- 77 students took part in the largest Scottish Regional Final of the UK Youth Rocketry Challenge (UKROC)
- Bellahouston Academy from Glasgow has been crowned the Scottish regional champions
- Regional winners will now refine their rockets as they prepare for the National Finals in June
Kinross (31 March 2026) – The Scottish Regional Final of the 2026 UK Youth Rocketry Challenge (UKROC) saw 16 teams from 10 schools and youth groups battle it out for a spot in the UKROC National Final.
The competition sees teams of students aged 11-18 design, build and launch a model rocket to an altitude of 750 feet, all while carrying a precious payload – a raw egg.
Hosted at Kinross Radio Model Flying Club, students at Bellahouston Academy from Glasgow will now advance on to the next stage of the competition where they will compete against fellow regional champions for the national title.
Running for over 20 years, the competition is organised by ADS, the trade association for the aerospace, defence, security, and space sectors and sponsored by industry partners Airbus, Frankenburg Technologies, and Saab UK.
Warrick Malcolm, ADS Scotland Director, said:
“Congratulations to all the teams that competed in the Scottish regional! UKROC continues to support young people interested in careers across ADS’ sectors, helping them build confidence and practical engineering skills. Scotland boasts a thriving aerospace, defence, security and space ecosystem — one that truly values the skills and talent it attracts. Best of luck to all the teams progressing to the National Final.”
Kata Escott, Managing Director at Airbus Defence and Space, and ADS VP for Space, commented:
“We are delighted to continue to support this competition. Airbus is committed to supporting initiatives that not only celebrate innovation but also inspire the next generation of engineers and scientists. I am looking forward to seeing teams from across the UK progress to the National Final and the International Final at Farnborough International Airshow.”
Dan Hallett, UK Managing Director at Frankenburg Technologies, said:
“Specialising in rocket science, Frankenburg is extremely impressed with the hard work and dedication shown throughout the competition. The pipeline from UKROC into industry is essential, and by supporting the challenge we’re proud to help inspire and develop future engineering talent.”
Andy Fraser, Group Managing Director at Saab UK, commented:
“Saab UK is driven to support the next generation of defence and engineering talent, and we’re impressed by the drive and expertise demonstrated by the teams taking part in UKROC. Initiatives like this give young people across the UK the chance to push their abilities, build confidence in their skills and creativity, and take meaningful steps toward future careers in our industry. Their passion and potential are truly inspiring.”
Team ‘Normal Rocket’ from Bellahouston Academy will now refine their rocket before joining other regional champions for the National Final on 25 June in Buckminster.
The 2026 UKROC competition will see over 1,600 schoolchildren from throughout the UK compete in nine regional events. The winners of the National Final will go on to Farnborough International Airshow 2026 where they will go rocket-to-rocket with teams from the United States, Japan and France to become the International Youth Rocketry Champions.
