It was a week to remember for Dumfries Amateur Swimming Club at the 2025 Scottish National Age Group Swimming Championships (SNAGS) in Aberdeen. With five action-packed days, the team of 26 swimmers delivered one of the club’s best-ever performances, securing 7th place overall.
From seasoned seniors to rising stars, the squad proved that DASC’s future is bright—and fast.
Amber Hinton Dominates the Distance
15-year-old Amber Hinton stole the show with an extraordinary medal haul, claiming four Scottish National titles in the 1500m Freestyle, 400m IM, 400m Freestyle, and 800m Freestyle. She added three silver medals and a 4th-place finish to cap off a sensational championship.
“I definitely enjoy the distance events and it’s been a good week so far. As a club we’ve had a lot of good relays. We all work together to encourage everyone and support them whenever we can. At events like these we all come through onto poolside to cheer each other on and make lots of noise so our team know we are behind them.’ Amber Hinton
Super Sprinters and Middle-Distance Masters
* Anna Dunlop (16) certainly found her top gear in the finals, earning herself 3 podium finishes with a bronze in the 50m Free and 100m Fly, and a silver in the 50m Fly.
* Molly Irvine-Watson (16) made the top 10 in five events, with a best finish of 4th in the 100m Free.
* Yassin Hatab (14) impressed with two silvers (200m & 100m Fly) and a bronze in the 200m Free, showing serious promise across six events.
* Teyah Laidlaw (11-13) showed grit and consistency with three 4th-place finishes in the 100m Backstroke, 100m Butterfly, and 200m Butterfly—narrowly missing the podium in a highly competitive age group.
* Ruari Webster (17-18) just missed the podium with a 4th-place finish in the 100m Breaststroke.
* Nathan Zaoral (14) and Robyn Maxwell (11-13) racked up consistent top-10 results across their events.
* Struan Henry (14) took bronze in the 200m Backstroke, while Brodie Jardine (14) came 4th in the 100m Breast.
* Amber Rigg (17-18) clinched gold in the 200m Backstroke, adding to DASC’s title count.
* Sarah McQuire (15) and Carter Jones (11-13) rounded off the club’s individual point scorers.
Relay Highlights: Power in Numbers
DASC’s relay teams showed both depth and determination:
- Girls 14–16 stunned the field to take gold in the 4x100m Freestyle Relay, earning the title of Scottish National Champions!
(Team: Molly Irvine-Watson, Amber Hinton, Anna Dunlop, Sarah McQuire)
- Girls 11–13 secured double bronze in both the 4x100m Freestyle and Medley Relays.
(Freestyle: Robyn Maxwell, Teyah Laidlaw, Ruby Gordon, Alexa Scott | Medley: Maxwell, Gordon, Laidlaw, Scott)
- Boys 17+ Medley Relay team smashed a new club record, placing 9th overall.
(Luke Scott, Finlay Nelson, Ruari Webster, Rhys Edwards)
Club Captain, Luke Scott, demonstrated his motivating leadership skills, team spirit and commitment while sharing some words of encouragement with his team.
Everyone has been absolutely incredible so far — the standard has been outstanding both in and out of the pool. You’ve shown true class. In your swimming, you’ve pushed boundaries, and as individuals, you’ve been a joy to be around. You’re a credit to yourselves, your families, and your coaches. Massive well done to all of you — truly fandabbydozy! Luke Scott
With multiple national champions, club records, and over 100 points scored in a single day, SNAGS 2025 will go down as one of DASC’s finest performances. Massive thanks to the incredible coaching team, the fabulous committee and the dedicated volunteers. Special thanks to this year’s kit sponsors, High Kirkland Holidays, The Thistle Inn- Crossmichael and Bell Ogilvy Chartered Accountants.
DASC- Faster. Stronger. Together.
