YOUNG rowers make one of their annual southward pilgrimages this weekend, to take part in the National Schools regatta at Nottingham - the top junior event of the year in Britain.

Established by the visionary Desmond Hill more than 50 years ago to provide racing opportunities for younger crews below the level of the first eights that were, and are, the pride and joy of many of England's public schools, the event has grown into the biggest regatta on the British calendar. In many ways, it is also the most enjoyable.

Indeed, the size and popularity of the National Schools is so great that it is now the only domestic event that strictly forbids doubling-up on any one day. Even the mighty Henley Royal Regatta is not so strict in its entry regulations. The National Schools has also recently decided to drop some of the youngest age groups and categories because it simply cannot fit any more races into its two hectic days.

Because of its time in the regatta calendar, coming early in the international preparation cycle, the National Schools is the only event guaranteed to see virtually all top performers in action. After this, the best are creamed off into international squads, not to be seen again on the domestic circuit.

It is this level of quality that makes the performance history of Scottish clubs and schools in recent years particularly impressive. All of Scottish rowing's main junior centres - the Edinburgh schools of George Heriots and George Watson's, Dumfries club Nithsdale, and the Aberdeen Schools Rowing Association - again have real chances of bringing back another substantial medal haul.