TWO Dunfermline Water Polo Club stars have scopped top accolades at a prestigious national awards ceremony.

Niamh Moloney and Zara Christie have both been feted at Scottish Swimming's annual awards evening, which was held in Glasgow at the weekend.

On Saturday evening, more than 260 guests celebrated the achievements of athletes and coaches, as well as contributions from volunteers, clubs and partners, throughout the previous 12 months, with award winners including Duncan Scott, who was named Swimmer of the Year.

Joining him on the list of winners were talented pair Niamh and Zara, who were named as the Senior Water Polo Player of the Year, and Junior Water Polo Player of the Year, respectively.

Niamh, 20, was part of the Great Britain senior women's squad that secured qualifcation for next year's European Championships thanks to a strong performance in their qualification group.

She played her part in victories over Germany, hosts Portugal and Finland - the latter match saw her score a hat-trick - to ensure that GB reached the competition, that will be held in Netanya, Israel, in January, for the first time in 10 years.

After that success, Niamh told Press Sport: "It’s massive, especially for the seniors, because we haven’t been in a major competition.

"I’m really proud to be part of the team. Hopefully I can keep on going and get picked for the Europeans, but, if not, I’ll be happy to say I was part of the team that got them to the Europeans."

It is the second time that Niamh, a student at Queen Margaret University, has won the award, having also been chosen for it in 2021.

Meanwhile, teenager Zara was awarded the Junior Water Polo Player of the Year award after being part of Great Britain's squad that competed in the LEN (European Aquatics) Under-17 Women's European Championships.

The Dunfermline High School pupil, who was also selected for Scotland's senior women's team this year, was the only Scottish-based player selected in the 13-player squad for the competition, in Manisa, Turkey, which saw 16 teams in total take part.

Goalkeeper Zara helped her team to a 13th place finish and after picking up her award, having also been recently named as the SASA (Scottish Amateur Swimming Association) East District Junior Water Polo Player of the Year, she told Scottish Swimming: "I’ve enjoyed a really good year and I’m very grateful to have this award presented to me tonight.

"Having been through all the selection phases for the GB under-17 team, the Europeans were a great experience and GB really brought their level up. I’m hope to do it again for the under-19 squad.

"I’m also in my final year at school so I’m hoping to go to university in the States, on a scholarship, that’s my next goal."

Fife Sports and Leisure Trust were also winners on the night after they were presented with the Learn to Swim Provider of the Year prize.

Lee Cunningham, activities manager at Fife Sports and Leisure Trust, said: “This award is a testament to our team’s commitment and dedication in providing a safe and nurturing environment for children to learn to swim.

"There are so many important reasons for children to learn to the vital life skill. Not only does it enhance safety for kids but it also improves physical exercise and helps to develop social skills. We are always looking to help kids along that journey in whatever way we can.

"We are all immensely proud to be recognised at a national level, this is an exciting time for Fife Sport and Leisure and this puts the cherry on top."

Dunfermline Press: The Scottish Water Learn to Swim Provider of the Year award.The Scottish Water Learn to Swim Provider of the Year award. (Image: Scottish Swimming.)