Darts - Inverness ambulance service worker is called up to play for Scotland at British International Championship in Skegness
Derek Maclean says being chosen to play darts for Scotland is a lifelong ambition realised as he follows in the footsteps of his father and uncle.
The 45-year-old from Inverness will make his debut for his country at the British Internationals in Skegness in March.
He is one of 12 players in the men’s squad which will play for Scotland at the tournament against England and Wales.
He is one of only two players from the Highlands in the squad, which also includes Nicky Denoon from Helmsdale.
The duo have had previous success playing as a pair, which included winning the Inverness Summer Doubles Championship in 2023.
Maclean comes from a proud darts family, with his father Eric and uncle Donnie both playing for Scotland during the 1980’s.
Having played the sport competitively for almost 30 years, Maclean, who works as a control room supervisor with the Scottish Ambulance Service, says winning his first international cap is the highlight of his career so far.
He said: “I have been playing darts for 28 years and started playing competitively in Inverness when I was 17.
“The aim is always to progress as a player as much as I can. But to be picked for the national squad has always been a goal.
“It was always an ambition to emulate my father and play for Scotland. It is certainly a lifelong ambition realised.”
Maclean, who is originally from Nairn, plays in the Inverness Darts League for Battlefield Bullies in the A Division and are based at the Culloden Moor Inn.
During his career, he has won a number of titles, which includes winning the Inverness Singles Championship five times and winning the Western Isles Darts Open title twice.
He has also won the Scottish National Doubles Championship with Steve Mitchell.
He also plays on the Scottish Tour and on the Inter-County Championship with Highland where his performances caught the attention of national selectors.
Maclean said: “I have been playing on the Scottish tour in the past year and inter-counties championship where there are ranking tables. You accumulate points from every game you play and I was high up on the inter county team and the Scottish Tour table which led to me being selected.”
In addition, Maclean has also played in the qualification stages for the PDC Challenge Tour and he says that he is aspiring to play in the competition in the future.
He says he has also received massive support from his children Logan (19) and Abi (17) as he looks to progress his darts career.
“I went to Q School on the PDC Challenge Tour in January and managed to get to the final stage of qualifying.
“I was playing against guys of a good standard every couple of months at tournaments.
“It takes me across the UK and Germany and my aim is to get on to the PDC Tour and look to be selected from the order of merit. It is certainly an ambition.”
One ambition he has realised will be to play for Scotland at the British Internationals in March. As well as looking to win matches, Maclean says his main aim is to do his country proud.
He said: “My first aim is to just enjoy it and play well. When you step up on to the big stage, you want to do yourself and everyone proud. I just want to put in a decent performance.”
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