An Inverness-based Scottish Ambulance Service supervisor is set to swap shift patterns for steel tips as he prepares to represent Scotland at the World Darts Federation World Cup in South Korea later this month.
Derek Maclean, who works at the Scottish Ambulance Service’s control centre in Inverness, will travel to Seoul to compete in the prestigious international tournament from September 23 to 27.
He’s one of four players selected for the men’s national team, joining a women’s team of four as Scotland’s full squad heads east.
“There are singles tournaments, doubles tournaments and a team event where you can win individual medals and team medals,” said Derek.
“I’m looking forward to the experience and to travelling to Asia and seeing the culture.”
Derek first picked up a dart as a child, inspired by his father Eric, who played professionally and represented Scotland in the 1980s.
“I’ve always played darts,” he said.
“It was just a hobby, but over the last couple of years I’ve really committed, and now I’m seeing the rewards with international recognition.”
He joined the Scottish Ambulance Service in 2008 and has been working in the Inverness control centre ever since, juggling long hours with regular practice and competitive fixtures.
He says the global profile of the sport has soared recently, largely thanks to teenage sensation Luke Littler, who made headlines as the youngest world champion in history earlier this year.
“What he’s done for darts globally is amazing,” said Derek.
“The amount of kids now playing in youth academies across Scotland is phenomenal.
“Darts has always been a great way to connect, most households had a dartboard in the kitchen or the shed.”
As he prepares for the biggest tournament of his career so far, Derek is encouraging others to give the sport a try.
“Anyone can play, and there are always teams looking for new players in leagues across Scotland.”
