Forfarshire, Caledonian Highlanders and Scotland seam bowler Scott Cameron turned 24 in September and his cricketing journey has been an exciting one so far.
Like all youngsters growing up, Scott played many sports and it was his mum and dad who inspired – and facilitated – his love of cricket.
“They are the ones who got me into cricket and have supported me in every game I have played until the current day,” he said.
“They drove me around the country for training and games when I was younger and I can’t thank them enough for that.
“As a kid I would go along to Forthill on a Monday night with about 100 other kids and enjoy myself smashing the ball all over the place.
“I then progressed through the age groups with Forfs until managing to play first team cricket. I am Forfarshire through and through and wouldn’t want to play anywhere else.
“When I was coming through the ranks there was a great group of players, especially one and two years younger than me, so our junior teams were always very good. They would be at Forthill all day, every day in the summer holidays so there was always boys there to train with any time.”
While impressing for in Broughty Ferry for Forfarshire’s youth teams and then the seniors, Scott began to catch the eye of the Scotland age-grade coaches and he progressed right the way through to the under-19s.
From there – and while playing regularly for his club in the CSL Eastern Premiership – Scotland ‘A’ honours came and then a call-up to the full Scotland wider squad.
A dream was realised in January 2018 when Scott, then aged 21, made his ODI debut for his country, taking 2-64 from his 10 overs in a loss to Ireland in a Tri-Nations Series in the UAE.
Another wicket came on cap number two a few days later against the UAE in the same competition – and having had a taste of the big time, Scott is keen to keep knocking on the door to play regularly in the national team.
“Playing for Scotland was always a dream of mine, but I never thought it would happen so when I got told that I was going to play [against Ireland] that’s when it hit me,” Scott, who has previously had spells playing in New Zealand and Australia and is now Forfs skipper, said.
“It means everything to wear the thistle and represent your country and I hope I can wear it more in the years to come.
“Through my cricket journey there has been a lot of special moments. The things that stand out the most for me are winning the [Eastern Premiership] league with Forfarshire last season, making my Scotland debut in 2018 and being able to travel all over Scotland and the world to play the game.
“My hopes for 2021 are to get back out on the field playing competitive cricket and try and lead Forfarshire to more trophies.
“I also want to continue to push for a place in the national team too.”
So, which coaches have helped Scott along the way?
“Gordon Drummond and John Blain have played big parts in my journey,” he stated.
“Drummo coached me when I was playing for Scotland under-19s when we qualified for the World Cup. He’s been a massive help to me and my development through the age group levels.
“And Blainy has helped me through injuries and has improved me as a bowler.”
And what would Scott say to young hopefuls?
“Enjoy yourself as much as you can, you play better when you are having fun,” he concluded.
