Bulgaria’s Diana Koleva brought a new outlook to Scottish badminton when she arrived four years ago to take up an appointment as the National Junior Director of Performance. 

Working in conjunction with Scottish coach Dan Travers, a far more intense and hard working regime is now beginning to bear the fruits of success. 

Imogen Bankier – one of the first from the new programme – has reached No.8 in the world in mixed doubles, and Jillie Cooper and Kieran Merrilees are other young Scots making waves on the international circuit. 

Over the past week, Scotland’s stars have all benefited from the visit of squad of Chinese players – and Diana regarded the trip as another great learning curve.

“It’s been an excellent exercise,” she confirmed as she oversaw one of the tough, daily sessions at Scotstoun Leisure Centre. “The Chinese are stronger, fitter and more disciplined. It’s been great for our players to work with them.

“At the moment, Scottish badminton is very healthy, and we are undoubtedly producing some of the best players in Britain – although we desperately need more funding. 

“Kieran is better than any of the young English singles players, and Martin Campbell, Angus Gilmour and Paul Van Rietvelde are also the best under-19 doubles players in the country.

“Imogen was the first generation of the new programme and there are many more to follow.”

This week, Scotland will name the team for the European Championships in Liverpool in February – while a trip to China has been arranged prior to the Sudirman Cup (world mixed team championships) in Guangzhou in May.