NINE TALENTED athletes from Cowal Dance and Fitness returned home triumphant after a fantastic weekend at the Scottish Baton Twirling Championships, held at the Oriam in Edinburgh on Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th May. The team achieved an impressive haul of medals, trophies, and “all catch” certificates, celebrating both personal bests and national titles.
Representing the Cowal area with pride were Elise Wilson, Lucy Mullins, Ailish Brown, Douglas Conning, Sophie Peden, Elise Morris, Elysia Lees, Katie-Rose Morrison, and Sandaigh McKenna. For Sandaigh and Elysia, this was their very first championship experience – a milestone they tackled with determination and spirit. Their dedication throughout the year paid off, making their coaches, families and friends immensely proud.
Several athletes were crowned Scottish Champions in a range of events. Elise Wilson, Lucy Mullins, Douglas Conning, Sophie Peden, and Elise Morris all received national titles. Notably, Sophie Peden was thrilled to be competing for Athlete of the Year in the Artistic Twirl Level B category, following her Scottish Champion success in the same event.
The team delivered strong performances across multiple disciplines:
Duets:
Lucy Mullins and Douglas Conning – Scottish Champions (Youth Level C)
Elise Wilson and Sophie Peden – 3rd Place (Senior Level B)
Elise Morris and Ailish Brown – 4th Place (Senior Level B)
Artistic Twirl:
Sophie Peden – Scottish Champion (Senior Level B)
Elise Morris – 3rd Place Elise Wilson – 4th Place Ailish Brown – 4th Place
(Junior Level C)
Douglas Conning – 5th
Place (Junior Level C)
Artistic Pair:
Elise Wilson & Sophie Peden – Scottish Champions (Senior Level B)
Elise Morris & Ailish Brown – 2nd Place
Lucy & Douglas – 6th Place (Junior Level C)
Artistic Performance:
Elise Morris – Scottish Champion (Senior Level B) Elise Wilson – 2nd Place
Sophie Peden – 2nd Place (Senior Level A)
Ailish Brown – 4th Place (Junior Level B)
Douglas Conning – 5th Place (Junior Level B)
Solo One Baton:
Katie-Rose Morrison – 7th Place (Youth Level D)
Ailish Brown – 7th Place (Junior Level C)
Douglas Conning – 6th Place
Elise Morris – 4th Place (Senior Level B)
Elise Wilson – 5th Place Sophie Peden – 3rd Place
Pre Artistic Twirl:
Lucy Mullins – 6th Place (Youth Level D)
Solo Two Baton:
Katie-Rose Morrison – 4th Place
Lucy Mullins – 5th Place Ailish Brown – 4th Place Douglas Conning – 5th Place
Sophie Peden – 2nd Place Elise Morris – 3rd Place Elise Wilson – 5th Place Pre Artistic Pair: Katie-Rose Morrison
& Elysia Lees – 3rd Place (Youth Level D)
Short Program:
Elise Morris – 3rd Place (Senior Level 2)
Boom All Catch Certificates were awarded to:
Elysia Lees, Sandaigh McKenna, Douglas Conning, Lucy Mullins, Ailish Brown and Elise Morris.
Team Success:
The Cowal Dance and Fitness Team Dance routine earned a fantastic 2nd Place overall.
Coaches Mandy Tommie and Emma Peden expressed their pride in every athlete’s performance. “We’re thrilled with how everyone performed,” said Mandy. “For some of the team, this was their final championship before heading to university, and for others, it’s just the beginning of their competitive journey.”
Looking ahead, two Cowal athletes – Sophie Peden and Elise Morris – have been selected to represent Scotland at the European Championships in Spain in July. Both have
been training extensively in Edinburgh alongside other athletes from across the country. They extended heartfelt thanks to the Cowal community and local businesses for their generous support in helping fund this incredible opportunity.
We wish Sophie and Elise the very best of luck as they prepare to represent Scotland on the European stage.
