Originally from Cheshire, the majority of Martin’s adult life has revolved around being in, on or even under water. A Chartered Marine Engineer he served for 36 years in the Royal Navy and spent the majority of his sea going time under the waters of various oceans and seas in the Submarine Service. Martin continues to work in a civilian role in support of the Royal Navy.

As a young apprentice his appetite for rowing was whetted whilst taking part in fixed seat whaler racing in Portsmouth Harbour. Much later in life he took to rather more sleek boats and whilst working in Bath helped establish a rowing club for Naval personnel serving in the area, sharing the Minerva Club’s boathouse on the River Avon. Moving to Scotland, his time away at sea introduced him to the delights of an ergo and rowing in the confined spaces of a submarine whilst deep under water.

In the latter stages of his naval career Martin became a member of Loch Lomond Rowing Club and, gaining a Level 2 coaching qualification, worked with local schools to develop links to the club resulting in its junior membership steadily building with a number of his athletes including his son going on to enjoy international level success. He attended his first World Masters Regatta in Poznan in 2011 as a keen if not particularly fast sculler with several such regattas to follow and can still be seen enjoying the scenic waters of Loch Lomond in a variety of hulls.

When the Commonwealth Games came to Glasgow in 2014 he was honoured to be chosen to act as a bearer for the Queen’s Baton Relay and carried the baton whilst coxing an eight across Loch Lomond. Having served as a member of the Board of Scottish Rowing for the maximum permissible 12 years, including four years as Board Chair and President, he has now stood down and acts as the Safety Advisor to Scottish Rowing.