Event

Excitement is building as hundreds of secondary school pupils from across Scotland prepare to hit the trails for the 2025 Scottish Schools’ Mountain Bike Championships (SSMBCs), set to return to Comrie Croft in Perthshire on Tuesday 23 September 2025.

Now in its third year, this fast-growing national event has become a standout in Scotland’s youth sports calendar. Organised in partnership by Morrison’s Academy, Comrie Croft, and Scottish Cycling, the SSMBCs were proudly named Event of the Year at the 2023 Scottish Cycling Awards – a testament to its growing impact and energy.

Bigger and Bolder

This year’s championships are on track to break records, with over 80 schools already signed up from across the country. More than 400 competitors are expected, spanning from S1 to S6 and representing regions as far-reaching as Aberdeenshire, Dumfries and Galloway, and the Scottish Borders – alongside strong participation from Perthshire and Tayside.

Riders will compete in Junior (S1/2), Intermediate (S3/4), and Senior (S5/6) categories, with separate races for male, female, and mixed teams ensuring inclusive and fair competition for all. With over 40 girls and a large number of first-time racers already signed up, the event continues to break down barriers and promote grassroots participation.

“The SSMBCs are now one of our favourite days on the calendar. The atmosphere is pretty special – oodles of enthusiasm and good-natured competition. It’s infectious!”
– Andrew Donaldson, Founding Director, Comrie Croft

A Day of Adventure, Competition & Camaraderie

Whether seasoned racers or newcomers to the sport, all riders will have the chance to push their limits, enjoy friendly rivalry and experience the sheer thrill of mountain biking. The event isn’t just about racing, it’s about confidence-building, teamwork and creating lifelong memories.

“The SSMBCs offer an amazing chance for young people to challenge themselves, make new friends and feel the pure excitement of mountain biking. It’s about resilience, health and growth – values we deeply believe in at Morrison’s Academy.”
– Andrew McGarva, Rector, Morrison’s Academy

Community, Sustainability & Celebration

This year’s event welcomes exciting new sponsors, including Tradstocks Scottish Stone, who are handcrafting unique winners’ medals and bespoke trophies, and Fortan, specialists in MTB apparel, who are supplying custom-designed winners’ jerseys.

Spectators are warmly invited to cheer on the action. As a Trash Free Trails Community Hub, Comrie Croft is aiming for Gold Standard sustainability. Attendees are encouraged to use refill stations, recycle and leave no trace. The on-site café and bike repair shop will be open throughout the day.

“It’s fantastic to bring young riders together from across Scotland. With the legacy of Olympian and World Cup winner Charlie Aldridge, who grew up riding these trails, we hope to inspire the next generation of Scottish cycling talent.”
– Paul Newnham, National MTB Coach, Scottish Cycling

Whether you’re racing, spectating, or supporting, the 2025 SSMBCs promise a day full of adventure, adrenaline and unforgettable moments on the trails.