ALLOA champion swimmer Duncan Scott is encouraging young people to take to the water, after collecting a haul of medals at the Commonwealth Games.

Duncan, along with Toni Shaw, is promoting the national Learn to Swim programme which aims to help children of all ages and abilities become confident, safer and competent swimmers.

The Clacks-bred swimmer recently returned home as Scotland's most decorated Commonwealth Games athlete with a tally of 13 medals since 2014.

He said: “After competing in world-wide events, it’s so nice to be able to come back to the grassroots and motivate those at the beginning of their swimming journey.

“Whether youngsters simply become regulars at the pool or if this involvement inspires the next generation of competitive swimmers – only good things can come from encouraging more children into the water.”

Duncan swam regularly with family, having learnt to swim at Troon, and later continued at the former Alloa Leisure Bowl.

While there is currently no pool in Alloa, although plans have been agreed for a temporary structure before the wellbeing hub is built, the Learn to Swim programme is being delivered by 36 leisure trusts and providers in more than 160 pools across Scotland.

However, Active Stirling and the University of Stirling – where Alloa Amateur Swimming Club are currently holding sessions – are in the national Learn to Swim framework.

Euan Lowe, chief executive officer at Scottish Swimming, said: “Duncan and Toni are prime examples of the incredible pathways swimming can take you down.

“It’s a real benefit to have such fantastic role models inspiring our next generation and promoting water safety.”

Visit learntoswim.scot for more information.