Kirkcaldy club swims through adversity to reach 40th anniversary

Fins CSC was formed in 1980 to provide an opportunity for local swimmers to reach a high level of competitive training and performance.

The club started with just seven members but has since grown to become one of the premier clubs in Fife, developing numerous internationalists along the way.

This success has been in spite of numerous difficulties, with the club once referred to as nomads as they jumped between facilities in search of pool time.

“The club has always had to meet head on with adversity since they were formed – and still are,” explained current vice-chairman, and former head coach, Ken White.

Fins founding members were Bob Gauld (head coach), Bryce Johnstone, Jim Cairns and Chas Lewis and the club was initially based at Auchterderran Junior High School.

When the building closed in 1986 they moved to Lochgelly High School, but that arrangement only lasted a few months before the club found itself homeless.

“That was the club pool-less, and at that point it was very much under threat,” Ken, who took over as head coach in 1984, explained.

After much persuasion with the authorities, Ken eventually secured water time at Glenrothes Pool until, in 1995, the club was again forced to look for alternatives after having water time restricted.

“I just got pool time wherever I could – Dunfermline HS, Balwearie HS, Kinross pool, you name it, anywhere there was water,” Ken said.

“I was accused once that if found a puddle I would set up a training session.

“We were all over Fife just to get water time so we weren’t getting enough, and it was pretty crowded.”

Fins existence was again under threat until Ken pleaded with the management at Kirkcaldy Pool, and eventually secured lanes.

“It was eight until 10 at night, so we were still really struggling,” he added.

“We’ve now got better water time since the new pool opened, and we can do morning training as well but we have to go to Glenrothes for that.”

Despite often swimming against the tide, Fins has celebrated a number of successes over the past four decades.

Major achievements included club member Gary Watson becoming the first ever Scot to win a European youth gold medal in Geneva in 1985 in the 100m breaststroke.

The club also had a World Deaf champion and record holder in Martin Lee, achieved in New Zealand in 1987, while at the Paralympic Games in Barcelona in 1992, Iain Matthew swam the race of his life to collect a gold medal in the 100m breaststroke.

There have been a whole load of other internationalists as well as countless regional champions, with recent recognition coming in the form of Erin Taylor’s call-up to the Scottish Youth Development squad.

Ken added: “For a wee club – and we still are a wee club – I think we’ve done pretty well.”

The club remains open to new members from age five upwards, with the possibility of creating a Masters section for adults currently under consideration.

“There’s definite health benefits, discipline and the social side as well,” Ken added.

“We’ve got a few ex-swimmers now coming back to the club with their kids.”

Fins will be holding a 40th Anniversary Disco at Kirkcaldy Rugby Club on Saturday, February 29, for members new, current and old. Tickets are £5 for adults and £2.50 for children.

For more information on Fins please email [email protected].