From double acts to multi-sport teams at major events, Scotland’s team sports have given the nation a lot to celebrate over the past year, with some memorable victories. From a strong list of nominations, four superb finalists have been shortlisted for the title of Team of the Year at the 2018 Team Scotland Scottish Sports Awards on 13 September.

Team Scotland’s Basketball and Lawn Bowls teams from Gold Coast 2018 line up alongside Celtic Football Club and Scotland Men’s Rugby as the four go head to head for the prestigious award sponsored by PSL Team Sports.

Coming into the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games as the only team without a FIBA world ranking, Team Scotland’s Men’s Basketball represented the country with distinction. Wins over England, Cameroon, India and Nigeria set up a semi-final with World Basketball power houses Australia. The team went on to achieve Scotland’s best ever team sport finish at a Commonwealth Games, only narrowly missing out on the bronze medal to New Zealand.

Team Captain, Kieron Achara said: “We are absolutely thrilled to be recognised for the hard work and fight we put into our Commonwealth Games campaign. It’s nice to see that our efforts on the court in Australia resonated with the people back home in Scotland.”

The lawn bowls squad brought home a record number of medals from Gold Coast, with Pairs, Triples and Fours winning two gold, two silver and a bronze, making it their best Games ever. With their fifth and fourth gold medals respectively Alex Marshall and Paul Foster now sit first and third on the list of Scotland’s top Commonwealth Games athletes. As well as achieving on the green, the team also embraced the fact that Gold Coast was the first fully integrated Games, and the para bowlers once again showed their skill across some incredibly exciting matches.

Chief Executive at Bowls Scotland, Alan McMillan, said: “Everyone at Bowls Scotland is delighted that the hard work and achievements of the Team Scotland Lawn Bowls squad have been recognised by their shortlisting for team of the year. They represented themselves, their sport and their country with great honour at Gold Coast 2018.”

Shortlisted for this award in 2017 on the back of their incredible unbeaten run in domestic competition, Celtic concluded their second successive domestic treble in May, adding the Scottish Cup to the Premier League and League Cup titles. It was the first time in history a club has completed a clean sweep of Scottish domestic trophies in consecutive seasons.

In an outstanding season, Scotland Men’s Rugby took victory over Samoa in November, followed by a breath-taking performance against New Zealand at a sold-out Murrayfield. A week later Scotland registered a record win over Australia, scoring eight tries in the process. They went on to produce a superb performance to win their first Calcutta Cup trophy since 2008, scoring three tries as they inflicted only England’s second defeat in 26 games.

Scotland Captain, John Barclay said: “It’s a great honour for the team to be shortlisted for the Team of the Year award alongside the amazing achievements of fellow Scottish athletes in a special year for Scottish sport that has witnessed countless heroics in the Commonwealth Games and European Championships, alongside our own exploits in the Autumn Tests and Six Nations.

“It’s been a pleasure and a privilege to captain Scotland in a year that has seen supporters fill BT Murrayfield for every home game, creating an incredible atmosphere for our Calcutta Cup win over England in February – ending a ten-year wait for the trophy and making for a memorable day for every Scotland player, past and present, and fan alike.”

Paul Bush, Chairman, Commonwealth Games Scotland said: “Teamwork is at the heart of all Team Scotland activity, with our ‘One Team’, ethos at the Commonwealth Games and our close relationships with governing bodies, partners and sponsors. The finalists in this category represent the best of team working and their outstanding achievements are testament to this. I congratulate them all on their success and look forward to celebrating with them on what will be a memorable and inspirational night.”

PSL Team Sports, one of the leading teamwear suppliers in the UK, sponsor the Team of the Year Award for a third consecutive year. Over the years the business has invested in a professional design team, state of the art printing and embroidery facilities to offer an exceptional service. With experience in fabrics, products and logistics, they have built their reputation on service, consistent delivery, quality products and value for money, now working with over 200 organisations across the UK.

Winners across all award categories will be crowned at the Team Scotland Scottish Sports Awards in a star-studded celebration of Scottish sport on 13 September at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre.