At Breadalbane Finance, we believe strong communities are built through opportunity, commitment and shared purpose. That belief underpins our community partnership with The Offside Line (TOL), which brings together a shared enthusiasm for youth and amateur club rugby and a desire to support the grassroots game across Scotland.
Through this partnership, Breadalbane and TOL aim to shine a light on the incredible work taking place at community rugby clubs – often behind the scenes – and to recognise the volunteers, coaches and supporters whose dedication keeps the sport thriving amid the many challenges facing community sport today.
From January to June 2026, clubs across Scotland are invited to submit their stories. A specially selected judging panel will choose six clubs that best encapsulate the spirit of grassroots rugby, with one club featured each month. Each selected club will receive a £500 award, to be invested in kit, equipment, coaching or any other rugby-related initiative that will most benefit their club.
Our first winner – and a thoroughly deserving one – is Wigtownshire RFC.
Wigtownshire RFC: Community, Commitment and Progress
Based in Stranraer, on Scotland’s south-western coast, Wigtownshire RFC operates in a rural area where geography alone can present significant challenges. Yet the club has become a powerful example of what can be achieved when strong community buy-in meets clear vision and hard work.
On the pitch, Wigtownshire’s recent success is striking. The women’s 1st XV have topped the Arnold Clark West Region Division 1 table and will contest the promotion play-offs, while also lifting the National Shield at Murrayfield- the first national trophy in the club’s history. The men’s 1st XV currently sit top of West Region Division 2, reflecting progress across the senior game.
Crucially, that success is being built from the ground up. Since appointing Neve Finlay as an independent development officer in 2022, the club has seen a surge in participation. Wigtownshire now boasts a thriving minis section of over 100 children, strong junior pathways and clear routes into senior rugby for both men and women. With links to 12 primary schools and Stranraer Academy, rugby is becoming more visible and accessible across the local area.
The growth of the women’s and girls’ game has been particularly notable. Increased participation, strong role models and a welcoming club culture have helped break down barriers, with homegrown players now making up the majority of the women’s senior squad. Several young players have also progressed into regional and national development pathways.
In a rural setting, community support is vital and Wigtownshire has it in abundance. Parents, coaches and volunteers regularly go the extra mile to ensure young players can attend training and matches, often travelling long distances or coordinating shared transport. The club also works collaboratively with neighbouring teams to provide meaningful game time, including through the Dumfries & Galloway U18 Girls side – an amalgamated team involving Wigtownshire players that recently won a national title and will tour Portugal in 2026.
Above all, Wigtownshire RFC stands out for its inclusive club culture, where youth, women’s and men’s rugby are valued equally and long-term development takes priority. It is this combination of ambition, collaboration and community commitment that makes Wigtownshire RFC a worthy winner of the Breadalbane Community Story of the Month for January.
Get Involved
Grassroots rugby clubs across Scotland are doing incredible work and we want to help tell their stories.
If you could like to nominate your club, or any club you know of, to be the next Breadalbane Finance Community Rugby Story Of The Month, then please get in touch by emailing: contact@theoffsideline.com