This decision to rebrand has been made in line with British Canoeing, who are to become Paddle UK with a Paddle England brand identity for their English members, as well as Canoe Wales and the Canoe Association of Northern Ireland. It follows extensive consultation over the last two years with members of the SCA and other home nations, the paddling community, partners and stakeholders.

We are aware that over the last few years, the rapid growth in recreational paddling by a broader and more diverse audience has resulted in a change in the interests of our members. The new name is positioned to better reflect the demographics of our evolving membership and captures more fully the breadth of paddling activity that falls under our responsibility, including kayaking, canoeing, stand up paddleboarding and more.

Such a change will inevitably have an impact on a wide range of members who engage with paddling qualifications, competitions and events and this will take time to fully embed. Not everything will change immediately, and we want to reassure members that existing membership, qualifications, courses and competitions will remain valid.

More information will follow in due course. If you have any questions or considerations, please do not hesitate to get in touch: hello@canoescotland.org.