Teenage Highland cricketer lands place in Scotland under-17 squad after ‘intense’ rise through north of Scotland ranks
A Dornoch school pupil has been selected to represent Scotland’s under-17 cricket team after an “intense” rise through the ranks of north of Scotland cricket.
17-year-old Alec Maclennan only moved up to the Highlands in June last year – but he has zoomed through the ranks to make a breakthrough with the national team.
RELATED:
Young Dornoch cricketers set pace for Highland junior cricket in match with Northern Counties
Dornoch captain Schleter hails ‘amazing’ win over Ross County 2nds in Development Cup
Historic first wicket for Dornoch cricketers in Development Cup opener
The S5 pupil, who grew up in Essex, had been playing his club cricket with Galleywood CC in south east England.
Now living and attending school in Dornoch, he has continued playing by linking up with both Dornoch Cricket Club and North of Scotland Cricket Association campaigners, Nairn County.
The fast bowler has also been selected to train with the Caledonian representative team and, from there, has been invited to the prestigious Dollar Academy to link up with the Scotland under-17 squad.
As part of the training, the Dornoch schoolboy will receive gym sessions to work on strength and conditioning, as well as working indoors on his bowling skills.
Maclennan said: “It’s a really exciting opportunity. At the moment, my Mum and Dad are taking me all over the country but, hopefully, I’ll pass my driving test soon which will take some of the pressure off.”
Dornoch Firth Campus head teacher, Norman Ross said, “Everyone at the school is extremely pleased for Alec. It’s a huge honour and a real testament to his evident potential.
“We wish him all the best for the future.”
It was while playing for Nairn that he caught the eye of high flying side Huntly in a match.
After taking up an invitation to train with the Aberdeenshire side, his signing for the 2025 season was announced on March 5.
In a post on social media, a Huntly CC spokesperson said: “Alec, a young and talented player, began his cricket journey at Galleywood CC in Essex, making his first senior XI debut in 2024 before making the move up north.
“After an intense winter of training with Caledonian and Scotland’s under-17 squads, he’s ready to bring his skills, energy, and passion to our team.
“We’re thrilled to have him on board and can’t wait to see Alec shine this season.”
Maclennan added: “I never really expected moving to Scotland to improve my cricket, but the standard is really good.
“I’m looking forward to turning out for Huntly and trying to keep improving.”
