More noted for basketball and water polo successes, Portobello High have broken new ground by being crowned Tennis Scotland’s “School of the Year”.
The achievement is all the more remarkable considering the school does not actually have tennis courts on campus.
However, that just shows how determined the driving forces were to provide tennis opportunities as Head Teacher, Greg McDowell, acknowledges.
Says Greg: “A few of the kids in first year along with recent school leaver Iona Senew assisted by sixth year Heather Callaghan came to me and asked about expanding the range of sports we offer.
“I am particularly keen to encourage anything that is pupil driven and as a result a plan was put in place for 25 kids to go to a local club (Abercorn) every Tuesday afternoon and be coached by Graeme Soutar who happens to be a Portobello HS former pupil..
“In addition to that I was pleased to be an ‘accompanying adult’ when we sent teams to the Scottish Schools Championship at the High School of Glasgow where our girls did particularly well.
“Also, we were represented at the Edinburgh Schools event in the Meadows and what is particularly pleasing is that our plan is proving appealing to kids that would not normally pick up a tennis racquet.”
Not that tennis is completely new to Portobello HS ….
Adds Greg: “This is our 150th year and records show that in 1910 there was a ‘girls tennis group’ formed in the school.
“We would love to find any photographs of that group if anyone can assist?”
The Tennis Scotland citation says: “At Portobello High School, there has been a rapid growth in tennis provision, with their vibrant programme now including their flagship School of Tennis. Delivered by a
former pupil and current sixth years, a group of around 25 first years take part in tennis each week in a welcoming, accessible and inclusive environment. The programme has had a significant social impact, offering young people the chance to make new friends and build confidence.
Portobello pupil Heather said: “We really want to thank our headteacher Mr (Greg) McDowall as none of this would have been possible without him. He pioneered the whole thing and brought us all together, he’s just been amazing.”
Meanwhile, Heriot Watt won “University of the Year” The Tennis Scotland citation says: “At Portobello High School, there has been a rapid growth in tennis provision, with their vibrant programme now including their flagship School of Tennis. Delivered by a former pupil and current sixth years, a group of around 25 first years take part in tennis each week in a welcoming, accessible and inclusive environment. The programme has had a significant social impact, offering young people the chance to make new friends and build confidence.
Portobello pupil Heather said: “We really want to thank our headteacher Mr (Greg) McDowall as none of this would have been possible without him. He pioneered the whole thing and brought us all together, he’s just been amazing.”
Meanwhile Heriot Watt were named “University of the Year” after going from strength to strength since gaining access to Oriam Indoor Tennis Centre.
Membership, the number of competitions and inclusive tennis opportunities all increased in 2025 under a University Tennis Coordinator, while Oriam has allowed students to work across sports, developing partnerships which allow tennis to thrive.
Fenella Kolish, Tennis President at Heriot-Watt, said: “We thank Oriam for allowing us to work with them and to Heriot-Watt University for providing us with funding for the tennis club. A special thank you to our University Tennis Co-Ordinator Finn McLean, he’s done so much great work.”
Based at the Oriam Indoor Tennis Centre, Jack George-Burnell has been responsible for developing a wide-ranging tennis programme and was named “Coach of the Year”.
Jack was described as bringing “energy and passion” to every session and creating a coaching and participation programme which now caters for more than 300 players each week across 68 different classes.
