Balerno swimming sensation Craig McNally started the season with a bang after striking double gold at the UK School Games in Swansea at the weekend.

The Warrender Baths swimmer was representing South East Scotland at the multi-sport event and upgraded his bronze from last year by romping home in the 100m backstroke final on Friday.

And the 16-year old followed that up with a comprehensive victory in the 200m backstroke, defeating nearest rival Dan Ruckwood by more than a second.

And McNally, a student at Balerno High School, insists he was shocked to take the double gold at the Wales National Pool, having struggled with a shoulder injury earlier in the year.

“I really wasn’t expecting to win that first one,” said McNally. “I’ve only just come back to training after two or three weeks off so to win like that is fantastic.

“I’ve also had quite a few problems with my left shoulder over the past two years and that was giving me grief before the summer.

“But after the way I came back in the first swim, I knew I had a strong chance in the 200 so to win that was less of a surprise.”