Scottish swimming has gained a boost with the announcement that the National Academy at the University of Stirling has been chosen as one the new British Swimming Intensive Training Centres (ITC).

The ITC is a partnership between British Swimming, Scottish Swimming, the University of Stirling, and sportscotland through its high performance arm, the Scottish Institute of Sport.

The initiative will provide a world-class environment for swimmers and coaches - and the first focus will be the 2012 Olympic Games in London.

"I am delighted that the NSA has been selected as one of British Swimming's Intensive Training Centres," said Ashley Howard, Chief Executive of Scottish Swimming commented,

"The British Swimming investment at the NSA is part of a larger vision to support the growth of four performance centres in Scotland (Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, and Stirling)."

Mike Whittingham, Executive Director of the Scottish Institute of Sport, who will provide expert services in sports science, medicine and performance analysis, added: "Our selection as one of the five ITCs is a reflection of the quality of our swimming programme and its specialist expertise and services and this is a very exciting opportunity."

Stirling's bid is one of five ITCs to be announced by British Swimming; the others centres will be located in Loughborough, University of Bath, Swansea, and Stockport.