo club after spotting their stall at the sports fair and it reignited her competitive spirit. 

“Next year I’m hoping to get out and compete a bit more and not just be training. I’ve done the student open with them this year and it’s really helped me get back into competition.” 

While she’s rediscovered her love for competing, Amy’s real passion lies in coaching. What started as a volunteering opportunity for her Duke of Edinburgh Award quickly turned into something much more meaningful. 

“Through the Duke of Edinburgh Award, you’re allowed to do volunteering, so I thought I could help out with the younger group at the club. The Duke of Edinburgh award actually got cancelled but I was enjoying volunteering, so I ended up staying on and then eventually got moved up into the middle class because they were struggling for coaches. I started with them and then it’s kind of just stuck and we’ve just got used to each other now, so I think they’ve stuck with me.” 

Amy’s coaching at Tam’s Brig goes far beyond teaching techniques, she instils the core values of judo, from respect and courage to friendship and self-control. As a Level 1 coach, she combines technical skill with genuine encouragement, creating a positive environment where young judoka can grow not just in judo, but in confidence, character, and teamwork. Receiving the Young Person of the Year Award was a huge moment for Amy, one that she admits still feels a bit surreal. 

“Being able to say that I’ve achieved this is just amazing. I hope it also shows that coaching the kids really does make a difference and that they’ll take away something meaningful from it.” 

Amy was presented her award at Tam’s Brig Judo Club by JudoScotland Club Support Officer, Sam Ingram, on Thursday 16th October.