COUNTY badminton star Robert Blair is preparing to lead Scotland at the BWF World Junior Championships in Spain.

Longniddry ace Blair, who retired in May to take up a coaching role with Badminton Scotland, is coach of the Scotland team who will take on Australia and England in the group stages. 

He has selected a six-person squad for the event in Bilbao, November 2-6, comprising Glasgow twins Matthew and Christopher Grimley, Motherwell’s Alex Dunn, Falkirk’s Toni Woods, Beith’s Eleanor O’Donnell and Prestwick’s Ciara Torrance.

Meanwhile, the Lothian Schools disability badminton festival recently took place at Meadowmill.

More than 50 young people took part and the festival introduced many of the participants to the sport for the first time.

The day also benefits significantly from students from Edinburgh College, who support and work closely with the young people throughout.

To find out more about badminton opportunities in the Lothian region, get in touch with Neal Herbert on 0131 475 2374 or at admin@lothiandisabilitysport.co.uk