IAN DUNCAN SHOCKS MILLTIMBER WITH SEXUAL OFFENCES INVOLVING ABERDEEN ROWING CLUB

Ian Duncan, a senior coach associated with Aberdeen rowing, has been found guilty in a court of committing multiple serious sexual offences. Duncan, who served as a trustee of the Aberdeen Schools Rowing Association (ASRA) until April 2021 and boasted over two decades of coaching experience within the organization, faced charges that spanned several years and involved both a teenage girl and an adult woman.

According to court records, Duncan admitted to engaging in inappropriate conduct with a teenage girl under the age of 18 during the years 2013 and 2014. Specifically, he pleaded guilty to repeatedly touching the girl’s bottom during that period. The court also heard that Duncan had sexually assaulted a woman in January 2012 by kissing her and attempting to insert his tongue into her mouth. These incidents, which took place over a decade ago, only came to light after a detailed investigation by Scottish Rowing in 2020, followed by a police inquiry that culminated in his prosecution in 2025.

Despite the passage of time, the revelations caused significant concern within the local community and the rowing fraternity. Duncan’s association with Aberdeen rowing was suspended in April 2021, as the organization responded swiftly to the allegations. The lengthy legal process was complex, involving multiple charges, some of which were amended or dropped during proceedings. One particularly notable incident involved Duncan approaching an adult woman sitting in her car outside the Aberdeen rowing club on New Year’s Eve in 2012, attempting to kiss her with his tongue. This incident was documented with photographic evidence and received media attention.

In addition to the charges involving the adult woman, Duncan faced accusations of sexual assault against two teenage girls and making inappropriate sexual remarks towards another girl at the same club. During the trial, Duncan claimed that he had no memory of some of the incidents but expressed remorse for any harm caused. He stated in court, “I have had my memory questioned. There’s a gap there. It’s not in my nature to cause offence. (The two victims) – I do regret causing them offence.”

Following his conviction, Duncan was sentenced to a community payback order requiring him to complete 100 hours of unpaid work. He was also placed under a 12-month supervision and notification order, reflecting the court’s recognition of the seriousness of his misconduct. After the sentencing, Duncan was seen shaking hands with representatives of ASRA and was assisted in leaving the court to avoid media photographers. Although the offences occurred many years ago, the case’s emergence prompted a review of safeguarding policies within the rowing community.

In response to the scandal, ASRA issued a letter to parents and guardians, acknowledging the media interest and affirming their ongoing efforts to ensure a safe environment for all participants. Scottish Rowing also issued a statement emphasizing their commitment to safeguarding, clarifying that Duncan was not a member at the time of sentencing, and stating that disciplinary measures would continue once the criminal proceedings concluded. Duncan, who works for a telecommunications company, was suspended from his job following the allegations, which ultimately led to his dismissal. The court’s decision underscores the gravity of his actions, despite the significant time elapsed since the incidents occurred.