The fast growing sport of Pickleball looks set for a major boost with Edinburgh’s Meadowbank Stadium awarded hosting rights for the 2026 Scottish Open from May 27-31 after two years at Scotstoun, Glasgow.
According to Edinburgh Pickleball Club official Jason Derr it is further confirmation of the appeal of a pursuit that resembles tennis on a badminton court played with wooden padels and a plastic ball. Games lend themselves to players aged 8 to 80+
“Around two and a half years ago our Edinburgh Club had around 80-100 members; nowadays we have over 350 playing every day of the week at Meadowbank, Craiglockhart and Stewart’s Melville School” says Jason, adding:
“The Scottish Open should provide a major showcase.”
Since national leagues were introduced two years ago the Edinburgh Club now fields six teams playing under this umbrella organisation – Stockbridge Smashers, Inverleith Invaders,s Holyrood Hammers, Leith Lobsters, Duddingston Dinkers and Portobello Paddlers.
“One of the success stories is the Paddlers who recently gained promotion to the second of the four divisions.”
US-born Jason is equally at home promoting baseball in the Capital, remarking: “I came here for a long weekend in 2003, met up with the guys from Diamond Devils baseball and stayed!
“Pickleball is something I have embraced for 45 years – I’m 50 now – starting when my dad installed a court at our home in Seattle.
“I can only see the sport in Edinburgh getting bigger.”
