Students in Aberdeen have produced a parody of Adele’s No.1 hit “Rolling in the Deep” in the run up to one of the city’s top sporting events.
Rowers from the University of Aberdeen and Robert Gordon University have created the video – “Rowing on the Dee” – to encourage spectators to the riverside to watch the 21st annual Aberdeen Asset Management Universities’ Boat Race this Saturday, March 12.
Hundreds of spectators are expected to line the River Dee as eighteen students take to the water at 4.00pm to go head to head over a gruelling 3.5km course.
As the students row from the Bridge of Dee to the Aberdeen Boat Club, their focus will be on one thing only: crossing the finish line first and receiving the glory of lifting the coveted trophy.
But the title race, which is sponsored by Aberdeen Asset Management, is not the only attraction on Saturday for those wishing to come down and support the universities as they battle it out on the water – there is plenty of action to entertain sports fans of all ages.
Following the toss for stations at 1.50pm, during which the crews will decide which side of the river they will row on, the alumni crews will race at 2.35pm. This will be followed by the boat club novices, who will race in the Universities’ Second Crew Race at 2.55pm.
The media challenge – which will see reigning champions Original 106fm take on challengers Evening Express, STV and BBC – in a short-course doubles race takes place at 3.40pm. The title race then takes place at 4.00pm, followed by the presentation of trophies at 4.30pm.
Spectators are free to stand along the length of the course to cheer on the crews, however the best viewing locations are considered the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge, the Wellington Suspension Bridge and the finish line at the Aberdeen Boat Club.
Martin Gilbert, chief executive of Aberdeen, comments: “The students taking part in the Aberdeen Asset Management Universities’ Boat Race are a credit to their universities. We firmly believe that extra-curricular activities – alongside dedication in the lecture hall – is an important part of the university experience, and helps produce well-rounded, employable young adults. Aberdeen Asset Management is proud to once again sponsor the Universities’ Boat Race, and we look forward to a thrilling day on the river.”
For students wishing to attend the boat race, a number of free shuttle buses have been arranged. The University of Aberdeen spectators bus will pick up from Hillhead Turning Circle (12.15pm), Aberdeen Sports Village (12.30pm) and the Tilted Wig, Union Street (12.45pm). The Robert Gordon University spectators bus will depart from Holburn Street at Union Grove (12.30pm), The Caledonian Hotel on Union Terrace (12.45pm), RGU Schoolhill (12.45pm) and Marischal College (1.00pm). Return buses depart at 5.00pm and 6.00pm.
For more information about the Follow the Aberdeen Asset Management Universities’ Boat Race on www.facebook.com/AAMBoatRace , Twitter @2016BoatRace and Instagram @aamboatrace